Location: Duke University, Durham, NC Duration: June–August 2025 (with potential to continue during the academic year for graduate students) 

About the Lab: Our lab at Duke University specializes in the intersection of directed evolution, robotics, and synthetic biology. Led by an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering, we focus on evolving proteins through phage- and virus-assisted continuous evolution, developing custom robotic systems for high-throughput screening, and engineering molecular tools for biomedical research, including epigenetics and cancer biology. We built the open-source PyLabRobot and PyHamilton platforms for custom lab automation and are committed to innovation, collaboration, and scientific rigor. We also value inclusivity and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. 

Project Description: The summer project will center on developing and validating lentiviral screening platforms for synthetic biology and directed evolution applications. The work will involve molecular cloning, viral vector production, and high-throughput screening in mammalian cells, with the opportunity to contribute to an automated evolution platform under active development. 

Responsibilities: 

● Assist with molecular biology experiments (e.g., PCR, plasmid engineering, lentivirus production). 

● Support high-throughput screening efforts using our robotics platforms. 

● Maintain accurate lab records and organize materials for ongoing experiments. 

● Participate in lab meetings and present updates on your work. 

● Contribute to the maintenance of shared reagents and lab organization. 

● Depending on interest and experience, opportunities may include: robot programming, sequencing analysis, mammalian cell culture, and protein function assays. 

Qualifications: 

● Current undergraduate student in bioengineering, chemical engineering, biology, or a related STEM field. 

● Strong interest in biotechnology, molecular biology, and hands-on research. 

● Excellent attention to detail and time management. 

● Ability to work well in a collaborative team environment. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

● Prior wet lab experience (coursework or research). 

● Familiarity with basic molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, etc.). 

● Interest in automation, robotics, or programming is a plus. 

Why Join Us: Our lab provides a unique setting for gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge biomedical research, as you work side-by-side with leading researchers. It's an excellent opportunity to build foundational skills that will be invaluable whether you decide to go into academia or industry. Moreover, if you're considering advanced degrees like a PhD or an MD, or are simply curious about the academic and research commitments involved in these paths, this role offers an insightful experience into what it's like to contribute to groundbreaking work in a top-tier research lab.