Microbiology College Intern

The Ohio Department of Agriculture, Consumer Protection Laboratory (CPL) is seeking a College Intern to work as laboratory support for the Microbiology section. The intern will work with the Microbiology section to process samples and prepare them for analytical testing, work with other technicians and laboratory scientists to complete daily laboratory activities and gain understanding to implement and execute the laboratory's quality management system. The intern may be an undergraduate or graduate student who wants a challenging internship to prepare them for a full-time position in the analytical laboratory.
Duties:
Work with other laboratory technicians and scientists in completing the following activities:

• Maintains chain of custody of samples including sample receipt, storage, documentation and disposal
• Communicates with clients to schedule sample documentation and receiving
• Performs basic sample manipulation activities such as sample comminution, homogenization and other forms of sample preparation/enrichment
• Prepares media, reagents and consumables based on standard operating procedures and/or supervisor instruction
• Cleans laboratory glassware and other utensils
• Cleans and sanitizes workspaces as needed
• Maintains inventory and prepares orders for administrative and/or laboratory supplies
• Performs basic or routine chemical or microbiological laboratory test procedures as requested including but not limited to loss on drying, basic colorimetric titration, basic activities related to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening
• Decontaminates infectious waste; enters information into the laboratory information management system (LIMS)
• Interacts with vendors on as-needed basis
• Participates in the laboratory quality management system through adherence to laboratory quality procedures
• Engages in routine quality activities including:
  • Performs quality control testing on prepared media
  • Performs preventive maintenance on basic equipment
  • Logs environmental conditions for room and/or temperature controlled units
  • Performs verifications for balances and/or pipettes
  • Reviews and makes change requests for laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs)
  • Participates in internal and external audits
  • Uses quality management software to maintain laboratory records

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:
ODA values its internal diversity and pledges to cultivate an inclusive and engaging environment for all employees where differences are embraced and celebrated. The agency commits to building a workforce that champions the advancement of DEI principles and initiatives. The values on which these efforts are founded are: respect, empathy, transparency, equality, and equal access.
Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a Model Employer of Individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
Qualifications
Candidates must meet the following criteria for consideration:

• Must be enrolled at an accredited college/university, with a focus in the physical, biological or other related science degree program.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with both internal staff and external clients.
• The ability to analyze data, including researching and organizing large amounts of data into reports.
• The flexibility to work on multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and database software.