Learn HPLC and work in a research lab analyzing secondary plant metabolites
Project scope
Categories
Chemical engineering Healthcare Biotechnology Environmental sustainability Scientific researchSkills
sample preparation high-performance liquid chromatography chromatography horticulture plant propagation plant biotechnology bioactive plant food compoundsOur company researches plant secondary metabolites and ways to generate commercially useful compounds using those enzymatic pathways. We are looking for a student to assist us in this research via hands-on experiments.
Our constantly expanding seed library aims to cover all of the common and readily available crop plant families, as well as less common ones to ensure the broadest coverage for available genes. The genes that allow plants to produce the hundreds of thousands of known secondary metabolites are spread out through many families and even species, so unlocking the full potential of HAP starts with a strong and diverse germplasm catalogue.
- Students will learn the basics of High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and learn how to run samples and interpret results
- Sample preparation, turning live plant tissues into HPLC-ready extracts
- Students will learn research lab horticultural practices of growing sprouts and seedlings.
- Student will assist in routine lab procedures - cleaning labware, preparing stock solutions, etc.
- Students will learn how to use Agilent Chromatography hardware and software (one of the leading chromatography companies globally).
- Students will be tasked with presenting their findings.
The project will take place mostly onsite at our lab in Vancouver and you'll be provided with all the materials and requirements needed. Interns will be instructed by on site professionals until they can do the protocols independently.
Our team is here to help you learn during your 80 hours with us! If you've interested in the work we're doing and eager to learn and ask questions we want to work with you and will teach you what you need to know along the way.
We will give our time and experience as well as provide the learner with literature and equipment. We will provide: guidance, readings, deadlines, and a space that is conducive for accomplishment.
Supported causes
Industry, innovation and infrastructureAbout the company
Our company is engaged in mapping out a new branch of botany called natural enzyme promiscuity (or 'silent metabolism' - see resource file). This is the way plants react when introduced to exogenous chemicals.