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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 Horticulture – Biology (Intern), you will help research, cultivate, and optimize floating aquatic plants—particularly duckweed—for growth in microgravity conditions. Working alongside engineers and scientists, you will ensure our systems meet rigorous standards for space environments while maintaining efficient, sustainable plant production.
Responsibilities
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Horticultural Research: Study and refine methods for growing and maintaining floating aquatic plants in microgravity simulation setups.
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Microgravity & Bioreactors: Utilize simulated zero-gravity environments and bioreactors to test plant growth and resilience.
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Invasive Species Knowledge: Leverage understanding of invasive plant traits to improve Wolffia (duckweed) cultivation techniques.
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Structural Considerations: Collaborate with the engineering team to ensure plant systems are robust and compatible with space hardware constraints.
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Problem-Solving & Teamwork: Work closely with cross-functional teams, offering insight into plant biology requirements while supporting integrated design solutions.
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 degree in Biology, Plant Sciences, or Horticulture
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Time Zone: Able to work remotely from anywhere in the United States (Eastern Time Zone preferred)
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Technical Skills:
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Proficiency in bioreactors and microgravity simulation
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Experience or knowledge of zero-gravity principles
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Domain Expertise:
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Background in horticulture (floating aquatic plants, invasive species)
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Understanding of structural considerations for space environments
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Soft Skills:
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Strong problem-solving abilities
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Effective collaboration in a team setting
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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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