IVF Research Intern

Based in Sioux Center, Iowa, the intern will work with R&D scientists and laboratory staff on basic and/or applied research related to reproductive biology, cell biology, embryology, or in vitro fertilization.

Responsibilities

Research Project Execution

• Contribute to a defined component of an active IVF research project aligned with R&D pipeline priorities.
• Assist with planning and executing controlled laboratory experiments under approved protocols and appropriate supervision.
• Support troubleshooting and comparison of experimental treatments, protocols, reagents, or process conditions as appropriate for the assigned study.
• Participate in routine project meetings, communicate progress and risks, and incorporate feedback from scientists and laboratory personnel.

Laboratory Operations and Experimental Procedures

• Perform project-specific laboratory activities that may include media preparation, sample handling, aseptic technique, microscopy, cell or embryo observations, and biological assays.
• Follow established safety, quality, biosecurity, animal welfare, confidentiality, and data integrity requirements applicable to assigned work.

Data Collection, Analysis, and Documentation

• Collect, organize, quality-control, and maintain complete experimental data and laboratory records.
• Apply basic statistical and graphical methods to summarize results and identify patterns, variability, or potential technical issues.
• Document methods, materials, deviations, observations, analytical decisions, limitations, and results to ensure experiments can be reproduced and continued by the R&D team.

Scientific Research and Knowledge Development

• Review relevant scientific literature and summarize information needed to support project hypotheses, experimental methods, and interpretation of results.

Reporting and Communication

• Prepare and deliver a final technical report and presentation summarizing project objectives, methods, results, limitations, conclusions, and recommended next steps.

Professional Qualifications And Experience

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree program in reproductive biology, animal science, cell biology, embryology, biotechnology, biology, or a closely related field; master's-level candidates are preferred.
• Foundational understanding of cell biology, reproductive physiology, embryology, or laboratory-based biological research.
• Prior hands-on laboratory experience through coursework, undergraduate research, employment, or graduate study.
• Ability to follow detailed protocols, perform careful measurements, and work consistently with biological materials.
• Experience with one or more relevant methods such as aseptic technique, microscopy, cell culture, gamete or embryo handling, molecular assays, biochemical assays, or image analysis is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of experimental design and ability to organize, summarize, and interpret scientific data.
• Experience using spreadsheet, statistical, or scientific software for data entry, visualization, or analysis is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate, timely, and traceable laboratory documentation.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while seeking guidance when procedures, results, or priorities are unclear.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate with scientists, laboratory technicians, and cross-functional partners.
• Ability to work on-site in Sioux Center, Iowa, and meet the physical and scheduling requirements of a laboratory-based internship.

Deliverables

• A documented, reproducible genetic-evaluation workflow for the assigned trait or traits.
• A completed and documented project workstream that addresses the agreed research question or technical objective.
• Accurate experimental records, organized datasets, quality-control summaries, and supporting files suitable for internal review and future use.
• A concise analysis of results, including interpretation, limitations, and recommended follow-up experiments or implementation steps.
• A final technical report, presentation, and organized handoff of protocols, data, analyses, and supporting documentation.