E11 Bio - Expansion Microscopy Intern

As an Expansion Microscopy Intern at E11 Bio, your core responsibilities entail independently designing and executing bench-level experiments essential for the development of advanced microscopy technologies for neuroscience. You will work on multi-round readout experiments involving tissue processed with expansion microscopy, engaging in cycles of immunostaining, imaging, and signal extinction while collaborating closely with both experimental and computational scientists.

To qualify for the Expansion Microscopy Intern position at E11 Bio, candidates should possess experience with basic molecular biology laboratory techniques, such as work with tissue slices and immunohistochemistry. Attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and strong interpersonal abilities are essential. Preferred candidates may also have experience with computational tools for image processing and techniques in optical microscopy.

The internship duration for the Expansion Microscopy Intern position at E11 Bio typically ranges from 8 to 16 months, with negotiable start and end dates. This flexible timing allows interns to tailor their experience to align with their academic or personal schedules while making a substantial impact in the field of neuroscience.

As an Expansion Microscopy Intern at E11 Bio, you will work on exciting and innovative projects, such as piloting methods for the homogeneous penetration of affinity probes and optimizing expansion microscopy protocols focused on signal retention. You'll also contribute to integrating additional biological modalities in the existing expansion microscopy workflow, expanding your skill set in this cutting-edge science.

At E11 Bio, the work culture emphasizes collaboration and inclusivity. You will be part of a tight-knit, interdisciplinary team dedicated to open science, and you'll engage with passionate experts across various fields. The environment is dynamic and nurturing, allowing you to grow personally and professionally while contributing to high-impact projects in neuroscience.

In answering this question, provide specific examples of molecular biology techniques you've worked with, such as immunohistochemistry or working with tissue slices. Highlight how these experiences have prepared you for the challenges you'll face at E11 Bio, focusing on the skills and knowledge you've gained that relate directly to the position.

When asked this question, showcase your critical thinking skills. Describe how you would start by reviewing existing literature, defining objectives, choosing appropriate techniques and controls, and anticipating possible outcomes. Emphasize the importance of collaboration and how you would engage with team members at E11 Bio to refine your experimental design.

In your response, emphasize the collaborative nature of scientific research. Discuss how teamwork fosters diverse viewpoints and leads to innovative solutions, referencing how working alongside experts at E11 Bio could improve overall project outcomes. Mention specific experiences where teamwork has led to success in previous projects.

Describe specific imaging techniques you've employed and detail the contexts in which you used them. Relate these experiences to potential responsibilities at E11 Bio, focusing on your technical skills with programs like ImageJ or Python and your understanding of how imaging contributes to neuroscience research.

Share your passion for innovative microscopy techniques and how they can significantly impact neuroscience. Discuss any prior exposure you've had to expansion microscopy or related technologies, and express your eagerness to develop tools that pave the way for new discoveries in this critical field.

Explain your problem-solving process when faced with complex situations in the lab. Highlight your ability to analyze data, troubleshoot experiments, and adapt methodologies accordingly. Emphasize a positive attitude that views challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement.

Discuss the importance of meticulous record-keeping in scientific research. Share your approach to documenting every experiment promptly, including details about methodologies, observed outcomes, and reflections for future reference. Highlight how maintaining an organized and accurate lab notebook contributes to effective collaboration with peers at E11 Bio.

Provide insights into your experience with relevant software such as ImageJ, Python, or other data analysis tools. Describe instances where you’ve utilized these skills in past studies or projects and how you foresee leveraging these tools at E11 Bio to analyze experimental outcomes efficiently.

Articulate your understanding of open science and its importance in driving transparency and collaboration in research. Discuss how you would embrace this ethos at E11 Bio by sharing your findings with the community, participating in discussions, and encouraging open datasets wherever possible to foster collective advancement in the field.

In your answer, express your eagerness to expand your knowledge base and technical skills within the realms of neuroscience and microscopy. Discuss your goal to learn from the industry’s best, contribute to impactful projects, and how you aim to make meaningful contributions to the mission of E11 Bio while growing your own expertise.