Microbiology Research Intern
Microbiology Research Intern (Space Technology Industry)
Company: Space Lab Technologies
Location: 5455 Spine Rd STE C Boulder Co 80301
Schedule: full time or 10–20 hours per week (flexible around class schedules)
Compensation: $18-22/hour
Position Type: Full-time or Part-Time | Internship Opportunity
About Space Lab Technologies
Space Lab Technologies develops advanced technologies, research, and engineering solutions that support sustainable human space exploration. Our team creates the tools and systems needed for people to live and work in space, with expertise spanning life support systems, space agriculture, space science instrumentation, spacecraft systems, environmental monitoring, and aerospace engineering.
As a small, multidisciplinary company, we offer a unique environment where business, science, and engineering work closely together. While this position focuses on accounting and administrative support, you’ll gain exposure to the innovative work being performed by engineers and scientists developing technologies for the future of human spaceflight.
Position Overview
We’re seeking a motivated Research Intern to support the development and testing of EcoMine™, a bioregenerative mineral extraction technology designed to support sustainable resource recovery for future space exploration and terrestrial applications.
This position is ideal for someone with a master’s degree, a graduate student, or advanced undergraduate with a background in biology, microbiology, biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, or a related field who is interested in hands-on interdisciplinary research. Flexible scheduling is available to accommodate academic commitments.
The intern will work directly with the research team on laboratory experiments involving multiple organisms (bacteria, algae, fungi) and mineral-containing materials. This is a highly hands-on position that requires careful laboratory work, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while following established experimental protocols.
What You’ll Do
- Assist with laboratory experiments supporting the development and optimization of EcoMine™ technology
- Culture and maintain biological systems including bacteria, fungi, and algae
- Perform sterile laboratory techniques and maintain clean and organized workspaces
- Prepare culture media, experimental solutions, and biological samples
- Conduct microbial and plant growth experiments and regularly monitor experimental conditions
- Assist with experiments involving microbial mineral extraction and bioprocessing
- Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data
- Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records
- Perform routine laboratory maintenance, including cleaning, sterilization, and preparation of materials
- Follow laboratory safety procedures and established experimental protocols
- Assist with other research and development activities as needed
Qualifications
- Currently recently graduated or currently pursuing a Master's degree or advanced undergraduate degree, in biology, microbiology, biotechnology, biochemistry, molecular/cellular biology, plant biology, environmental science, or a related field
- Excellent sterile technique and strong laboratory skills
- Comfortable working with and handling bacteria, fungi, and algae
- Strong attention to detail and ability to carefully follow experimental protocols
- Ability to accurately document experiments and maintain organized laboratory records
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Willingness to learn new laboratory techniques and work across multiple areas of biology
- Commitment to following laboratory safety procedures
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience with microbial culture or aseptic laboratory techniques
- Experience working with algae, fungi, or bacteria
- Experience with spectrophotometry or other laboratory analytical techniques
- Experience with data analysis
- Experience preparing scientific protocols, maintaining laboratory notebooks, or statistical analysis of experimental data
- Interest in space biology, space exploration, bioregenerative systems, biomining, biotechnology, or environmental sustainability
Schedule & Availability
- Full-time or Part-time internship
- Weekend availability is required, as some biological cultures and experiments require monitoring outside of regular weekday hours
- Schedule can be discussed based on the student's academic commitments
- Primarily laboratory-based and hands-on
What You Will Gain
The intern will have the opportunity to work on an emerging technology at the intersection of biology, spaceflight hardware engineering, biotechnology, mineral extraction, and space exploration. This position provides hands-on experience in experimental design, microbial culture, sterile technique, laboratory operations, data collection, and interdisciplinary research and development.
The successful candidate will work closely with experienced researchers and contribute directly to experiments supporting the development of EcoMine™ and future space resource utilization technologies.
Why Join Us?
At Space Lab Technologies, every team member plays a role in advancing technologies that could enable the future of human spaceflight. Whether your interests are in microbiology, biology, biochemistry, or molecular and cellular biology, you’ll gain valuable hands-on research experience while contributing to meaningful interdisciplinary work that extends beyond a traditional laboratory environment.
How to Apply
Please submit:
- Your resume to Amy Brophy <amy@spacelabtech.com> or here on Handshake
- A brief summary of your academic background
- Any relevant experience
- Your availability during the academic year
We encourage students seeking practical experience in a dynamic aerospace environment to apply.