Position description:
Calico is seeking an intern to join the in vivo Delivery Group. To succeed, you will need to be an enthusiastic team player, detail-oriented, extremely organized and comfortable working on complex problems. In this position you will perform hands-on experiments to assess the function of age-related gene(s) in relevant mouse models. Specifically, you will perform cell assays to screen gRNAs for selected gene(s), and deliver validated gRNAs to mice using AAVs or LNPs as carriers, followed by phenotypic characterization. The successful candidate will work closely with members of the in vivo Delivery Group on methods optimization and aging mechanistic studies.
Responsibilities:
- Cell culture and in vitro transfection
- Guide RNA (gRNA) design and testing for different Cas proteins
- Western Blot or ELISA based protein expression level analysis
- Mouse injections and tissue isolation
- Presentation of data
Position requirements
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s (BS) degree in Biology or a related field
- Experience working with cell culture and in vitro transfection
- Proficient with molecular biology techniques, including but not limited to WB, PCR, ELISA.
- Knowledge of CRISPR based gene editing
- Experience in basic mouse handling and tissue isolation skills
- Detail-oriented and organized
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Self-motivated with a “can-do” attitude
- Flexible, able to respond quickly to shifting priorities and able to multitask
- Available to work for the summer months in person at our location in South San Francisco, CA
Nice to have:
- Experience of in vivo gene editing or gene delivery
- Hands-on experience with tissue-based technologies, such as IF, IHC, ISH,etc.
About our Program:
Calico’s internship program is a paid 12-week program over the summer for students interested in understanding the fundamental science of aging and finding treatments for the associated and intractable diseases. Working in a collaborative environment and fully embedded in one of our labs/teams, Calico interns tackle a unique project under the mentorship of at least one of our scientists or engineers. Students from all schools, and students who identify with a demographic that is underrepresented within the technology, data science, and healthcare industries are encouraged to apply. This includes but is not limited to Black, Latinx, Native American, students with disabilities, veterans, and non-binary people.
Program Features:
- 3-month summer timeline
- In-person experience at our offices in South San Francisco
- Matching with at least one Calico mentor
- Group supplemental activities weekly featuring guest speakers, Senior Leadership spotlights, and discussion groups on aging science, our drug development approach, and more
- End-of-summer company-wide project showcase and poster session
- Competitive compensation ($40 - $65/hour) and monthly living expenses stipend
Program Eligibility:
- Able to work in-person at our offices in South San Francisco
- Free for a consecutive period of 11-12 weeks in June, July, and August
- Not graduating before December 2025
- Exception for students enrolling into a graduate degree program in Fall 2025
- Must be enrolled in a US university
Top Skills
What We Do
Calico is an Alphabet-founded research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies and model systems to increase our understanding of the biology that controls human aging. We will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives.
Calico’s highly innovative technology labs, its commitment to curiosity-driven discovery science and, with academic and industry partners, its vibrant drug-development pipeline together create an inspiring and exciting place to catalyze and enable medical breakthroughs.
Calico is currently seeking exceptional candidates who share our passion for understanding the science of aging and developing therapeutics to address age-related diseases.
Explore with us! https://www.calicolabs.com/careers
