Summer Intern, Drug Discovery

About Hexagon Bio:

Hexagon Bio leverages a genomics-based platform and understanding of natural product evolution to develop next-generation medicines for human disease. Hexagon Bio's algorithms identify gene clusters that encode the machinery needed to produce specialized metabolites that can be harnessed against human disease targets. Our unique platform allows us to produce new chemical leads based on these findings. We use data science, genomics, synthetic biology, and automation to discover potent, evolutionarily refined small molecules and their cognate targets from fungal genomes, and apply medicinal chemistry when needed to optimize these molecules into truly transformative medicines.

Location: Menlo Park, California

Job Description:

We are searching for a highly motivated Summer Intern, Drug Discovery, to support our target validation workflow, which drives the initiation of new drug discovery programs. This intern would gain experience with yeast biology, sequencing workflows and cell-based assays. They would learn how to set up an experiment, process and analyze the data and think through what the next steps are.

Responsibilities:

• Screen antifungal metabolites with next-generation sequencing workflows to identify their targets 
• Design and perform cell-based experiments to confirm potential target-metabolite pairs 
• Assist in method development to increase the throughput, efficiency and applicability of aforementioned target discovery and confirmation assays
• Analyze and report data through both written and verbal communication during team meetings 
• Follow good laboratory practices including taking meticulous notes for experiment documentation in a LIMS notebook
• Develop clear workflows and Standard Operating Procedures, and refine existing ones. 
• Communicate effectively and coordinate tasks with cross-disciplinary teams

Key Qualifications: 

• Currently enrolled in a biology or chemistry-related university program
• Interest in working at the interface of experimental and data science
• Must have previous experience working in a wet lab
• Ability to work at Menlo Park, CA location for the duration of the 10-week internship
• Experience culturing yeast or human cells (preferred)
• Basic understanding of command line (preferred)
• Rising juniors and seniors (preferred

What We Offer:

• A flexible and dynamic work environment, where you pave your own path; Hexagon cultivates the unique strengths of employees at all levels and provides mobility across departments.
• Monthly “All Hands Meetings” provide an opportunity to share company and team updates. These meetings are rooted in our value of transparency and designed to foster a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and open communication.
• A range of amenities, courtesy of the Menlo Park Labs business park including shuttle, gym, rock-climbing wall, pool, sports courts, cafe, bike lockers, and free EV charging stations.
• Opportunities to engage with the Hexagon community through team-building events like our monthly Hexagon Happy Hour and holiday parties.

Additional Information

The pay range for this intern position is $20 - $28 per hour. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for undergraduate interns for the position across California locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Hexagon Bio is an equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workplace. All applicants will be considered equally without regard to race, color, ethnicity, veteran status, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, membership in an organization, or any other non-merit factors.