Laboratory and Instrumentation Intern

Laboratory & Instrumentation Intern (Part-Time) 
Turner Designs – San Jose, California 

Turner Designs is a world leader in fluorescence instrumentation for environmental and industrial applications. Our small, mission-driven team of scientists and engineers delivers rugged, highly sensitive fluorometers that help protect waterways and advance oceanographic research. We are seeking a motivated part-time intern to support our R&D and applications laboratories. 

Position Summary 

The Laboratory & Instrumentation Intern will contribute to day-to-day lab operations, quality testing of Turner Designs fluorometers, and preparation of reagents and algal cultures used in performance verification. This hands-on role is ideal for a science or engineering student who wants to deepen practical laboratory skills while learning how cutting-edge optical sensors are developed, calibrated, and supported in the field. 

Key Responsibilities 

Laboratory upkeep – routine cleanup, glassware washing, chemical inventory, and proper waste disposal 

Instrument verification – execute and document functional tests on fluorometric probes and bench-top meters 

Solution preparation – accurately prepare standards, buffers, and dilution series for instrument calibration and QC 

Tool calibration – assist in calibrating fluorometers (analog & digital) per ISO/SOP guidelines; record raw and processed data 

Algal culture maintenance – inoculate, harvest, and monitor growth of select phytoplankton strains for fluorescence reference checks 

Standard-operating-procedure (SOP) development – draft and update SOPs for new assays, maintenance routines, and safety practices 

Data management & reporting – organize results in Excel, perform basic statistics, and generate concise reports for engineering and applications teams 

Required Skills & Qualifications 

Actively pursuing or recently completed coursework in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Oceanography, or a related field 

Proven pipetting proficiency (single & multi-channel) and comfort with microliter volumes 

Solid grasp of dilution calculations, molarity, and unit conversions 

Competence in Microsoft Excel: formulas, data visualization, and basic QA/QC workflows 

Strong organizational habits; able to keep orderly digital and paper records 

Clear written communication for SOPs and experimental logs 

Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. and stand for extended periods in a laboratory setting 

Familiarity with spectroscopic or fluorometric techniques (preferred but not required) 

Hours & Compensation 

15–20 hours per week, Monday–Friday between 8 am and 5 pm (flexible to class schedule) 

Initial 3-month term, with possibility of extension 

Hourly rate commensurate with experience 

Why Join Turner Designs? 

You’ll gain real-world experience troubleshooting precision optical sensors, contribute to environmental monitoring solutions used worldwide, and work alongside scientists who value mentorship and innovation. Past interns have progressed to graduate programs and full-time roles in marine technology, analytical chemistry, and/or biotech. 

Application Instructions 

Email a single PDF containing (1) your résumé, (2) a brief cover letter outlining relevant coursework and lab experience, and (3) your weekly availability to lawrenceyounan@turnerdesigns.com with the subject line “Lab & Instrumentation Intern – [Your Name]”. Applications are reviewed as received; position open until filled.