Intern - Molecular Biology (Unpaid)

About the Internship

DSS Takara Bio India Pvt. Ltd. is looking for a motivated and detail-oriented R&D Intern to support a Manufacturing R&D project involving laboratory experimentation, generation and analysis of experimental data, and project documentation.

The intern will work closely with the Manufacturing R&D team and will be actively involved in planning and executing assigned experiments as per approved protocols and SOPs, recording observations, analyzing results, and supporting troubleshooting and optimization activities.

This is a minimum six-month, unpaid, project-based internship requiring regular on-site laboratory work.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute assigned R&D experiments as per approved experimental protocols and SOPs.
• Prepare samples, reagents, and materials required for experiments.
• Perform accurate micropipetting and small-volume liquid handling.
• Conduct experiments involving molecular biology techniques relevant to the project.
• Perform and/or support PCR and qPCR experiments.
• Operate laboratory equipment such as qPCR instruments, centrifuges, vortex mixers, pipettes, and other relevant equipment.
• Accurately record experimental observations, conditions, and results.
• Analyze and organize experimental data using Microsoft Excel or similar tools.
• Compare experimental results with expected outcomes and identify deviations or inconsistencies.
• Repeat experiments and perform optimization activities as required by the project.
• Support troubleshooting of experimental issues and communicate findings to the R&D team.
• Maintain proper laboratory practices, cleanliness, and safety standards.
• Follow all applicable SOPs, work instructions, and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Ensure proper identification, handling, and storage of samples and reagents.
• Assist in preparing experimental summaries, reports, tables, and presentations.
• Collaborate with R&D team members and contribute to project discussions and reviews.
• Maintain confidentiality of project-related information and experimental data.

Required Technical Skills

• Basic understanding of molecular biology, including DNA, RNA, and gene expression.
• Basic knowledge of PCR and qPCR principles.
• Hands-on experience with PCR/qPCR will be preferred.
• Proficiency in micropipetting and handling small volumes accurately.
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment such as qPCR instruments, centrifuges, vortex mixers, and pipettes.
• Basic understanding of experimental workflows and laboratory techniques.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel for data recording and analysis.

Laboratory & Analytical Skills

• Ability to execute experiments carefully, accurately, and consistently.
• Ability to maintain proper experimental records and documentation.
• Ability to interpret experimental results and identify inconsistencies.
• Basic troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Ability to strictly follow SOPs and experimental protocols.

Soft Skills

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Scientific curiosity and willingness to learn.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to work independently after training.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a research team.
• Good communication and documentation skills.
• Responsible and disciplined approach toward laboratory work.
• Commitment to the project for the minimum six-month internship period.

Educational Qualification

• Masters degree in Science or equivalent, preferably in:
• Biotechnology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Life Sciences
• Genetics
• or a related discipline.

Preferred Experience

Candidates with prior academic project, internship, or laboratory experience involving PCR, qPCR, DNA/RNA extraction, molecular biology experiments, experimental data analysis, or laboratory-based research will be preferred.

What the Intern Will Gain

• Hands-on experience in Manufacturing R&D experimentation.
• Exposure to real-world R&D project execution and experimental workflows.
• Practical experience in conducting, documenting, and analyzing experiments.
• Exposure to PCR/qPCR and molecular biology techniques.
• Experience in experimental data analysis and interpretation.
• Understanding of SOPs, GLP, laboratory documentation, and quality practices.
• Opportunity to work closely with experienced R&D professionals in a life-sciences organization.