Research Associate Intern

🔬 Microbiology Internship at Tolka

Tolka is a pioneering biotech startup backed by Khosla Ventures and Draper Associates, focused on developing phage therapy to tackle one of humanity’s most urgent challenges: antibiotic resistance.

By 2050, antibiotic-resistant bacteria are projected to kill more people than cancer. At Tolka, we believe phages—nature’s original nanobots, hyper-specific, self-replicating, and astonishingly adaptable—are our best shot at stopping this silent pandemic.

You will work on a moonshot goal: eradicating antibiotic-resistant superbugs using phage therapy—an approach still invisible to most of the world, but one that could redefine how we treat infections.

🧪 About the Role

We are seeking ambitious, thoughtful, and unorthodox thinkers to join our microbiology team as interns. This is a hands-on role where you’ll work directly on a high-impact drug development pipeline, learning from PhDs, biotech veterans, and experienced microbiologists.

This is more than an internship—it’s a chance to help shape the future of medicine.

• Pay starts at $14/hour
• Location: South Florida
• Minimum age: 18 years

🧬 What You’ll Do

• Collect environmental samples (soil, sewage, pond water, compost, farm waste) for phage discovery
• Prepare and process samples for phage isolation
• Assist in preparing and maintaining bacterial cultures
• Conduct microbiological assays to identify and characterize phages
• Analyze plaque assay results to help guide phage selection decisions
• Participate in experimental design discussions with the R&D team
• Propose new phage hunting or screening strategies based on your findings or literature reviews
• Prepare reports, visual summaries, and presentations of lab findings
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe BSL-2 lab environment
• Support ongoing research projects and participate in team meetings

🌟 What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art microbiology lab
• Exposure to cutting-edge translational science in an entrepreneurial setting
• Mentorship from scientists and biotech leaders
• A front-row seat to how science, strategy, and venture capital come together to build new therapies
• Opportunities for co-authorship on publications and long-term positions based on performance
• A deep dive into the real-world challenges of developing next-generation antimicrobials

✅ Who Should Apply?

You might be a great fit if:

• You’re currently studying microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, or a related field
• You’ve spent late nights running gels or reading microbiology papers for fun
• You love being in the lab and want to work on something that truly matters
• You’re organized, curious, and able to work both independently and collaboratively
• You care about solving hard problems with urgency, creativity, and compassion

We welcome applications from recent graduates, current university students, community college students, and gap-year students.

If some of the above doesn’t align perfectly with your background—don’t worry. If you’re thoughtful, a lifelong learner, and a collaborative teammate, we still encourage you to apply.

💬 How to Apply

Ready to apply? Click here to get started or email us at jobs@tolka.ai if you have any questions.

Tolka is an equal-opportunity employer.