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.
Timeframe: June 1 to August 7, full time (40 hrs/week) or full time, with possible longer-term opportunities.
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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
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The Discovery Biosystems team sits at a dynamic intersection, bridging reagent validation, protein science, mechanistic research, and disease modeling to deliver biologically meaningful insights that drive diagnostic development.
Goals to Accomplish:
- Design and execute experiments under scientific supervision
- Use molecular biology to probe protein function and localization
- Contribute meaningful data to at least one ongoing team project or research question
Qualifications:
Required:
- Laboratory experience in either an academic or industry setting
- Good knowledge of biochemistry/molecular biology concepts and understanding of techniques in which to test them
- A self-motivated individual with a hunger to learn
Desired:
- Experience with flow cytometry & assay development
Things you will learn:
- Learn to critically evaluate results and distinguish between technical artifacts and biological signals
- Develop the ability to troubleshoot experimental failures and propose solutions
- Develop confidence in communicating scientific ideas clearly and concisely
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The New Product Development Team is looking to provide hands‑on 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 problem‑solving approaches
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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
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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 large‑scale production.
Goals to Accomplish
- Support the development of new manufacturing processes and refine existing workflows to improve consistency and efficiency.
- Execute small, well‑scoped experiments, document observations, and summarize results to inform team decisions.
- Contribute to consumable manufacturing activities within the Pilot Line, ensuring high‑quality and timely output.
- Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and data collection for lab equipment to maintain reliable day‑to‑day 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 thin‑film 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.
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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
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What you can expect from us:
- Salary range starting at $20.00/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.
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What We Do
10,000 people, one global focus - enhancing the health and well-being of pets, people, and livestock We are passionate about what we do at IDEXX – and why wouldn’t we be? When you’re working to raise the standard of care for pets, make drinking water safe for billions and keep our livestock population around the globe healthy and free of disease, it’s no wonder that what we do each day is more than just a job. There’s an energy across IDEXX that is contagious – where caring and committed people come together to make things better. IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ: IDXX), a member of the S&P 500, is a leader in pet healthcare innovation, serving practicing veterinarians around the world with a broad range of diagnostic and information technology-based products and services. Headquartered in southern Maine, we conduct operations through more than 70 locations around the world and serve customers in over 175 countries. Our primary business focuses on pet health, a growing market around the world. Our products —in-clinic diagnostic tests and instrumentation, reference laboratory and telemedicine consultation services, and practice management software—enhance the ability of veterinarians to provide advanced medical care, improve staff efficiency and to build more economically successful practices. We also develop and manufacture diagnostic tests and information for the global production animal industry, including poultry and livestock, as well as tests for the quality and safety of water and milk. Please visit our website, IDEXX.com/careers, for further information and to view all of our job opportunities.
