Summary

The summer intern will receive training in the design and synthesis of pyrrole-imidazole polyamides, small molecules that target specific DNA repeat sequences. Training will include organic chemistry techniques for solid-phase synthesis, HPLC purification, and mass spectrometry.

Job Purpose

Provides temporary administrative or laboratory support to a department while gaining practical work experience.  

Job Duties

• Learn the principles and practice of pyrrole-imidazole polyamide design and synthesis for targeting trinucleotide repeat DNA sequences.

• Gain hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture and drug treatment assays to evaluate repeat-contracting therapeutics.

• Develop skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication in a translational research context.

• Synthesize pyrrole-imidazole polyamides using solid-phase synthesis methods.

• Purify and characterize compounds via HPLC and mass spectrometry.

• Culture mammalian cell lines and perform drug treatment experiments with polyamide compounds.

• Assess polyamide efficacy using PCR-based repeat sizing, gene expression assays, and cell viability.

• May assist with special projects/programs. 

Minimum Qualifications

Must be enrolled in high school, trade/vocational school or higher education institution.