What are the responsibilities and job description for the Intern, Biophysical Characterization of š°-synuclein in Living Cells (PhD Student) position at Calico Life Sciences?
Who We Are
Calico (Calico Life Sciences LLC) is an Alphabet-founded research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies and model systems to increase our understanding of the biology that controls human aging. Calico will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives. Calicoās highly innovative technology labs, its commitment to curiosity-driven discovery science, and, with academic and industry partners, its vibrant drug-development pipeline, together create an inspiring and exciting place to catalyze and enable medical breakthroughs.
Position Description
Calico is seeking an intern to join the Parkinsonās Disease Initiative. To succeed, you will need to be an enthusiastic team player, detail-oriented, extremely organized and comfortable working on complex problems. In this position you will develop a novel imaging-based experimental system to study š°-synuclein dynamics in vitro and in living cells, focusing on its oligomerization and aggregation regulated by disease-relevant perturbation. The successful candidate will work closely with members of the Parkinsonās Disease Initiative and the imaging team to develop a labeling strategy for š°-synuclein using codon expansion technology.
Responsibilities
Calicoās internship program is a paid 12-week program over the summer for students interested in understanding the fundamental science of aging and finding treatments for the associated and intractable diseases. Working in a collaborative environment and fully embedded in one of our labs/teams, Calico interns tackle a unique project under the mentorship of at least one of our scientists or engineers.
Program Features
Calico (Calico Life Sciences LLC) is an Alphabet-founded research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies and model systems to increase our understanding of the biology that controls human aging. Calico will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives. Calicoās highly innovative technology labs, its commitment to curiosity-driven discovery science, and, with academic and industry partners, its vibrant drug-development pipeline, together create an inspiring and exciting place to catalyze and enable medical breakthroughs.
Position Description
Calico is seeking an intern to join the Parkinsonās Disease Initiative. To succeed, you will need to be an enthusiastic team player, detail-oriented, extremely organized and comfortable working on complex problems. In this position you will develop a novel imaging-based experimental system to study š°-synuclein dynamics in vitro and in living cells, focusing on its oligomerization and aggregation regulated by disease-relevant perturbation. The successful candidate will work closely with members of the Parkinsonās Disease Initiative and the imaging team to develop a labeling strategy for š°-synuclein using codon expansion technology.
Responsibilities
- Optimize a genetic code expansion approach to site-specifically label alpha synuclein with fluorophores
- Proof-of-concept implementation of the labeling system in cell culture
- Perform biophysical characterization of labeled synuclein using rotational diffusion methods fluorescence polarization and tumbling methods in vitro and in living cells
- Explore experimental perturbations to induce changes in synuclein trafficking, oligomerization, aggregation and clearance
- Currently pursuing a PhD degree, in biophysics, cell biology, neuroscience or a related field
- Experience working with fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry
- Knowledge of physical modeling of biological processes, quantitative imaging analysis
- Familiarity with standard molecular biology and tissue culture methods
- Detail-oriented and organized
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Self-motivated with a ācan-doā attitude
- Flexible, able to respond quickly to shifting priorities and able to multitask
- Experience in genetic screening, codon expansion system, Parkinsonās disease
Calicoās internship program is a paid 12-week program over the summer for students interested in understanding the fundamental science of aging and finding treatments for the associated and intractable diseases. Working in a collaborative environment and fully embedded in one of our labs/teams, Calico interns tackle a unique project under the mentorship of at least one of our scientists or engineers.
Program Features
- 3-month summer timeline
- In-person experience at our offices in South San Francisco
- Matching with at least one Calico mentor
- Group supplemental activities weekly featuring guest speakers, Senior Leadership spotlights, and discussion groups on aging science, our drug development approach, and more
- End-of-summer company-wide project showcase and poster session
- Competitive compensation ($45 - $70/hour) and monthly living expenses stipend
- Able to work in-person at our offices in South San Francisco
- Free for a consecutive period of 11-12 weeks in June, July, and August
- Not graduating before December 2026
- Exception for students enrolling into a graduate degree program in Fall 2026
- Must be enrolled in a US university
- Must apply by application deadline: February 1, 2026.
Salary : $45 - $70