Scientific Internship

Company:                   Wyonics LLC

Location:                    Laramie, Wyoming, United States

Job Reference:          2023-10

Schedule:                   Part-Time, 20 hours/week

Start Date:                  ASAP

Salary Range:            $25/hour

Posted Date:             January 17, 2023, Applications will be reviewed as received.

 

Wyonics (http://wyonics.com/) is a scientific innovation company in Laramie, WY, with the mission to develop and implement sustainable solutions to economic and environmental challenges faced in Wyoming and beyond. We are a start-up company with active projects with the U.S. government and external contributors. Wyonics’ technologies span the fields of chemistry, advanced materials, biopolymers, instrumentation, electrochemistry, ionic liquids, biochemistry, and green chemistry with a focus on sustainable development. Wyonics has partnered with the University of Wyoming and the NSF-funded BIO-SENS program for this internship opportunity.

Job Description. Wyonics is seeking highly motivated employees that are excited about developing new technologies to enable a sustainable future, perform laboratory work, and being part of a start-up environment. The primary focus will be on developing flexible skills including complex problem solving, analytical thinking, and innovation. We will provide a solid technical foundation for interns of all levels, whether you are a student or looking for a new career path.

 

The goal of this internship program is to prepare you for careers in scientific/technical industries, while working on emerging technologies at Wyonics. Wyonics has partnered with the University of Wyoming and the NSF-funded BIO-SENS program to provide additional training and opportunities to the interns. A primary component of the internship will be to contribute to Wyonics’ ongoing projects and activities, while receiving meaningful scientific, technology, and business-specific training.

 

Interns will receive training in a variety of scientific/technical areas, including wet lab chemistry, analytical techniques, optics, instrumentation design, software development, and materials synthesis. Additional skills/competencies to be attained during the internship include: innovation, problem solving, analytical thinking, good lab practices, record keeping, networking, public speaking, grant writing, scientific writing, fundraising, and reporting. The intellectual development of interns will be fostered through day-to-day interactions with their Wyonics’ mentor and weekly group meetings with Wyonics and UW team members where interns discuss research results and current literature with their peers. This training is designed to ensure interns are prepared to pursue scientific or technical careers in industry, government labs, or academia.

 

The successful candidates will work closely with Wyonics personnel to materially participate in ongoing efforts, several funded by the Department of Energy. Travel and networking opportunities will be provided as they arise. Interns will also participate in the NSF-funded BIO-SENS program, which includes additional biotech-specific programming and mentoring, including travel to the annual BIO-SENS meeting.

 

 

Ongoing projects at Wyonics include:

-Biopolymer recovery and advanced materials development from waste products.

-Critical materials and rare earth element separations and recovery.

-Ionic liquid processes and applications.

-Design, construction, programming, and validation of analytical instrumentation platforms for applications in nuclear forensics, microplastics, and semiconductors.

-Lithium extraction and recovery from WY geothermal brines.

 

Any applicants interested in developing new technologies to enable a sustainable future, being part of a start-up environment, gaining experience for an industrial role (e.g., technician, scientist), or starting their own scientific business are encouraged to apply. This can include students, community members, etc. This list is not exhaustive!

 

The structure of the internship will be determined based on onboarding interviews with the career path of the intern and Wyonics’ needs in mind. Examples include:

·      Perform scientific/technical research and development in a laboratory setting

·      Gather data through interviews or observations

·      Draws conclusions and makes recommendations based on research findings

·      Attend project meetings, trainings, and present findings regularly

·      Assist with other identified duties for Wyonics, as needed

·      Limited travel (<5%)

 

·      Able to follow instructions and scientific protocols

·      Possesses strong problem-solving skills

·      1+ years laboratory or technical experience which can include undergraduate lab courses, job-related experience, or other relevant experiences. Please describe the relevant experience in the statement of interest.

 

·      2+ years laboratory or technical experience

·      Ability to read and understand scientific literature

 

Please submit the following materials and questions to krdibona@wyonics.com         

·      CV or Resume

·      Statement of Interest, including qualifications and internship goals (<1 page)

·      Contact Information for Three References