Job Description: Intern Student ENSA & M4C02 Biotechnology The Organization The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. With novel partnerships, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams innovations to transform food systems and landscapes so that they sustain the planet, drive prosperity, and nourish people. The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future. About the position This internship opportunity is designed for highly motivated undergraduate students with a background in microbiology, biochemical engineering, or related fields who are eager to gain hands-on experience in both laboratory and field-based research. The intern will support ongoing projects at the Palmira Campus, contributing to activities such as the preservation of bacterial strains, quantification of mycorrhizal fungi on plant roots, and greenhouse gas sampling. In addition to technical responsibilities, the intern will engage in data analysis, report writing, and interpretation of results that contribute to national and international research efforts in environmental monitoring and soil microbiology. The position offers a multidisciplinary environment that encourages collaboration, learning, and scientific growth. The position will be based in the operations center of the Americas, located in the Campus of Palmira, Colombia. Key Responsibilities - Maintain and preserve bacterial strains under controlled laboratory conditions. - Assist in the quantification of mycorrhizal fungi on plant roots using microscopy and related techniques. - Support greenhouse gas sampling campaigns in the field. - Collect, organize, manage, and analyze experimental data. - Contribute to the drafting of technical reports and documentation. - Assist in the interpretation of scientific findings to support ongoing research objectives. - Collaborate effectively with researchers, laboratory technicians, and field staff. - Follow established technical protocols and maintain laboratory and fieldwork standards. Delivery Tasks - Maintain and preserve bacterial strains under defined laboratory protocols and conditions. - Accurately quantify mycorrhizal fungi on plant roots using microscopy or equivalent analytical techniques. - Participate in greenhouse gas sampling and support environmental monitoring efforts in field settings. - Apply basic statistical tools and assist in the interpretation of experimental results. - Contribute to the drafting of technical reports and research summaries in English. - Ensure all tasks align with the project's scientific objectives and quality standards. Requirements Qualifications and requirements - Bachelor’s degree program in Biochemical Engineering, Microbiology, Biology, Environmental Sciences, or a closely related field. - Prior experience with basic microbiological techniques in laboratory or academic settings. - Participation in student research programs, field courses, or experimental projects related to microbiology. - Familiarity with experimental design and execution of lab and/or field trials is a plus. - Proficiency in data organization, basic statistical analysis, and scientific reporting. - Solid command of Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). - Advanced English proficiency, particularly in speaking and writing technical content. - English level of English (oral and written). - Demonstrated attention to detail, flexibility, and proactive attitude toward tasks and challenges Skills - Proven ability to integrate, inspire and develop multidisciplinary teams and manage talent, with a strong commitment to promoting diversity, knowledge sharing, and staff development. - Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team with people in a multi-cultural and multidisciplinary environment. - Adapt to changing priorities and field/laboratory conditions with flexibility and a problem-solving attitude. - Collaborate proactively with team members and demonstrate initiative in improving processes or proposing alternatives. Benefits Terms of Employment This is a national call for applications in Colombia and will be administered through a six (6)-month fixed-term contract under the modality of Internship Student, available starting September 2025. The Alliance Bioversity International – CIAT offers a multicultural and academic research environment, with competitive compensation and excellent benefits. We are an organization that believes diversity drives excellence, and we are committed to equal employment opportunities. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, identity, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnicity, age, marital status, or any other personal characteristic of our staff or applicants. Careers | Alliance Bioversity International – CIAT