Vermont R&D Bioscience Internship

Internship Title

Vermont R&D Bioscience Internship

Supervisors

James Stafford, Director of Business Operations & Strategy, BioLabs Innovation Center at UVM 

Supervisor at Vermont Bioscience Placement

Duration & Commitment 

April – December 2026 (flexible, until hours are reached and project finished)  

Approximately 200–250 hours total (part-time, 10–15 hours/week, hybrid)  

Compensation: Hourly stipend $20 hours, funded through the Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships Capacity Grant

Location  

On site with hybrid possibilities – Placements largely based in Chittenden County with potential opportunities in other parts of the state including the Northeast kingdom, Southern and Central Vermont. Virtual work and occasional travel possible (travel reimbursed). Monthly in person meetings with other interns in the grant program. 

Purpose

We are seeking motivated undergraduate student(s) to join the Research & Development team at a Vermont-based bioscience company. Up to 3 positions available. Placement for each intern will depend on the match of skills, career aspirations and the various Vermont bioscience companies with available internship programs. You will work alongside senior scientists to support experiments and/or product development [examples include cardiac therapeutics, protein engineering, food science, animal health, ag-tech, bio- and plant-based feminine hygiene, biomanufacturing, molecular diagnostics, and more]. This is a hands-on role where you will contribute to real-world projects that impact patient health and sustainable science built right here in Vermont!

Key Responsibilities 

• Lab Maintenance: Assist in preparing buffers, media, basic solutions, equipment maintenance.
• Research and Development: Perform experiments and laboratory-based experimentation directly relevant to bioscience products and services (e.g., drug testing, bio-based consumer products, food products )
• Documentation: Maintain a detailed and accurate electronic lab notebook (ELN).
• Collaboration: Participate in weekly team meetings to discuss experimental results and troubleshoot hurdles.

Learning Outcomes

• Develop technical skills as a research and development professional in the bioscience industry
• Gain hands-on experience in applied research, stakeholder engagement, and economic development focused on rural bioeconomy.  
• Build understanding of Vermont’s rural workforce challenges and innovation ecosystem.  
• Establish professional connections with bioscience employers, UVM partners, and state stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s program (Sophomore or Junior standing preferred) in a science or engineering related field (e.g., Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Food Science, Neuroscience, Biomedical engineering)
• Completion of at least one lab-based science course.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to laboratory safety.
• Ability to work15 hours per week during the semester or 40 hours during the summer.
• Desire to directly convert science to meaningful solutions for society

Evaluation 

Interns will receive regular supervision, mid-point and final evaluations, and will produce a short reflective report. Interns will be part of a cohort of interns that will connect at least monthly to share experiences in Vermont bioscience. All work directly contributes to the grant’s deliverables, including the Bioeconomy Impact Report and workforce pilot.