Job Description
About Watchmaker Genomics
Watchmaker Genomics is a global life science company with R&D and production facilities in Cape Town, South Africa, and headquarters in Boulder, Colorado, US. The company specializes in designing, engineering, developing, and producing DNA-modifying enzymes. These enzymes support high-growth fields such as genomics, molecular diagnostics, and personalized medicine. Watchmaker Genomics values innovation, collaboration, creativity, and scientific rigor at the intersection of biology, engineering, and computer science.
Position: R&D Intern, Enzyme Development Group
Watchmaker Genomics is seeking a temporary R&D Intern to join the Enzyme Engineering team in Cape Town for a 12-month onsite internship. The successful candidate will report to an R&D Scientist and assist with enzyme engineering, expression, purification, and characterization. This internship offers valuable hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment and direct involvement in advancing enzyme development projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare standard buffered chemical solutions and microbiology media; maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment.
- Manage stocks of reagents and consumables accurately.
- Conduct microbiology experiments including cell transformation, plating, streaking, and protein expression in shaking cultures and bioreactors.
- Perform molecular biology and biochemistry techniques such as PCR, qPCR, next-generation sequencing sample preparation, plasmid vector design and construction, agarose gel electrophoresis, and SDS-PAGE.
- Document experimental work meticulously in electronic lab notebooks.
- Analyze and interpret experimental data with precision.
- Present results and project updates regularly to team members and managers.
Location and Duration
This is an onsite, full-time internship based in Cape Town, South Africa for a duration of 12 months.