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Intern and Grow with us
About Duckweed Labs
Duckweed Labs is a diverse, multi-institutional startup focused on sustainable space nutrition to support long-duration astronaut missions and, ultimately, communities on Earth facing food scarcity. Our flagship product, the Duckweed Protein Supplement Dispenser (DPSD), offers a renewable, efficient way to keep astronauts healthy, while reducing costly resupply missions. If you’re seeking a dynamic environment where you’ll solve puzzles nobody has tackled before, and where your ideas truly matter: you’re going to love Duckweed Labs.
Role Overview
As a Biochemical Engineer (Intern), you will design and refine hydroponic nutrient systems for microgravity environments. You’ll collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and agricultural engineers to develop closed-loop ecosystems, ensuring robust plant growth and resource efficiency.
Responsibilities
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Nutrient Solution Design & Optimization: Formulate and test hydroponic solutions tailored for microgravity conditions.
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CO₂ Exchange Systems: Develop methods to maintain stable respiration cycles within closed-loop habitats.
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Water Filtration & Oxygenation: Analyze and improve filtration and oxygenation processes for hydroponic growth chambers.
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Microbial Control: Study strategies to control microbial growth, ensuring a sterile and stable environment for duckweed cultivation.
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Material Compatibility Testing: Evaluate polymers, coatings, and other materials for safe, efficient use in space.
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System Integration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to incorporate chemical processes into a holistic environmental control system.
Requirements
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Citizenship: U.S. Citizen (required for ITAR compliance)
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Education: Currently pursuing or holding a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field
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Time Zone: Able to work in Eastern Time Zone
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Technical Skills: Familiarity with water purification, oxygenation, and nutrient cycling technologies
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Soft Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities and a team-oriented mindset
What We Offer
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Hands-On Aerospace Experience: Contribute directly to cutting-edge hydroponic systems designed for spaceflight.
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Portfolio Development: Build an impressive body of work to showcase for future job opportunities or graduate applications.
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Professional Skill-Building: Refine your expertise in mechanical design, structural analysis, and deployable space systems.
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Industry Exposure: Work alongside seasoned engineers, scientists, and aerospace professionals.
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Networking Opportunities: Connect with mentors and experts in space technology, CubeSat development, and sustainable research.
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Recognition: Potential involvement in conference presentations, research publications, and even future flight opportunities.
Why Join Us?
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Innovation & Impact: We’re forging new paths in sustainable space nutrition that could also address food scarcity on Earth.
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Flexible & Remote: We’re fully remote with a culture that values work-life balance.
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Transparency & Collaboration: Our founders maintain an open-door policy, ensuring you stay connected to the vision and decision-making process.
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Growth & Learning: Experience new challenges daily, collaborate with a passionate team, and shape the future of space travel and beyond.
Please note: This is an unpaid internship.
Apply Now
If you’re excited to solve unique challenges, learn every day, and contribute to a project that pushes the boundaries of human exploration, we want to meet you! We believe our strength lies in diverse ideas and backgrounds. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t match every requirement listed. Your perspective could be the missing piece.
If you’re motivated, curious, and ready to innovate, join us on this mission to revolutionize space nutrition and make a lasting impact. Click apply and submit your resume and a brief statement of interest.
Join Our Team
We’re looking for highly-motivated, super skilled, humble and hungry individuals to intern and grow with us. Submit your application. Join Duckweed Labs!
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