🔬 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: $17-$20/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
âś… 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.
đź’¬ 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.
