The Center for Life in Extreme Environments combines the work of over 80 researchers including faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, research associates, and postdoctoral researchers, along with state-of-the-art methods, to see just how far life can go. The Extreme Virus Lab focuses on viruses of extremophiles, particularly those that exist in high temperature and low pH environments.
The intern will collaborate with graduate students and senior scientists to support ongoing research on the structure of either SSV1 or a novel group of viruses, the Cruciviruses. The structure of SSV1 is unique and may serve as a platform for nanotechnology, medical imaging and drug delivery. Cruciviruses appear to have evolved by unprecedented recombination between DNA and RNA viruses. The intern could work on DNA cloning, sequencing, protein purification, microbiology, bioinformatic analysis or virology. The intern will also assist with general duties in a molecular biology research laboratory. This is a full-time in-person internship, with the expectation that the intern will work at least 300 hours over the course of the summer.
For more information, visit http://extremeviruses.org. The mentor's mentoring philosophy is quite Socratic, learning by doing and asking questions. Generally there are multiple other mentors in the group as well. In addition to the main position disciplines (Biology), students may also gain experience in virology and bioinformatics. Intern may be able to travel to Lassen Volcanic National Park for field work with the mentor and team if conditions allow.
Applicants must currently be in 11th grade (rising to 12th grade). Applicants should be aware that on-site parking may be limited and/or unavailable throughout the summer; interns may be required to rely on public transit or alternative transportation.
PSU Disability Services
It is University policy to grant reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities that may affect their ability to participate in course activities or to meet course requirements. Students with disabilities are encouraged to discuss their needs as soon as they receive acceptance of this ASE position. After acceptance, please also provide a letter of accommodations from PSU Disability Services (http://www.pdx.edu/drc/).
PSU Diversity Statement
Respect for cultural and human biological diversity are core concepts at PSU. Each voice has something of value to contribute to a discussion. PSU is committed to diversity, and welcomes individuals of all ages, backgrounds, citizenship, disability, education, ethnicity, family status, gender, gender identity, geographical location, language, military experience, political views, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status and work experience (See https://www.pdx.edu/sphr/diversity-statement).
We strongly encourage students to apply who are from one or more systemically and historically excluded group, including but not limited to, non-cis-gendered students, girls, BIPOC, first-generation college-bound students, low-income/low-resourced students, students with disabilities, students who are neurodivergent, and those who speak a primary language other than English.
If you have any questions about the application, website technical issues and/or this position description, please contact Saturday Academy at ase@saturdayacademy.org. Do not contact the mentor directly. Contacting the mentor directly is grounds for disqualification of your ASE application.