We are seeking a motivated Master’s student to lead a foundational R&D project: establishing a working plasmid-based genetic toolbox for an Enterococcus strain.

This 6-month project focuses on the design, construction, and validation of vectors to enable reliable gene expression and selection in this specific host. This internship is ideal for students looking to gain practical lab experience in bacterial genetics and contribute to an active scientific project with real-world applications.

Key Responsibilities

You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of the project, from design to functional validation:

• Literature & Design: Review Enterococcus plasmid families (e.g., pWV01, pGB354) and design core components, including constitutive/inducible promoters and shuttle vector backbones.

• Transformation Optimization: Systematically test and optimize electroporation protocols (e.g., voltage, pulse length) to establish a reliable method for DNA transfer.

• Vector Construction: Perform cloning to assemble expression vectors containing reporter gene cassettes and antibiotic resistance markers.

• Functional Characterization:

  • Measure expression levels (fluorescence) of reporter genes across different growth phases.

  • Determine Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) to validate antibiotic markers.

• Documentation: Draft a comprehensive “Toolbox Manual” with detailed protocols and archive all vector maps and plasmid stocks.

What You Will Learn

• Molecular Assembly: Advanced cloning techniques to build E. coli-Enterococci shuttle vectors.

• Bacterial Engineering: Methods for transforming non-model Gram-positive bacteria.

• Quantitative Assays: Characterizing promoter strength and antibiotic selection efficiency.

• Scientific Reporting: Writing a final thesis and creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) for lab use.

• Lab Operations: Sterile lab practices, safety protocols, and media preparation.

• Education: Currently enrolled in a Master’s degree (M1 or M2) in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.

• Technical Skills:

  • Basic knowledge of microbiological methods and aseptic techniques.

  • Familiarity with molecular biology (PCR, plasmid isolation) is essential.

  • Interest or experience in genetic engineering/synthetic biology is a plus.

• Soft Skills: Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work independently.

• Language: Fluent English required.