Biological Sciences Intern, Summer 2022

At Apeel, we look to nature to help the global food system extend quality, prevent waste, and ensure an abundant future for our planet.

We believe that our most essential ingredient in our recipe for success is our people. We strive to cultivate an environment where everyone is welcomed, and can bring their full, authentic selves into everything they do at Apeel. Humility, Ingenuity, Leadership and Teamwork are the values that define us and how we work with each other, customers, and communities across the globe.

Full vaccination against COVID-19 required, unless you qualify for a federally protected exemption.

Company Background

Since 2012, founder James Rogers has been on a mission to tackle the global Food Waste Crisis with a goal of providing a more sustainable, equitable path forward for the global food system. Apeel is an edible protective layer that extends fruits’ and vegetables’ shelf-life. Apeel-covered fruits and vegetables spoil slower and require less refrigeration, and the plant-derived peel reduces the use of plastic and other products harmful to the planet. Apeel pulls material from the natural skins, peels, seeds, and pulp found on fruits and vegetables, to create the extra protective peel. The thin layer slows down water loss and oxidation, which can help keep those fruits and vegetables from browning and spoiling.

Company Culture

At Apeel Sciences, we look to nature to help the global food system improve quality, reduce waste, and ensure an abundant future for our planet. Apeel is comprised of highly talented, deeply passionate, and tight-knit team members who are excited by the opportunity to challenge the status quo, obsessed with solving problems, and truly seek to positively change how we feed the world.

Our people are fundamental to our company’s success and continued growth. If you are ready for an opportunity to jump in, take ownership, and drive meaningful outcomes in a highly collaborative, communicative, and dynamic environment, we would love to connect with you!

About This Role

The Biological Sciences team is responsible for discovering the molecular, cellular and microbial factors contributing to produce physiology, quality and shelf life. We are seeking a motivated Biological Sciences Intern who will support a project initiative involving utilizing molecular and cellular biology techniques to investigate the mechanisms underlying produce quality attributes of interest. This work will make a significant contribution towards Apeel’s goal of working with nature to enable a more intelligent and less wasteful supply chain through the ability to more completely understand and anticipate produce quality and shelf life. The program dates for summer 2022 are from June 13th - August 19th (10 weeks). To qualify for this program applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited US college or university and reside within the United States for the duration of the internship.

What You’ll Do

• Work in the Apeel HQ Biology Lab to design and conduct molecular and cellular biology experiments aimed at uncovering new information about produce physiology 
• Perform independent literature research to scope new ideas and inform experimental design
• Work closely within an interdisciplinary team of molecular biologists, microbiologists and analytical scientists to improve upon and develop new in-house techniques
• Generate and analyze large data sets of biological information
• Present research findings regularly at team meetings 

What You Bring 

• Currently pursuing an Undergraduate or Masters degree in molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry or related field                             
• Strong track record of independent wet lab work
• Experience with nucleic acid and protein extraction, PCR and/or qPCR 
• Proficiency in a common programming language (R or Python) 
• Experience with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and NGS data analysis is preferred
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office programs
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Self-directed and ability to work with minimal supervision
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Apeel believes that the scale of our impact is determined by the teams that work with us. As such, we seek to build high-performing teams of people from various experiences and backgrounds who can collectively push our company into new realms. We seek a diverse pool of applicants and consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, ancestry, color, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, Veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status. If you have a special need or disability that requires accommodation, please let us know.