At a Glance
- Tasks: Engineer biology approaches for climate-resilient crops using AI-designed promoters.
- Company: Join the innovative Earlham Institute and collaborate with leading researchers.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and a supportive research community.
- Other info: Full-time, 12-month contract with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in plant sciences while kickstarting your research career.
- Qualifications: Undergraduate or master’s students in biology, bioengineering, or plant science.
The predicted salary is between 24455 - 25000 £ per year.
The intern will be primarily supervised by Career Development Fellow Dr Will Shaw and will work closely with the research groups of Prof. Anthony Hall and Dr Sarah Guiziou.
The Predoctoral Intern will work on engineering biology approaches for plant sciences, constructing and testing AI‑designed promoters in whole plants to advance our ability to engineer climate‑resilient crops.
The applicant will join a collaborative environment at the interface of plant synthetic biology and computational biology, contributing to a project that links AI‑guided DNA design with experimental validation in plants.
They will gain training across the full design‑build‑test‑learn cycle and develop the technical and conceptual foundations for a research career in these fields.
The intern will gain hands‑on experience in genetic construct design and assembly, plant transformation, genotyping, and luciferase reporter assays.
Through this, they will learn how promoter activity can be measured quantitatively across whole plants and connected to synthetic regulatory design.
Alongside wet‑lab training, the intern will be introduced to AI‑guided DNA design and learn how computational models generate synthetic regulatory elements with predicted expression behaviours.
They will also develop broader research skills in experimental design, troubleshooting, data analysis, and scientific communication.
The applicant will be embedded in an active research community through weekly plant engineering biology and plant genomics meetings, and a monthly journal club.
They will have opportunities to present their work, lead a journal club, and receive support in applying for their next position.
Ideal candidate
We are seeking to recruit a Predoctoral Intern in data‑driven plant synthetic biology to join our cohort of Ph D students and interns at the Earlham Institute.
Applications are encouraged from undergraduate or master’s students who have completed - or expect to complete - an undergraduate degree in biology, bioengineering, or plant science prior to commencing the internship.
The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in molecular biology and engineering biology.
Experience in basic molecular biology and plant science would be advantageous but is not essential.
Within their application, we encourage candidates to highlight how this internship will help launch and develop their future career.
- Additional information
- Salary on appointment will be within the range £24,455 to £25,000 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time post for a contract of 12 months.
- A small travel grant will be provided for any non‑UK interns (to the value of £1000) to enable them to travel to the UK.
Any costs above this will need to be funded by the Intern, including any visa costs.
- Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.
- As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.
- The closing date for applications will be 10th August 2026.
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Pre Doctoral Intern in Norwich employer: Earlham Institute
Earlham Institute is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Norwich, where innovation meets collaboration. As a Predoctoral Intern, you will benefit from comprehensive training in both wet-lab and computational design, alongside opportunities for professional growth and the chance to present your research. The supportive culture fosters creativity and encourages the pursuit of meaningful contributions to plant sciences, making it an ideal place for aspiring scientists.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pre Doctoral Intern in Norwich
✨Get Your Foot in the Lab Door
Look for internship programmes specifically set up for life sciences or biotechnology students. Many companies, including Earlham Institute, offer structured pathways for interns, so check their careers page or your university's career services to snag those early opportunities.
✨Connect with Researchers and Alumni
Tap into biotechnology-focused online communities, such as LinkedIn groups or local biotech meetups. Networking with seasoned professionals or alumni from your university can give you an inside track on internships that may not be widely advertised. A little conversation can go a long way!
✨Get Involved in Research Projects
If you haven’t already, volunteer for or participate in research projects at your university. This hands-on experience not only builds your CV but also helps you make connections with faculty who can recommend you or point you to internship opportunities at companies like Earlham Institute.
✨Keep Your Application Needs in Mind
When you're ready to apply, make sure your online portfolio reflects relevant projects and any lab techniques you’re familiar with. Showcasing your understanding of biotechnology, particularly what relates to the work done at Earlham Institute, can help you stand out from the heap of applicants!
We think you need these skills to ace Pre Doctoral Intern in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Lab Skills:For a biotech internship, showcasing any relevant lab skills is crucial. If you've worked with lab techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or CRISPR, make sure these stand out in your CV. We want to see that you have hands-on experience and can contribute from day one.
Share Your Academic Projects:Don't forget to mention any academic projects related to biotechnology. If you've conducted research or completed projects that involved analysis or experimentation, highlight these in your cover letter. It shows us your practical understanding of biotech concepts and your motivation to learn more.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, focus on your passion for biotechnology and your eagerness to learn. Use this space to explain why you want to intern with Earlham Institute specifically and how this experience aligns with your career goals. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
Include Relevant Coursework:Make sure to list any relevant coursework on your CV. Classes like Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or Bioinformatics can really make you stand out. We want to see that you've got the foundational knowledge, as it helps us gauge how easily you'll adapt to our projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at Earlham Institute
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
As we're diving into the biotechnology world, it's essential to refresh your knowledge on commonly used lab techniques. Be prepared to discuss methods like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and CRISPR. They might even ask you to explain the principles behind them or how you've used them in your studies!
✨Show Your Passion for Bioscience
Internships are all about eagerness to learn and grow, so let your enthusiasm for biotechnology shine through! Share any relevant projects, coursework, or volunteer experiences that showcase your motivation and dedication to the field. This will show Earlham Institute that you're not just looking for any gig, but you're genuinely excited about contributing to their research.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a biotech internship interview, be ready for scenarios that test your problem-solving skills. For example, how would you handle a contamination issue in an experiment? Practising these types of questions will help you demonstrate your critical thinking and adaptability, which are key traits for any budding biotechnologist.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Biotechnology often involves collaboration, so emphasising your ability to work in a team is crucial. Think about group projects or lab work where you collaborated with peers. Sharing these experiences will show Earlham Institute that you're not only a great individual contributor but also a team player, ready to thrive in their collaborative environment.
