Bioinformatics Internship

MoleCure is an R&D initiative focused on discovering new active ingredients for biological plant protection products. This project combines predictive bioinformatics with high-throughput bio-assays in response to the urgent demand for sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides. The ultimate goal is to create a fully automated screening pipeline that identifies bioactive compounds from natural sources based on their molecular structure, physicochemical properties, and predicted efficacy.

Bionomic is a growing agritech startup based in Leiden, specializing in innovative biological crop protection solutions. We combine science with hands-on experimentation to develop sustainable alternatives for chemical pesticides. As part of our small R&D team (3 scientists), you’ll make a tangible impact on global food security while enjoying a friendly, collaborative atmosphere.

As a bioinformatics intern, you will:

·        Design & implement a fully automated pipeline for an innovative screening method, using open datasets

·        Write, test, and maintain analysis workflows in Python, bash (preferably also C++) and, where applicable, pipeline frameworks (e.g. Nextflow, Snakemake)

·        Integrating multiple tools into one workflow that consists of multiple languages

·        Perform coding and interpretation, to create a functioning pipeline

·        Document your code, methods, and findings in clear reports and well-commented scripts

·        Present weekly progress updates and deliver a demo of your pipeline on a monthly basis

Enrolled in a BSc or MSc program in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science (life-science focus), or a related field:

·        Proficient in Python and bash for bioinformatics scripting

·        Familiar with core bioinformatics tools and databases

·        Comfortable with version control (Git/GitHub) and containerization

·        Demonstrated ability to set up and troubleshoot experiments independently

·        Demonstrated prior coursework or student-project experience working with open datasets

·        Proactive, self-driven, and able to own an individual project end-to-end

·        Strong problem-solving mindset and ability to communicate complex results clearly

·        Familiarity with various prediction models is a plus

Within our company, we offer:

·        Mentorship by our Lead Scientist on screening methods

·        Significant autonomy to design and develop your own pipeline

·        Opportunities for professional development, including workshops and team-building

·        A chance to contribute to a product with real-world impact