SPARC Associate Biologist Intern

Overview

  

Ready to shape the future of science and global health?

 

A global nonprofit providing trusted biological materials, ATCC is hiring SPARC Program Associates to join our R&D team.

 

SPARC Associates support laboratory and operational R&D activities within a regulated biological materials manufacturing environment. Participants apply foundational academic knowledge while gaining hands-on experience with aseptic technique, documentation, and standardized procedures. Success in this role requires attention to detail, curiosity, professionalism, and a strong commitment to learning.

 

The SPARC program offers five distinct, hands-on research projects this year across ATCC’s core scientific disciplines, allowing candidates to apply once and be considered for all opportunities in multiple departments including: 

• Cryobiology
• Microphysiological Systems 
• Microbiology
• Cell Biology 
• Sequencing and Bioinformatics 

 

The SPARC (Student Partnership and Research Collaboration) Program is a partnership with Universities at Shady Grove. The program is designed for rising 3rd and 4th year undergraduate students pursuing degrees in biology or related fields. Participants work a paid, flexible, part-time schedule (up to 20 hours per week) from September through May while continuing their academic studies.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory Support & Aseptic Technique: Assist with routine laboratory activities using aseptic technique and standardized procedures to support biological materials production and quality operations.
• Documentation & Compliance: Complete and maintain accurate records in accordance with established protocols, ensuring adherence to regulated processes and quality system requirements.
• Quality & Process Adherence: Follow approved procedures, guidelines, and safety practices to ensure consistency, reliability, and compliance within a controlled manufacturing environment.
• Project Participation: Contribute to assigned SPARC projects by supporting data collection, analysis, and process-related tasks under guidance from technical staff.
• Team Collaboration & Learning: Engage with cross-functional teams, seek feedback, and apply learning to enhance performance while demonstrating curiosity and professional growth.
• Attention to Detail & Continuous Improvement: Apply strong attention to detail in all assigned tasks, supporting accuracy and efficiency within established processes.
• Capstone Presentation:  Scientific presentation of the project to the ATCC community.    

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing life science focused bachelor's degree at the Universities at Shady Grove 
• Rising 3rd or 4th year student in Biology or related field
• Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a desire to learn are required
• Hands on laboratory experience and good aseptic technique highly preferred 
• Ability to adhere to corporate policies and procedures 
• Open to troubleshooting and learning through hands-on experience.

Benefits

The expected compensation for this role is $28.00 per hour.   

 

We Invest in You 

 

• Health & Wellness: 
  • Comprehensive medical coverage and company paid Life Insurance, Disability Insurance & AD&D
  • Work life balance with Paid Holidays and PTO
  • Fitness and cell phone subsidies, and additional benefits such as Aflac, legal services, and pet insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program offering around-the-clock counseling
• Financial security: 
  • 401(a) (6% employer contribution) and 403(b) (2% match) retirement plans
  • Exceptional career advancement opportunities, recognition, and rewards
  • Corporate bonus program
• Mission Focused:
  • Non-profit organization supporting critical life science research
  • We give scientists the tools they need to make discoveries that improve and save lives
  • Contribute to community involvement and social responsibility

 

Join ATCC, where we fuel your success, well-being, and development. We're a mission-focused non-profit Equal Opportunity Employer, celebrating a century of supporting global public health.  All qualified applicants will