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 receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.  Shape the future of science with us.