Gene Hacker Residency
Gene Hacker Residency: CRISPR & Molecular Cloning in a Real BSL-2 Lab. A 4–8 weeks Intravarsity career experience (30–50 hours) for school and undergraduate s
Floor 8 of our San Francisco campus houses a certified BSL-2 lab used by biotech startups developing real therapeutics. You'll be embedded with their scientists — learning BSL-2 safety protocols, performing DNA extraction, running gel electrophoresis, designing CRISPR guide RNAs, and executing molecular cloning workflows. Your lab notebook becomes your Proof-of-Work.
Work inside our San Francisco campus certified BSL-2 biotech lab alongside scientists from a therapeutics startup. Extract DNA, run PCR, design CRISPR guides, and clone genes — real lab work, not simulations.
Who it is for
High school, secondary school students & undergraduates interested in biology or medicine. Basic cell biology knowledge helpful.
Weekly plan
Week 1: Lab Safety & Molecular Foundations
- Complete BSL-2 safety certification with the startup's lab manager
- Learn micropipetting, aseptic technique, and proper lab documentation
- Extract DNA from bacterial and plant samples using real protocols
- Run your first gel electrophoresis and interpret DNA band patterns
Week 2: PCR & Gene Analysis
- Design primers and set up PCR reactions from scratch
- Run spectrophotometry for DNA quantification (NanoDrop)
- Troubleshoot PCR with the startup's senior scientist
- Analyze results and document findings in your lab notebook
Week 3: CRISPR & Molecular Cloning
- Learn CRISPR-Cas9 mechanism at molecular level with the team
- Design a guide RNA targeting a specific gene sequence
- Perform restriction enzyme digestion and ligate DNA into vectors
- Transform bacteria and screen colonies for successful clones
Week 4: Data Analysis & Research Presentation
- Analyze cloning/PCR results with statistical methods
- Write a mini research paper following journal standards
- Present findings at our San Francisco campus Biotech Demo Day
- Receive mentorship recommendations from startup scientists
What you produce
- Lab notebook with all experimental records
- Mini research paper (journal format)
- BSL-2 lab skills certification
- Biotech startup recommendation letter
- Intravarsity Proof-of-Work credential
Skills
BSL-2 Lab Safety, DNA Extraction, PCR & Gel Electrophoresis, CRISPR Design, Molecular Cloning, Scientific Writing, Data Analysis, Lab Documentation
Commitment
~5–8 hours/week for 4–8 weeks (30–50 hours total). In-person in San Francisco with the host company.