At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and test protocols for biomass analysis using advanced SEM-EDX technology.
- Company: CCCU, a leader in sustainable research and innovation.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, enhance your skills, and contribute to sustainability efforts.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate change solutions while developing valuable research skills.
- Qualifications: Current CCCU student with lab experience and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Current climate change concerns and the post COVID world call for urgent solutions to develop sustainable societies. Nonfood biomass instead of petroleum is an option to produce cleaner biofuels, bioplastics and more. To achieve some sustainable goals, biomass needs to be transformed by sustainable manufacturing, which is in line with several initiatives, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals. However, a key step on biomass transformation is to rigorously know its chemical composition at elemental and molecular level with the purpose of enabling the selection of fit‑for‑purpose biomass for industrial applications.
Biomass elemental analysis is also needed in forensics, waste management, farming, nutritional formulations, combustion and the food‑water‑energy nexus, to cite a few. It is expensive, tedious, lengthy and requires a set of advanced skills available from commercial suppliers. However, this can be overcome at CCCU thanks to a new opportunity. CCCU recently acquired a state‑of‑the‑art Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled to Energy Dispersive X‑Ray Analysis. SEM‑EDX can provide visual information on biomass structure and composition of elements like carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorous, sulfur, calcium and many more. This internship will set up a protocol in support of biomass characterization through SEM‑EDX analysis.
Duties and responsibilities
- The successful Research Intern aims at developing and testing one transferable reliable protocol for elemental analysis of biomass through SEM‑EDX.
- The research intern will work to deliver the Project Milestones, including carrying out SEM‑EDX microscopy and elemental analysis of biomass samples; writing reports (analyses done with methods of the manufacturer; preliminary and final analyses with fit‑for‑purpose protocol and real samples; protocols, final report, presentation slides and poster to cite a few).
- The intern will be directly involved with the day‑to‑day running of the project; data analysis and interpretation; delivering research tasks; contribute to discussions about the project with project partners.
Skills and experience
- Please note that applicants must be current CCCU students on taught undergraduate or postgraduate courses (not PhDs).
- Experience working in laboratories, e.g. chemistry, biology, engineering or relevant.
- Confident skills on qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis of samples from living organisms.
- Strong literature searching skills.
- Strong skills using Microsoft software and programmes (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Strong skills on writing up technical reports, posters and presentations.
- Attention to detail.
- Undertake work independently and as part of a team.
- High level of organizational skills.
Location: CCCU
Biomass Analysis Intern — SEM-EDX Research in Canterbury employer: Ernestohernandez
CCCU is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly for those passionate about sustainable research. As a Biomass Analysis Intern, you will have access to cutting-edge technology and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that align with global sustainability goals. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, CCCU provides a supportive environment where interns can enhance their skills and make a real impact in the field of biomass analysis.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Biomass Analysis Intern — SEM-EDX Research in Canterbury
✨Get Your Foot in the Lab Door
Look for internship programmes specifically set up for life sciences or biotechnology students. Many companies, including Ernestohernandez, 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 Ernestohernandez.
✨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 Ernestohernandez, can help you stand out from the heap of applicants!
We think you need these skills to ace Biomass Analysis Intern — SEM-EDX Research in Canterbury
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 Ernestohernandez 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 Ernestohernandez
✨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 Ernestohernandez 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 Ernestohernandez that you're not only a great individual contributor but also a team player, ready to thrive in their collaborative environment.
