Synthetic Biology Designer
Synthetic Biology Designer: Engineer Genetic Circuits for a Biotech Startup. A 4–8 weeks Intravarsity career experience (30–50 hours) for school and undergrad
What if you could program living cells like computers? You'll work with a synthetic biology startup to design genetic circuits — toggle switches, oscillators, and biosensors — using computational modeling tools. Your designs follow iGEM standards and are evaluated by the startup's synthetic biologists.
Design genetic circuits and model engineered organisms using computational tools — working on the same synthetic biology principles used by biotech startups to create biosensors and biofuels.
Who it is for
High school, secondary school students & undergraduates. Basic biology knowledge helpful. Interest in engineering or biology.
Weekly plan
Week 1: DNA as Code
- Meet the synbio startup team and tour their computational pipeline
- Learn the central dogma and standardized genetic parts (BioBricks)
- Explore the iGEM parts registry and study award-winning projects
- Understand promoters, RBS, coding sequences, and terminators
Week 2: Circuit Design & Simulation
- Design genetic toggle switches and oscillators in silico
- Build mathematical models of gene regulatory networks in Python
- Simulate circuit behavior and optimize parameters
- Get feedback from the startup's synthetic biologists
Week 3: Application Design
- Identify a real-world problem that synthetic biology can solve
- Design a complete synthetic biology solution (biosensor, biofuel, therapeutic)
- Create a detailed experimental plan with safety considerations
- Address bioethics and dual-use concerns with the team
Week 4: iGEM-Style Presentation
- Prepare an iGEM-style project presentation with all documentation
- Write a project abstract and detailed proposal
- Present to synthetic biologists and biotech investors
- Receive Proof-of-Work credential and synbio recommendation
What you produce
- Genetic circuit designs with simulation results
- Synthetic biology project proposal
- iGEM-style presentation
- Synbio startup recommendation
- Intravarsity Proof-of-Work credential
Skills
Molecular Biology, Genetic Circuit Design, Python Modeling, Synthetic Biology, Bioethics, Scientific Presentation, Experimental Design, iGEM Standards
Commitment
~5–8 hours/week for 4–8 weeks (30–50 hours total). 100% Virtual — work remotely with a Silicon Valley synbio startup.