Strain Development Internship - Genetics (f/m/d)
At Planet A Foods, we want to revolutionize the food industry to protect the planet we love. We believe that creating better food ingredients, done by perfecting centuries-old fermentation technology, leads to healthier alternatives for us all and can save up to 500 Mt of CO2 per year.Our first product? Yummy chocolate! We created the world’s first 100% cocoa-free chocolate called ChoViva. Our ChoViva tastes amazing with a solid snap and smooth melt as well as roasty notes and a subtle sweetness. In addition it is completely natural, gluten-free, vegan and made with only seven ingredients. ChoViva doesn’t only deliver on taste and naturalness. It is also kind to the planet with a breathtaking low carbon and water footprint, plus a complete mitigation of deforestation and child slavery!On our journey to protect our Planet A, the second product is going to be ChoViva Butter, a yeast-derived and substantially more sustainable replacement for cocoa butter produced via precision fermentation. To accelerate this endeavor, we are looking for a motivated Intern in our Strain Development Department who supports us in further improving our production organism - starting in September 2024. During this internship, you will work closely with our experienced research and development team to support and advance strain engineering projects. You will have the opportunity to learn and apply cutting-edge molecular techniques in the context of genetic and metabolic engineering. You will apply those techniques to our yeast strains to further enhance productivity and product quality.Your tasks at Planet A Foods:
- Design and assembly genetic constructs for strain engineering projects
- Conduct molecular cloning techniques, such as PCR, DNA purification, and plasmid assembly
- Collaborate with the research team to optimize strain performance through metabolic engineering and pathway optimization
- Support in conducting strain screening experiments to characterize the engineered strains using various analytical methods
- Collect and analyze experimental data, and contribute to the interpretation and presentation of results
- Maintain accurate laboratory records, prepare reports, and present findings to the team
- Contribute to a clean and safe laboratory working environment
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or - preferably - a Master's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry or a related field
- Strong interest in strain/metabolic engineering, genetics and synthetic biology
- Experience with molecular biology techniques, such as PCR, DNA cloning (ideally: Gibson, Golden Gate), microbial culture techniques and basic laboratory practices is highly appreciated
- Familiarity with genomic engineering tools and technologies such as CRISPR and genome editing is a plus
- Attention to detail, ability to work in a structured manner and follow experimental protocols
- Good analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Curious to excel beyond the mere performance of procedures with a strong desire to interpret and explain scientific observations
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Proficiency in the English language, including written and verbal communication skills
- This position is specifically designed for mandatory internships as part of the applicant's current curriculum. The internship is expected to be pursued for a minimum duration of four months - preferably 6+ months, in line with the academic requirements. Please note that we can only consider applicants who meet these mandatory internship criteria.
Planet A Foods is committed to pursuing our values throughout our business.In the realm of recruitment and hiring, this means that we are not only an Equal Opportunity Employer, but also proactive in embedding fairness and equity into an inclusive recruitment and hiring process:
- We value the knowledge, expertise, and skills that individuals bring based on their identities, life experiences, and backgrounds. We want people to bring their full selves to work and as a global company, we want to reflect the world. Our success relies on talented individuals who share our passion bringing innovation and insights that stem from their different perspectives to help us work as one team to accomplish ambitious global strategy goals.
- Our recruitment is inclusive. We recruit top talent that reflect the diversity of the world and global marketplace we inhabit. We conduct deliberate and purposeful recruitment that brings applicants to Planet A Foods that represent a broad range of identities, life experiences, backgrounds, and skill sets.
- Our hiring process is transparent and consistent. We have high standards for ensuring a clear process is used consistently with every candidate. There are no side doors for bringing in people. We adhere to a hiring protocol that includes and recognizes differences rather than rule them out.
- We recognize that one of the dynamics of meaningful inclusion is seeing that all people can succeed in our workplace. We know representation matters and that our values are not something we simply talk about, it’s something we work toward. It’s something we do. Our values must show up in who works on the Planet A Foods team, at every level.
Our hierarchy is flat and communication direct, which means that we operate and learn fast, as a team. You can expect the following:
- Competitive salary within the industry
- Flexible working hours as we believe in ownership and trust
- Learning & Development Program for all our team members
- Regular team events
- Free drinks & snacks
- Remote work is possible, your “normal” place to work is our office/ lab (we believe in building a strong culture needs a place where we physically meet and interact)