Intern – Molecular Biology - ATS MCA/biomaterials and D&T-Research

We are looking for a motivated third year/fourth year HBO/WO student in Molecular biology! Do you want to know what it's like to be part of one of the largest multinational companies in the pharmaceutical industry? We offer an internship opportunity within our ATS MCA/biomaterials and D&T departments where you will have the freedom and space for your own initiative.

Welcome to our teams

The ATS MCA/biomaterials and D&T-Research departments are essential hubs in our organization. The Analytical Technologie Solutions-Monoclonal antibodies and Biomaterials department (ATS MCA/biomaterials) is focused on the generation of new hybridomas, and production, purification and conjugation of monoclonal antibodies (MCAs) to supply all our R&D and Quality Control sites worldwide. In addition, the team is also responsible for the purification and conjugation of other Biomaterials.

The Discovery and Technology-Research department (D&T-Research) is focused on the identification of new leads for product development and the introduction of novel technologies for vaccine improvement.

The teams work closely with other departments within the company to achieve the stated goals.

Background project

Recently, ATS/MCA and D&T have jointly developed an in-house recombinant antibody workflow, which eventually may serve as an alternative technology for hybridoma production which is currently still the standard procedure. Proof-of-concept studies have demonstrated the successful application of all steps within the workflow. With support of Research & Development Division, species-specific sequencing protocols have been set up, although this part currently still requires sourcing out activities to external vendors, which is time and cost-consuming.

Using the Oxford Nanopore Technology MinION sequencing device, an in-house hybridoma sequencing workflow was recently successfully validated. The method appeared to be fast, accurate and cost-effective and eventually allows transcriptomics-based sequencing of the existing library of hybridomas as well as enables the establishment of an in-house sequencing procedure for antigen-specific B cell clones sorted from different animal species. Applying this end-to-end workflow would therefore be of great value for the company.

Currently, the MCA team aims to 'digitalize' the hybridoma library, by securing their sequences. Further optimization of the whole process and testing some parameters is desired (e.g. extraction method for nucleic acids, sequencing protocols, etc.).

Your internship assignment

As an intern, you will be responsible for further testing and optimizing this sequencing protocol to work towards a robust workflow that can be used to (i) secure the current hybridoma library, and (ii) to extend the sequencing procedures and workflow towards other relevant target species for strengthening the rAb workflow. The latter objective will be aligned to an ongoing D&T/MCA project wherein the goal is to develop the rAb workflow for bovine species for the purpose of identification and production of bovine rotavirus (G6 or G10) specific recombinant monoclonal antibodies.

Your responsibilities

• Laboratory support: Assist scientists with routine lab tasks such as preparing reagents and buffers, performing basic assays (e.g., pipetting, sample preparation, chromatography or spectrophotometry under supervision), maintaining lab notebooks, and cleaning/sterilizing equipment according to SOPs.
• Data collection and analysis: Record experimental data accurately, enter and organize results in electronic systems or spreadsheets, perform basic statistical analyses or data visualization, and help prepare figures or tables for reports or presentations.
• Documentation and compliance: Help maintain accurate documentation (lab notebooks, batch records, SOPs), follow Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and safety procedures, assist with audit-preparation tasks, and ensure proper labelling and storage of samples and chemicals.
• Literature review and research support: Conduct background literature searches, summarize scientific articles, compile references, and assist in preparing protocols, study rationales, or slide decks for meetings.
• Cross-functional collaboration and administrative tasks: Attend team meetings, support project management tasks (timelines, tracking milestones), and communicate progress to supervisors.
• Providing a fresh perspective to the departments by sharing your opinion.

The described tasks form the basic package and will often be performed independently after a proper training and learning period. These tasks may be supplemented with other projects and/or tasks on your own initiative or at the request of the organization.

What is required

• Third year/fourth year HBO/WO student in Molecular biology
• Familiarity with Molecular biology techniques, Sequence data processing, Bioinformatics and data analysis
• Excellent Dutch and/or English communication skills, both written and verbal
• Available for a period of minimal 6 months (preferred longer) for at least 4 days per week

Required Skills:

• Accountability
• Analytical Problem Solving
• Assay
• Biochemical Analysis
• Cell-Based Assays
• Chromatography
• Clinical Research
• Communication
• Data Analytics
• Database Management
• Data Entry
• Data Visualization
• Document Management
• Global Supply Chain
• GLP Regulations
• Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs)
• Health Economics
• Microsoft Office
• Molecular Biology
• Monoclonal Antibodies
• Office Applications
• Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M)
• Polyclonal Antibody Production
• Process Improvements

What we offer

• Interning at our company means working together with your team towards health in an international work environment. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to work closely with experts and learn from them. In addition, we offer:
• The chance to gain experience in the pharmaceutical industry
• An opportunity to showcase yourself for potential opportunities after your internship period
• A challenging and dynamic work environment with plenty of room for personal development and initiative
• Good guidance from an experienced specialist
• A gross monthly internship allowance of €500, - based on a 40-hour workweek

Animal Health Division

Our Animal Health Division is a trusted global leader in animal healthcare. We are committed to preserving and improving the health, well-being, and performance of animals and the people who care for them. As a global team of professionals, we work together to make a positive difference in animal care and the world's food chain. We also have a deep sense of responsibility towards our customers, consumers, animals, society, and our planet.

By being dedicated to The Science of Healthier Animals®, we provide veterinarians, farmers, pet owners, and governments with one of the broadest ranges of animal health products, vaccines, and solutions and services for health management. Additionally, we deliver a comprehensive range of digitally connected identification, traceability, and monitoring products. We invest in dynamic and extensive R&D capabilities and a modern, global supply chain. We are present in more than 50 countries, and our products are available in approximately 150 markets.