R&D molecular biology Intern

Who we are

Neoplants is a biotech start-up using cutting-edge synthetic biology techniques to develop the next generation of plants for the benefit of humans and our planet. We have set up a brand-new lab located in Saint-Ouen where our R&D team is turning incredible visions into real-world products.

Working with us means interacting with our scientists in biochemistry molecular biology plant transgenesis genome editing and microbiome enhancement. You will get to exercise your creative thinking team spirit and leadership capabilities by experiencing work in an ultra fast-moving environment. You will also help bring new ideas and a fresh perspective to our projects.

If you are as excited as we are about using state of the art technologies exploring uncharted scientific territories pushing the boundaries of what is conceivable if you want to transform the way people think about genetics and work on inspiring deep-tech products that have a real positive impact on the environment and peoples lives youre in the right place.

About this internship

Context:

Modern agriculture relies heavily on the use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers produced via the industrial Haber-Bosch process. While crucial for maintaining crop yields and global food security this reliance presents economic and environmental costs that have become unsustainable. The Haber-Bosch process is highly energy-intensive (consuming approximately 1 to 2% of the worlds annual energy supply) and contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions (Erisman et al. 2008). Ecologically agricultural runoff from excess fertilizers leads to severe pollution of aquatic ecosystems triggering the eutrophication of waterways and coastal zones.

In response to this environmental urgency and the volatility of energy costs synthetic biology is actively exploring sustainable alternatives based on biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). This natural process exclusive to certain microorganisms known as diazotrophs allows them to convert atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃) a form that can be readily assimilated by plants. This conversion is catalyzed by nitrogenase a complex metal-dependent enzyme whose biosynthesis is encoded by the multiple genes of the nif cluster.

We will be Using the model bacterium Escherichia coli as an engineering chassis to study the precise stoichiometric assembly required to yield an active enzyme (Wang et al. 2013; Yang et al. 2014). This internship is positioned precisely within this innovative framework: by cloning nif gene clusters from various diazotrophic organisms into E. coli the objective is to compare their catalytic efficiency and robustness.

Objective:

The objective of this internship is to transfer the nif genes from various diazotrophs in E. coli to benchmark their efficiency and understand the key parameters to maximize their nitrogen fixation in a heterologous system.

Key Techniques:

• Genomic DNA extraction: Extract genomic DNA from various diazotrophic bacteria requiring protocol adaptation

• Primer design & PCR: Design the primers and perform PCR to amplify genomic regions of source organisms to clone

• In-silico and in-vivo Yeast Cloning: Clone the amplified fragments in yeast followed by validation via yeast colony PCR agarose gel electrophoresis and yeast miniprep

• NGS sequencing: To analyze and validate the assemblies

• N2 fixation assay: N2 fixation assay with E. coli harboring the cloned genes

• Amino acid extraction and LC-MS/MS: Extraction of key target amino acids and quantification on LC-MS/MS

Project Title: Studying nitrogen fixation in Escherichia coli

Project Leader: Carla Maneira da Silva

Duration: 4 - 6 months internship from April 2026 (starting date flexible)

This internship will provide you with the opportunity to develop technical skills in plant and molecular biology while contributing to the development of an innovative method. You will also get the chance to discover the working environment of an R&D lab in a dynamic and vibrant startup.

Why join us

Contribute to global innovation by collaborating with world-class experts in their field learn from the founders and get regular updates on everything happening in the company through monthly company-wide meetings.

Join an innovative startup where you can make an impact and at any position in the company

Participate in recurring company events such as our annual kick-off offsite seminar after-work celebrations every month team activities like escape games or go-karting

Come work in our brand new Neolab The Seed: A unique 1200m2 space on two floors featuring a state-of-the-art wetlab full-scale performance testing rooms among other high-end equipment as well as open offices and great team spaces!

Enjoy great benefits:

• Competitive compensation

• Transportation (Navigo card or bike pass): 100% reimbursed.

• Mücho (lunch vouchers): 10 per day worked - 60% paid by the company

• Healthy snacks and fruit in the office

• Your own Mac Book pro

• Personalized little attentions

Other information about the role:

Office location: The Seed 47 Rue du Docteur Léonce Basset 93400 Saint-Ouen

Starting date: April 2026