What are the responsibilities and job description for the IVF & Sexed Semen Laboratory (SSL) Intern (Spring) position at Trans Ova?
Job Description
The IVF & Sexed Semen Laboratory (SSL) Intern will gain hands-on experience in a production laboratory environment supporting bovine reproductive technologies. This internship provides exposure to IVF and sexed semen laboratory operations, develops technical laboratory and professional skills, and prepares participants for potential future full-time or part-time laboratory technician opportunities within the organization.
Major Areas of Accountability
About Us
Trans Ova Genetics, a member of the URUS Group, provides industry-leading reproductive technologies and expertise to cattle breeders through a unique professional services team that works closely with clients to understand their breeding goals and ultimately help clients advance and extend superior genetics. Trans Ova Genetics understands the process that will help multiply a herd’s genetic success. Reproductive technologies such as embryo transfer, in-vitro fertilization (IVF), sexed-semen, genetic preservation, and cloning are considered the reproductive “tools” available for breeders looking to achieve specific breeding and reproductive goals. Internationally recognized as a source of superior animal husbandry and reproductive expertise, Trans Ova Genetics offers an integrated system of regional centers, satellite stations, and on-farm application of reproductive technologies.
Trans Ova's headquarters are in Sioux Center, Iowa, but we have many offices and satellite centers across the country. On-going research and applied science allow Trans Ova Genetics to develop and implement new technologies to help move the science of bovine genetic improvement forward. Trans Ova is dedicated to meeting the requirements of their customers and to continual improvement.
TOG has deep roots in the industry through its origin within the URUS family of companies. As a holding company with cooperative and private ownership, URUS is a family of businesses at the heart of the dairy and beef industry – Alta Genetics, GENEX, Genetics Australia, Leachman Cattle, Jetstream, PEAK, SCCL, Trans Ova Genetics and VAS. Each organization has its unique identity, products, and services. These companies work globally to provide cutting-edge dairy and beef genetics, customized reproductive services to maximize conceptions, dairy management information to take producers to the frontline of progressive dairy farming, and an array of products and services to help bovines reach their full genetic potential. URUS has 9 brands in 17 retail countries and employs nearly 2,800 people globally.
The IVF & Sexed Semen Laboratory (SSL) Intern will gain hands-on experience in a production laboratory environment supporting bovine reproductive technologies. This internship provides exposure to IVF and sexed semen laboratory operations, develops technical laboratory and professional skills, and prepares participants for potential future full-time or part-time laboratory technician opportunities within the organization.
Major Areas of Accountability
- Observe, learn, and assist with daily IVF and SSL laboratory procedures.
- Follow laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety protocols, and quality standards.
- Assist with sample preparation, labeling, inventory management, and laboratory documentation.
- Support laboratory preparation tasks, including media prep, plate making, and other production-related activities.
- Perform assigned laboratory tasks under supervision with increasing responsibility throughout the internship.
- Conduct quality control checks and accurately record laboratory data.
- Maintain organization, cleanliness, and efficiency within the laboratory environment.
- Participate in daily team meetings, workflow planning, and operational discussions.
- Assist with basic data analysis, troubleshooting activities, and process improvement initiatives.
- Complete a final project or presentation summarizing internship experiences, key learnings, and recommendations.
- Currently pursuing a degree in Animal Science, Biology, Reproductive Physiology, Biotechnology, or a related field.
- Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time behind a microscope, in a sterile lab setting.
- Ability to work under a laminar flow hood.
- Ability to work in cold temperatures for long periods of time (as low as 60⁰F)
- Basic understanding of biological sciences and laboratory principles through coursework or related experience preferred.
- Detail-oriented with the ability to follow procedures accurately and consistently.
- Good hand to eye coordination
- Some travel may be required
About Us
Trans Ova Genetics, a member of the URUS Group, provides industry-leading reproductive technologies and expertise to cattle breeders through a unique professional services team that works closely with clients to understand their breeding goals and ultimately help clients advance and extend superior genetics. Trans Ova Genetics understands the process that will help multiply a herd’s genetic success. Reproductive technologies such as embryo transfer, in-vitro fertilization (IVF), sexed-semen, genetic preservation, and cloning are considered the reproductive “tools” available for breeders looking to achieve specific breeding and reproductive goals. Internationally recognized as a source of superior animal husbandry and reproductive expertise, Trans Ova Genetics offers an integrated system of regional centers, satellite stations, and on-farm application of reproductive technologies.
Trans Ova's headquarters are in Sioux Center, Iowa, but we have many offices and satellite centers across the country. On-going research and applied science allow Trans Ova Genetics to develop and implement new technologies to help move the science of bovine genetic improvement forward. Trans Ova is dedicated to meeting the requirements of their customers and to continual improvement.
TOG has deep roots in the industry through its origin within the URUS family of companies. As a holding company with cooperative and private ownership, URUS is a family of businesses at the heart of the dairy and beef industry – Alta Genetics, GENEX, Genetics Australia, Leachman Cattle, Jetstream, PEAK, SCCL, Trans Ova Genetics and VAS. Each organization has its unique identity, products, and services. These companies work globally to provide cutting-edge dairy and beef genetics, customized reproductive services to maximize conceptions, dairy management information to take producers to the frontline of progressive dairy farming, and an array of products and services to help bovines reach their full genetic potential. URUS has 9 brands in 17 retail countries and employs nearly 2,800 people globally.