The Adelaide Graduate Research School (AGRS) and SA Nano are partnering to create an internship opportunity for a University of Adelaide PhD student, to contribute to the following project.

About SA Nano

SA Nano is a University of Adelaide spin-out company developing next generation microfluidic technologies for the synthesis of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and personalised mRNA medicines. Our mission is to democratise nanomedicine research and development by providing low cost, user friendly, and scalable solutions that enable researchers to move seamlessly from benchtop studies to clinical scale production.

With our flagship devices NanoGo and NanoGo Neo, we are reshaping how scientists and biotech innovators access advanced nanoparticle synthesis, bringing high quality, reproducible nanomedicine production within reach of any laboratory.

Role Overview

We are seeking a motivated and ambitious Research and Development Intern to contribute to laboratory experimentation and early stage product development. This internship is ideal for a PhD student in the early stages of their studies who is looking to expand their skills in nanoparticle formulation, microfluidics, and translational biotechnology within a dynamic start up environment.

This is an unpaid role with flexible scheduling to complement your studies. The experience will provide exposure to both academic research and the fast moving world of biotech commercialisation.

Eligible PhD candidates will be supported to undertake the internship with a Research Internship scholarship from the AGRS. Please contact hdr_internships@adelaide.edu.au to confirm your eligibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with experimental work on lipid nanoparticle formulation for drug delivery
• Operate and develop microfluidic platforms for nanoparticle synthesis
• Handle and process mRNA samples for encapsulation studies
• Maintain exceptional accuracy in data recording, analysis, and reporting
• Contribute to experimental design and troubleshooting with high attention to detail
• Present findings clearly to internal team members and collaborators
• Support the development of laboratory workflows and protocols
• Participate in start up team discussions, offering creative solutions to technical and operational challenges

Desired Skills and Attributes

• Current PhD enrolment in a relevant field (chemical engineering, nanomedicine, biotechnology, or related discipline)
• Within the first 18 months of PhD candidature
• Research background in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for drug delivery
• Microfluidic experience highly preferred
• Skills in mRNA handling and characterisation
• Strong organisational skills with meticulous attention to detail
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Confident public speaker, comfortable giving instructions and presentations
• Creative problem solver with a high degree of agency and drive
• Passion for contributing to an early stage, rapidly moving biotech start up

What We Offer

• Hands on experience in advanced nanomedicine research and microfluidic technology
• Opportunity to contribute to cutting edge start up projects with direct translational potential
• Mentorship from researchers and entrepreneurs with backgrounds spanning academia and industry
• A collaborative and fast paced environment where your ideas will make an impact

Eligibility:  The PhD student must be:  

• within the first 18 months of their candidature,  
• willing to undertake the research internship for a minimum duration of 60 FTE business days,  
• making satisfactory progress, and  
• undertaking research in an area aligned with the proposed research internship project  

More information about University of Adelaide's Research Internships is available here.

Application Process:  To apply, please email the following documents to hdr_internships@adelaide.edu.au (HDR Internships Team) with the internship name in the title:  

• Resume
• Cover Letter (of not more than 2 pages) outlining your interest in the internship and describing how your research area aligns with the proposed field of research internship.  

Please note that applications will be considered on a rolling basis and the advertisement may be closed earlier if a suitable applicant is shortlisted for a particular project prior to the listed closing date. Furthermore, if shortlisted, a meeting is likely to be organised between the student, their supervisor and the organisation's focal contact person within a week of shortlisting. Students may consider discussing their internship plans with their Principal Supervisor in anticipation of that.