Internship
Research Lab Assistant
Kovac Lab
Posted on 7/31/2026
Pennsylvania State University
No salary listed
Company Does Not Provide H1B Sponsorship
University Park, State College, PA, USA
In Person
Category
 Biology & Biotech (1) |
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Required Skills
Microbiology
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Requirements
- Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student, preferably with coursework in microbiology, food science, biology, or a related field.
- Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, a general microbiology course is preferred.
- Prior laboratory experience with aseptic technique is a plus but not required; training will be provided.
- Must complete required institutional laboratory safety, biosafety, and Biosafety Level 2 training prior to beginning independent work.
- Must have strong attention to detail, ability to follow standard operating procedures precisely, and reliability with scheduled laboratory hours.
- Must be able to commit to a minimum of 10 hours per week for at least one semester.
- Employment with the University requires successful completion of background checks in accordance with University policies.
Responsibilities
- Prepare microbiological growth media, including broths and agar plates, following standard aseptic technique, autoclaving, pH verification, and proper labeling and storage.
- Decontaminate and dispose of biohazardous waste, including cultures, contaminated materials, and sharps, in accordance with institutional Biosafety Level 2 protocols and Environmental Health and Safety guidelines.
- Assist with experiments evaluating the efficacy of plasma-activated water against Biosafety Level 2 foodborne pathogens, including Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and E. coli, through pathogen culturing, treatment application, serial dilution, plating, and colony enumeration.
- Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and electronic records of experimental procedures and results.
- Follow all Biosafety Level 2 safety protocols, including proper use of personal protective equipment, biosafety cabinets, and autoclave equipment.
- Participate in regular laboratory meetings and communicate progress with the principal investigator and lab members.
Desired Qualifications
- Coursework in microbiology, food science, biology, or a related field.
- Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, a general microbiology course.
- Prior laboratory experience with aseptic technique.