Roux Summer Research Internship - Environmental Biotechnology

About the Opportunity

Summer Research Internships at The Roux Institute

The Roux Institute Summer Research Internship Program is a 10-week full-time internship for graduate and undergraduate learners on-site at the Roux Institute campus of Northeastern University in Portland, ME.

• Stipend: $5,000 for Undergraduate Research Interns $7,500 for Masters & PhD Research Interns.
• Gain interdisciplinary research experience and mentoring from Roux Institute Researchers.
• Access professional development seminars on topics including networking, communication, entrepreneurial thinking, and more.
• Network with other Roux Institute researchers and partner organizations
• Explore the Greater Portland area and build community with other researchers in your cohort and entrepreneurs from our Founder Residency programs.

Program Dates

INTERNSHIP DURATION: June 3 – August 16, 2024

APPLICATIONS OPEN: December 15, 2024

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 15, 2024

The Roux Institute is designed as an engine of innovation, talent-building, and economic growth for Portland, Maine, and northern New England. We are nurturing an environment for high-impact research and innovation in computer and data science, digital engineering, the advanced life sciences and medicine, and other tech fields. Partnership is what sets our education and research model apart. With leading companies at the table from day one, we are creating an agile workforce prepared to thrive in a competitive landscape powered by artificial intelligence as a force for good, and an environment for innovation in the life sciences and other high- growth sectors. Together, we envision an innovation corridor that in the coming years will stretch from Boston to Portland and beyond.

Industrial and municipal wastewater contains organic and inorganic pollutants that have negative impact on the environment. There are various methods of wastewater treatment, which include the use of membrane technology, physicochemical methods – coagulation/flocculation, Fenton chemistry, ozone oxidation, etc. However, these methods are expensive and inefficient at removing pollutants. Alternatively, microbial wastewater treatment has shown promise and is more efficient and cost-effective compared to other methods. Some microorganisms have a high ability to break down organic matter in wastewater and remove heavy metals.

Recently, a  lab group at the Roux Institute of Northeastern University successfully used a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to remove nitrogen- and phosphorus-containing organic pollutants and heavy metals from wastewater obtained from anaerobic digestion processes. This wastewater was used concomitantly as nutrient source for bioethanol production.  While more than 99% of nitrogen-containing organic pollutants were metabolized, less than 50% of phosphorus and heavy metals were removed due to reduced microbial activity.  To address this challenge, we plan to use microbial immobilization technology in combination with environmentally friendly biochar with surface-active chemical species to immobilize S. cerevisiae for efficient degradation of organic matter and removal of heavy metals from wastewater. Immobilization protects S. cerevisiae cells from damage and helps maintain their activity.   

In this project, the successful student will culture S. cerevisiae cells and use biochar derived from the gasification and pyrolysis of forage sorghum and poultry litter waste with a mixture of sodium alginate, polyvinyl alcohol, and graphene oxide to immobilize the cells. The student will then evaluate the composition of the immobilized carrier with high stability and reproducibility. The immobilized cells with the highest stability will be used to treat industrial and municipal wastewater model solutions. 

• Prepare media and reagents for culturing S. cerevisiae 
• Prepare reagents for making carriers for immobilizing S. cerevisiae
• Determine the concentration of composites that will generate a highly stable immobilized carrier
• Carry out bioremediation studies
• Prepare samples and analyze data
• Maintain an up-to-date laboratory notebook

• Currently pursuing a degree  in a relevant field (e.g. Microbiology, Biology or Chemistry)
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team

• A resume and cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications for the position.

Position Type

Temporary

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.  

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff.  Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. 

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other  characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity .