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Undergraduate Summer Research Intern

The Pennsylvania State University
remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, Hershey
Jun 12, 2026
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Penn State College of Medicine Department of Molecular and Precision Medicine is seeking applicants for two part-time Undergraduate Summer Interns. (approximately 20-30 hours/week).

  • Position A- Assists a research associate in preparing recombinant proteins for structural and functional studies of autophagy-related proteins.
  • Position B- Works with an investigator to explore emerging AI-based approaches for computational analysis of NMR data.

These roles provide essential support to ongoing biomedical research, directly contributing to discoveries in autophagy and computational structural biology. Undergraduate researchers gain hands-on experience that advances both their professional development and the lab's scientific goals.

Position Description

Position A - Protein Chemistry

Protein expression- Assist in transforming, culturing, and inducing bacterial or insect cell lines for recombinant protein production. Protein purification- Perform affinity, ion exchange, or size-exclusion chromatography under supervision. Run SDS-PAGE gels to verify protein purity and integrity. Laboratory recordkeeping- Maintain a detailed lab notebook. Collaborative troubleshooting- Work with the research associate to optimize expression conditions or purification yields as needed.

Position B - AI/NMR Data Analysis

Script development- Write or modify Python scripts to preprocess and analyze NMR spectral data. AI model testing- Assist in applying machine learning tools to NMR spectral interpretation. Results visualization- Generate plots and summary statistics for lab meetings and progress reports.

Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled undergraduate student (any year) at an accredited institution
  • Completed at least one college-levelbiology course(with laboratory preferred)
  • Completed at least one college-levelprogramming courseor demonstrated equivalent experience (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB, or similar), required for position B
  • Ability to commit to on-site work at Penn State College of Medicine for the summer term.

Schedule:

  • 20-30 hours per week

Compensation:

The starting rate for this job is $18.00

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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