Chemistry Lab Intern

Program Overview

The Chemistry Laboratory Internship Program provides hands-on experience in a regulated analytical testing laboratory specializing in food and environmental allergen detection.

Interns will work within allergen testing workflows supporting analytical methods such as ELISA-based immunoassays and associated sample preparation, extraction, and data review processes. The focus of the program is to build practical understanding of laboratory operations, quality systems, and data integrity through direct involvement in an applied project.

Weeks 1-2: Orientation & Laboratory Foundations

Focus: Laboratory onboarding and workflow understanding

• Laboratory safety, chemical hygiene, and compliance training
• Introduction to LIMS and sample tracking systems
• Overview of allergen testing workflows and laboratory structure
• Chain-of-custody, sample handling, and documentation practices
• Observation of sample intake and prioritization processes
• Introduction to project scope and expectations

Learning Outcome: Understand laboratory operations, sample flow, and regulatory expectations within an allergen testing environment.

Weeks 3-5: Allergen Testing Workflow Immersion

Focus: Core analytical processes and method understanding

• Shadow laboratory staff performing allergen testing procedures
• Observe sample preparation, extraction, and assay setup (e.g., ELISA workflows)
• Learn principles of immunoassay-based detection methods
• Review SOPs for laboratory techniques, pipetting accuracy, and equipment use
• Observe instrument operation and result generation workflows
• Begin contributing to defined project data collection or observational tracking

Learning Outcome: Develop familiarity with allergen testing methods and laboratory execution processes.

Weeks 6-9: Project Development & Data Engagement

Focus: Applied project execution and data involvement

• Collect and organize operational or testing workflow data for assigned project
• Assist with structured data review or documentation tasks under supervision
• Identify trends, inefficiencies, or improvement opportunities within workflow scope
• Participate in discussions on laboratory efficiency and quality considerations
• Begin drafting initial findings or analysis framework for project deliverables

Learning Outcome: Build ability to analyze laboratory processes using real operational data.

Weeks 10-12: Quality Systems & Data Integrity Integration

Focus: Compliance and quality framework application

• Learn document control systems and SOP governance
• Observe quality assurance review of allergen testing data
• Understand nonconformance reporting, deviations, and CAPA processes
• Review regulatory and accreditation frameworks (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025)
• Strengthen project alignment with quality and compliance requirements

Learning Outcome: Understand how quality systems ensure accuracy, traceability, and regulatory compliance in laboratory testing.

Weeks 13-15: Capstone Project Completion & Presentation

Focus: Final analysis and presentation of findings

Interns complete a structured project such as:

• Workflow efficiency or turnaround time analysis
• Allergen testing process mapping and optimization proposal
• Data integrity or reporting improvement assessment
• Quality trend evaluation within allergen testing workflows

Responsibilities:

• Finalize data analysis and project deliverables
• Develop evidence-based recommendations
• Prepare and deliver presentation to laboratory leadership
• Participate in final evaluation and feedback session

Learning Outcome: Demonstrate ability to apply laboratory knowledge to real-world operational improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Follow all laboratory safety and chemical handling protocols
• Maintain strict adherence to sample integrity and chain-of-custody requirements
• Comply with GMP/GLP and documented SOPs
• Protect confidentiality of client and sample data
• Demonstrate professionalism, accuracy, and attention to detail
• Support a compliant and collaborative laboratory environment

Program Goals

By the end of the program, interns will:

• Understand allergen testing workflows in a regulated laboratory environment
• Gain hands-on exposure to analytical chemistry and immunoassay principles
• Learn how quality systems support laboratory accuracy and compliance
• Develop experience in data analysis and operational improvement projects
• Build foundational skills applicable to analytical and diagnostic laboratory careers

Qualifications

Required:

• Current junior or senior pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or related field
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to follow structured procedures and maintain accurate documentation

Preferred:

• Interest in analytical chemistry, food safety, or laboratory diagnostics
• Prior laboratory coursework or hands-on academic lab experience

Schedule & Pay

• $19/hr
• 15 weeks
• 30-40 hours per week
• Schedule determined at program start