Research Intern - Women in STEM Internship Program

This Women in STEM (WiSTEM) Internship at DeNova offers students a valuable co-op opportunity to gain hands-on experience in biotechnology research and development. As a Research Intern, you will be part of DeNova’s R&D team, supporting scientific and engineering projects that contribute to our mission of developing more sustainable approaches to food production. You’ll gain exposure to continuous fermentation and downstream bioprocessing, learn directly from highly skilled scientists and engineers, and take part in research that addresses global challenges in food security.

What You'll Do:

• Support daily R&D operations: complete basic microbiology training, practice aseptic techniques, support media preparation, and help maintain a clean and organized work environment.
• Assist with fermentation and bioprocessing research: support lab research activities, including basic bioreactor operations, data collection, and process sampling.
• Complete a guided independent research project: contribute to the design and own the execution of a research project aligned with DeNova’s R&D priorities.
• Analyze and communicate findings: Collect, organize, and analyze experimental data, prepare progress updates, and present project outcomes in written and oral formats.
• Collaborate with the team: Participate in team meetings and events, and work collaboratively with DeNova's experienced team of scientists and engineers.

What You'll Gain:

• Build practical experience in industrial fermentation and biomanufacturing, fast-growing fields shaping the future of sustainable production.
• Work hands-on with lab-scale bioprocessing equipment in a real R&D environment.
• Learn how experimental work is planned, documented, analyzed, and communicated in an applied R&D setting.
• Strengthen technical, research, and analytical skills through active participation in research activities, data interpretation, and problem solving.
• Receive mentorship from scientists and engineers and gain insight into diverse career paths in R&D and biomanufacturing.
• Complete a guided independent research project that you can speak to in future academic, co-op, or career opportunities.
• Grow your professional network within Nova Scotia’s biotechnology and biomanufacturing sector.
• Join a collaborative, mission-driven team where interns are trusted with meaningful work and supported throughout the internship.

About DeNova:

DeNova is a Nova Scotia biotechnology company developing microbial fermentation technology to produce sustainable protein ingredients for food and feed applications. Our work sits at the intersection of biotechnology, food systems, and climate resilience. We are building practical, scalable solutions that can help reduce pressure on conventional protein supply chains while creating new opportunities in sustainable food production.

Qualifications:

You might be a great fit for this opportunity if you:

• Are completing or have completed at least one year of post-secondary education in science, engineering, or a related field - and are seeking a co-op placement.
• Have an enthusiasm for sustainable innovation and a keen interest in biotechnology, fermentation, or industrial biomanufacturing.
• Have hands-on experience in an academic or industry lab setting - exposure to aseptic technique, agar plating, pipetting, solution preparation, or other routine lab techniques would be considered an asset.
• Bring strong communication, organization, and time management skills.
• Are curious, collaborative, and solution-oriented.
• Are comfortable asking questions, sharing observations, and applying guidance in day-to-day work.
• Are comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-based environment
• Approach your work professionally, respectfully, and with a strong commitment to safety, good documentation habits, and established lab procedures.
  

Note: This internship is designed to expand opportunities for women to gain meaningful exposure to biotechnology and biomanufacturing, where they continue to be underrepresented. The position is therefore open only to applicants who identify as women.