2026 Molecular Biology Intern
WHO WE ARE
As an intern for the Environmental Services Process Engineering, Research and Development, Air Quality (PERDAQ) department in the Metropolitan Environmental Services division, you will have the opportunity to practice field sampling, laboratory techniques, and engineering principles. Your role will be to help conduct applied research to optimize full-scale system performance and decrease operational costs. Your work experience will include literature review, full-scale sampling, time series data analysis, and technical writing and presentations.
Intern Project Description: You will work with scientists and engineers to develop reverse transcriptase qPCR (RT-qPCR) methods that quantify activity of phosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs) in aerobic and anaerobic zones of an activated sludge process performing enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR). The project aims to evaluate functional gene expression as a leading indicator of biological phosphorous removal (BioP) upsets and overall performance at a full-scale water resource recovery facility (WRRF). Responsibilities will include performing DNA/RNA extractions, evaluating extraction performance, running RT-qPCR plates, optimizing RT-qPCR assays, performing gel electrophoresis, and other related work in our molecular biology lab. This work will support and provide synergy to ongoing projects and experiments aimed at optimizing EBPR performance in our activated sludge treatment systems.
Beyond technical work under the guidance of experienced mentors and in collaboration with a range of personnel and background expertise (engineers, scientists, operators, and management), we will provide the intern insight into the opportunities and challenges of research at a public utility, and support for their career/educational path development.
Internship Information:
- Length: Summer with a chance to extend to school year
- Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) summer, June – August, and the potential for part-time (at least 10-20 hours per week) during the school year
- Start Date: 06/01/2026
- Location: Metro Plant, 2400 Childs Rd, St. Paul MN 55106
NOTE: This is an onsite, in-person position.
What does an internship with the Metropolitan Council entail?
Our internships are designed to provide students meaningful work, be an introduction to public service and a chance to discover the Metropolitan Council.
Who is the Metropolitan Council?
The Metropolitan Council is made up of several operating divisions that service the Twin Cities Metropolitan area in a number of ways.
- Metro Transit provides bus and light rail public transportation for the greater metropolitan area.
- Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) manages wastewater treatment plants and the regional wastewater collection system for the seven-county metropolitan region.
- Community Development is responsible for helping the Council shape its regional growth plan and Metro HRA provides affordable housing programs in the region.
- Metropolitan Transportation Services (MTS) is responsible for the transportation planning functions as the Twin Cities metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for transportation.
- Regional Administration provides support services (Finance, Payroll, HR, etc.) for the Council.
What you would do in this job
- Participate in optimization of qPCR assays. Learn and apply an intimate knowledge of qPCR mechanisms to guide method development.
- Design experiments to assess the relationship between PAO gene expression and EBPR performance. Learn and apply knowledge of PAO metabolism under aerobic and anaerobic conditions to evaluate meaningfulness and efficacy of RT-qPCR methods for assessing EBPR performance.
- Collaborate with staff scientists and engineers on current EBPR projects. Apply RT-qPCR assays to support ongoing studies of PAO activity during carbon deficits and with varying carbon sources.
- Analyze data generated through experiments, identify causes and potential performance optimization steps, and share findings in technical presentations and a summary report.
What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)
- Must be enrolled in a degree seeking program (Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD.) OR be a recent graduate (within 12 months from posting date) from a degree program.
- Candidate's residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin during the internship.
- An UNOFFICIAL transcript is required to be attached to application.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- This internship is best suited for individuals with an academic focus in molecular biology, biological sciences, bioengineering, environmental engineering, chemical engineering and/or a similar field in STEM with relevant molecular biology experience.
DEGREE PROGRAM/AREA OF STUDY PREFERRED
- Molecular biology, biological sciences, bioengineering, environmental engineering, chemical engineering and/or a similar field in STEM with relevant molecular biology.
What you can expect from us:
- We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
- We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.
More about why you should join us!
Additional information
Union: American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No
What steps the recruitment process involves:
1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:
If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.
If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.
IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.
The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.
Employer
Metropolitan Council
Address
390 Robert St. N.
St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101
Website