R&D Summer Internships

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc
401(k)
United States, Maine, Westbrook
1 IDEXX Drive (Show on map)
Mar 17, 2026
Below is a list of R&D Summer Internship Projects. All roles are in-person in Westbrook, Maine. To qualify for our program, you must be actively enrolled as a student beyond the summer program. We will be hiring one intern per project for a total of 8. Timeframe: June 1 to August 7, full time (40 hrs/week) or full time, with possible longer-term opportunities. ----- The R&D Proteomics Team is a multidisciplinary group focused on developing and applying mass spectrometry-based workflows to support biomarker discovery. The team collaborates cross-functionally with Discovery BioSystems, Reagent Development, and Product Development to deliver high-quality proteomic data that informs diagnostic product design. Goals to Accomplish: Adapt and optimize existing canine proteomics workflows for use in feline samples, including sample preparation, sample runs, and data analysis. Search and analyze canine proteomics data to identify pathogen proteins in blood. Support the development or optimization of sample preparation methods for protein identification. Qualifications: *Required:* Laboratory experience in handling samples (course-based and/or academic/industry research). Good knowledge of biochemistry, analytical chemistry, and/or protein science concepts from college-level coursework. A self-motivated individual with a willingness to learn new techniques and computer tools for analysis. *Optional:* Coursework or project experience in proteomics, liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, or protein biochemistry. Familiarity with LC-MS/MS platforms or proteomic data analysis software. Experience with protein sample preparation techniques such as immunoprecipitation, enzymatic digestion, or chromatographic separations. Basic experience in data analysis (Excel, GraphPad Prism, JMP, Python, or R) will be beneficial. Things You Will Learn: Fundamentals of mass spectrometry-based proteomics, including bottom-up and targeted workflows. Sample preparation techniques for proteomic analysis, including protein extraction, digestion, and peptide cleanup. Proteomic data processing, statistical analysis, and visualization. Systematic problem-solving approaches applied to analytical method development ----- The New Product Development Team is looking to provide handson experience in antibody modeling, bioanalytical characterization, and identify features that improve binding affinity. Goals to Accomplish Perform antibody structure modeling and docking exercises to predict binding interfaces. Analyze computational outputs to propose structural modifications expected to improve affinity. Support experimental bioanalytical characterization, which may include binding assays, and kinetic measurements. Integrate computational and experimental results to confirm hypotheses and generate data-driven recommendations. Assist in preparing data summaries, visualizations, and presentations for internal scientific and cross-functional audiences. Desired Skills Applicants will ideally have experience in laboratory work (course based, academic research, or industry laboratory experience). Good knowledge of chemistry, biology, and/or physics concepts from college level coursework. Willingness to learn new test techniques as well as computer tools for analysis. Experience in statistical data analysis will be beneficial. Nice to Have: Coursework or project experience in protein modeling, docking, or structural analysis Familiarity with binding kinetics, or related bioanalytical methods Previous laboratory or research experience in antibody engineering, protein engineering, or molecular biology What You Will Learn Over the course of the internship, the student will gain: Practical experience with molecular modeling and docking software platforms Knowledge of antibody structure, and paratope-epitope interactions. Exposure to bioanalytical platforms used to characterize binding kinetics and affinity Skills in experimental planning, documentation, and data interpretation Experience translating scientific findings into clear summaries for varied audiences Insight into R&D workflows, collaborative research practices, and systematic problemsolving approaches ----- You will join a New Product Development Team in the characterization and analysis of analytical method comparison. The intern will gain hands-on experience in data collection, analysis, research methodology, experimental observation, and reporting. Goals to Accomplish: Methodology Research: Conduct reviews of analytical methods to understand their applications, advantages, and limitations. Experimental Design: Work with the scientists to plan and design the appropriate experiments to accomplish the desired method comparisons. Data Collection: Perform experiments using multiple analytical assays following the experimental procedures and collect the necessary data. Method Comparison: Using available tools, evaluate and compare the performance of each analytical method based on predefined criteria such as accuracy, efficiency, and ease of use. Documentation: Prepare comprehensive reports detailing the findings including analysis techniques, results, and recommendations. Presentation: Prepare summaries, visualizations, and presentations for both internal scientific and cross-functional audiences. Desired Skills: Education: Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, animal medicine, or other applicable scientific field. Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem solving skills; experience with data analysis tools is a plus. Technical Writing: Ability to document and present findings clearly. Team Player: Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. What You Will Learn: Over the course of the internship, the student will gain: Practical experience with in-clinic assay instruments and assays. Skills in planning, documenting, and interpretation of experimental data. Experience translating scientific findings into clear summaries for varied audiences. Insight into NPD processes and rationales for new products. ----- You will join our cross-functional R&D Process Development Engineering Team focused on post- launch product development and on market enhancements. Goals to accomplish: Summarize and analyze different data sets using software tools such as python, database applications (SQL, Access, Snowflake) and analyze data using statistical software such as JMP/JSL. Perform routine maintenance and data collection for lab equipment including troubleshooting, trending, and SOP refinement. Develop custom test methods to automate lab work such as pipetting, plate washing, etc. Desired Skills: Applicants will ideally have experience in laboratory work (course based, academic research, or industry laboratory experience). Good knowledge of biochemistry, and/or instrumentation concepts from college level coursework. Willingness to learn new test techniques as well as computer tools for analysis. Solid experience in data analysis (JMP) will be beneficial. Python or database experience would be desired. Things you will learn: Design of experiments and data analysis and/or coding Use of automated laboratory equipment Measurement system analysis Process standardization and SOP creation ----- You will be joining the R&D Manufacturing Process Development and Transfer Team, a group dedicated to developing new manufacturing technologies, maturing them through structured process development, and transferring them to Operations for largescale production. Goals to Accomplish Support the development of new manufacturing processes and refine existing workflows to improve consistency and efficiency. Execute small, wellscoped experiments, document observations, and summarize results to inform team decisions. Contribute to consumable manufacturing activities within the Pilot Line, ensuring highquality and timely output. Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and data collection for lab equipment to maintain reliable daytoday operations. Desired Skills: The ideal candidate brings strong attention to detail and a consistent willingness to follow established procedures. They have a foundational understanding of engineering principles and basic laboratory practices, paired with a genuine desire to learn new processes and technologies. Things to Learn Exposure to consumable manufacturing, including thinfilm coating, reagent spotting, drying, testing, and troubleshooting. Installation and qualification of new equipment, including IQ, OQ, PQ activities, and development of work instructions. Designing small experiments, collecting data, and interpreting results. Best practices for documentation, traceability, and disciplined process execution. ----- The Water R&D team is a multidisciplinary team with cross functional collaboration with technical groups in the Water line of business. The team has a targeted interest in characterizing microbial content of various types of water samples through novel methods, platforms, reagents, and instrumentation. Goals to accomplish: Contribute to progress of existing projects by generating data in support of project goals Learn proper and thorough documentation of all work performed Learn appropriate data analysis processes to prove or refute hypotheses being proposed. Be able to present data in a group setting Qualifications: Applicants should have experience in laboratory work (course based, academic research, or industry laboratory experience), a good knowledge of chemistry, biology, and/or physics concepts from college level coursework, and willingness to learn new test techniques both at the lab bench and for data analysis. Solid experience in data analysis using statistical tools would be beneficial. Things you will learn: Fundamentals of microorganism biology and detection technologies, instrumentation, and other analytic techniques Systematic problem-solving approaches and evaluation acuity Product development systems and strategies Planning and execution of experiments Data analysis and communication, and presentation in group format ----- You will join the Diagnostic Assay Instrument Integration Development System purpose of this internship is to expand and scale assay menu capabilities on a diagnostic assay development system, comprised of robotics and instrumentation. The intern will support integration of new assay sequences into the system and develop backend data processing and visualization tools to improve workflow efficiency, data visibility, and scalability. Goals to accomplish: Coordinate with cross-functional engineers to understand assay requirements and translate them into executable machine sequences Program and validate new assay workflows on the development system using Inductive Automation's Ignition HMI Develop automated backend data processing pipelines using Python Create data visualization tools to improve insight into assay performance and reagent lot-to-lot variation using Python and/or JMP statistical methods Improve or extend the Ignition HMI to support new workflows Document processes and train assay/operations teams on new tools and workflows Desired Skills: Applicants will ideally have: Experience using version control tools (e.g., Git/GitHub) Proficiency in Python Strong technical documentation and communication skills Experience working with laboratory instrumentation, automation systems, or data acquisition workflows Experience with statistical data analysis (JMP) Familiarity with Ignition (SCADA / UI development) Things you will learn: Systems-level approach to assay development and characterization Translating assay requirements into automated machine workflows Backend data automation and visualization tool development Working within a cross-functional engineering environment Fundamentals of assay characterization and slide-based analyzer systems Practical application of software development in a regulated laboratory environment ----- You will join the Diagnostic Assay Characterization to determine the root cause of diagnostic assay response impacts due to analyzer protocol changes. You will build functional breakdown maps, develop and conduct experiments to investigate how assays are affected and summarize how study variables contribute overall assay performance. Goals to accomplish: Coordinate with cross-functional scientists and engineers to understand assay functional breakdown centered around key analyzer settings that impact assay performance. Build functional breakdown maps. Develop and conduct experiments to determine how assay performance is affected. Summarize and report findings both written and verbal. Document processes and share learnings with peers. Desired Skills: Applicants will ideally have: Strong technical documentation and communication skills Experience working with laboratory instrumentation (pipettes, balances, thermometers) Experience with statistical data analysis (JMP preferred) Proficiency in small scale experimental design Things you will learn: Systems-level approach to assay development and characterization Working within a cross-functional biology and engineering environment Fundamentals of assay characterization and slide-based analyzer systems Experimental design methods Functional breakdown mapping ----- What you can expect from us: Salary range starting at $21.00/hr based on experience Start contributing to a 401k Why IDEXX: We're proud of the work we do because our work matters. An innovation leader in every industry we serve, we follow our Purpose and Guiding Principles to help pet owners worldwide keep their companion animals healthy and happy, to ensure safe drinking water for billions, and to help farmers protect livestock and poultry from disease. We have customers in over 175 countries and a global workforce of over 10,000 talented people. So, what does that mean for you? We enrich the livelihoods of our employees with a positive and respectful work culture that embraces challenges and encourages learning and discovery. At IDEXX, you will be supported by competitive compensation, incentives, and benefits while enjoying purposeful work that drives improvement. Let's pursue what matters together. IDEXX values a diverse workforce and workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. IDEXX is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws. While we appreciate our staffing partners, we are unable to accept unsolicited agency resumes. #LI-CAG