Research & Development Intern
Overview
Hennessy Research Associates - a Kemin Company is seeking a fall intern to support sample processing and sample organization for equine and cattle R&D studies. The intern will assist with preparation and organization of blood/serum and nasal swab samples, including label preparation, sample inventory, study binder support, and chain-of-custody documentation. This role is well suited for a detail-oriented student with an interest in animal health, veterinary medicine, animal science, biology, or research. The position is expected to run from mid-to-late August through December at approximately 15 hours per week, with workload varying based on active study schedules and sample collection needs.
Responsibilities
- Aid in the preparation of sample collection and processing materials for cattle and equine studies.
- Prepare and organize labels for blood/serum tubes, nasal swab tubes, cryovials, and retention samples.
- Verify sample labels against animal IDs, protocol numbers, study days and time-points, sample types, and collection dates.
- Assist with sample receiving, sorting, and organization after collection days.
- Support blood/serum processing work-flow documentation, including aliquot organization and storage tracking.
- Support nasal swab organization, tracking, and inventory after collection.
- Maintain or assist with inventory sheets for retained, shipped, or pending samples.
- Aid in study binder organization, including sample processing records, chain-of-custody documents, labels, and inventory sheets.
- Help prepare materials ahead of heavier study days to reduce same-day processing burden.
- Support general R&D sample organization tasks as assigned by the study team.
Qualifications
- Currently enrolled as a sophomore, junior, or senior with an accredited college or university, pursuing a Biology, Animal Science, or Veterinary-related degree.
- Ability to commit to 15 hours per week during the months of August-December.
- Strong interest in animal health, veterinary medicine, animal science, biology, or research.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Detail-oriented and organized.
- Experience performing laboratory procedures using pipetting techniques and maintaining sterile technique in a controlled environment preferred.
- A high level of passion for your field of study.
We Are An Equal Opportunity Employer
We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed/religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status (where applicable), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy/childbirth/breastfeeding or related conditions, age (40+), disability (including the use of a service animal), genetic information, marital status, familial or caregiver status, military or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, reproductive health decision-making, and any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also prohibit retaliation for raising concerns or participating in an EEO process.
Additional Pre-Employment Requirements
A post-offer background check and drug screen is required. Additional pre-employment requirements may be necessary based on position.