About the Opportunity

This internship will offer the opportunity to gain experience in a research plant metabolomics lab focused on fruit quality. Experiences are possible in many aspects of plant metabolomics research including (but not limited to) sample preparation and extraction, method development, chromatography, mass spectrometry, spectroscopy, enzymatic assays, and data analysis. Research will aid in plant genetics, breeding, and sensory projects for quality traits in berries. We are seeking undergraduates, recent grads (Bachelor's level within 6 months of graduation), or individuals in their first or second year of a graduate program who are currently pursuing a degree in Plant Science, Food Science, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Nutrition or similar program. The internship duration is for 3-4 months.

Responsibilities

•    Support researchers with execution of plant metabolomics projects
•    Collect and process fresh fruit and juice samples
•    Perform sample preparation and extraction techniques for fruit metabolites
•    Conduct lab assays with training and supervision
•    Support the operation and maintenance of relevant lab equipment and analytical instrumentation
•    Participate in Driscoll’s Internship activities
•    Ensure Driscoll’s confidential and proprietary information and materials
•    Represents Driscoll’s in an ethical and business-like professional manner in all interactions with growers, co-workers, suppliers, customers and the business community at large

Candidate Profile

•    Be currently enrolled or recently completed a Bachelor’s program in Plant Science, Food Science, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Nutrition or similar program
•    Junior/Senior undergraduate or early graduate student a plus
•    Prior coursework in chemistry and biology required
•    Liquid and/or gas chromatography application experience required 
•    Prior lab experience required
•    Be able to work in both a research lab and outdoor field environment
•    Ability to work with dynamic and diverse team of researchers and scientists
•    Have great verbal and written communication skills
•    Be reliable, honest, and trustworthy
•    Must be able to lift 25 lbs 
•    Driver’s license and the ability to be covered under company-sponsored vehicle insurance program

Compensation
The following information is provided in good faith as a general description of the salary range and benefits for the position posted.  The actual compensation offered to the successful candidate is dependent upon experience, skills, education, work location, internal pay equity, and other objective job-related factors. 

The hourly range estimated for this internship is: Freshman to recent grad: $18-$22/Masters to PhD: $26-$40

About Driscolls

Driscoll's is the global market leader for fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. With more than 100 years of farming heritage and hundreds of independent growers around the world, Driscoll's is passionate about growing fresh, beautiful and delicious berries. Our values of humility, passion and trustworthiness have guided our mission to delight consumers around the world.

Driscoll's exclusive patented berry varieties are developed through years of research using only natural breeding methods – meaning, no GMOs. From farm-to-table, we focus on delivering a high quality, premium berry experience with our many supply chain partners.

Driscoll's is the trusted brand for Only the Finest Berries™.

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Driscoll's es el proveedor líder en la comercialización de Fresas, Frambuesas, Zarzamoras y Arándanos Azules en el mundo. Con más de 100 años de herencia en agricultura y cientos de productores independiente alrededor del mundo, Driscoll's es una compañía apasionada por cultivar Berries frescas, hermosas y deliciosas. Nuestros valores de humildad, pasión y confianza han guiado nuestra misión de deleitar a los consumidores en el mundo.

Las variedades exclusivas de Driscoll's han sido desarrolladas a través de años de investigación usando sólo métodos de mejoramiento natural. De la granja a la mesa, nos enfocamos en ofrecer una experiencia de alta calidad con apoyo de nuestros socios de la cadena de suministro.

Driscoll's es la marca de confianza de sólo las mejores Berries.