A rigorous, hands-on physical lab internship focused on high-throughput genome library preparation and platform handling. Interns work directly alongside laboratory technicians on live, diagnostic-grade automation and sequencers.

• - Final-year B.Tech / M.Sc / M.Tech in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or biochemistry.
• - Minimum 60% aggregate score in major coursework.
• - Prior academic coursework in molecular biology techniques required.

• Month 1: Sample Handling, Nucleic Acid Extraction & QC

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• Week 1: Orientation & Sample Receiving/Shipping

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• - Introduction to NGS workflows & safety
• - Sample documentation (metadata, sample ID, condition, source)

- Sample receiving SOPs (storage conditions, entry)

- Shipping protocols (dry ice/ambient, packaging, courier regulations)

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• Week 2: DNA Extraction for NGS

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• - Principles and protocols for genomic DNA isolation (CTAB and specific kit methods)
• - Sample types: plant & animal tissue, blood, bacteria
• - Troubleshooting low yield or contamination

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• Week 3: RNA Extraction for Transcriptome Sequencing

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• - Total RNA extraction (plant & animal tissues)
• - DNase treatment and RNA cleanup
• - RNA Assessment using Qubit and TapeStation

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• Week 4: Sample QC for NGS

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• - Quantification techniques (Qubit)
• - Integrity checks (RIN values)
• - Reporting and documenting QC results

Month 2: Observing Library Preparation for WGS & RNA-Seq

Week 5: WGS Library Preparation – Part 1

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• - DNA fragmentation (enzymatic)
• - End-repair, A-tailing, and adapter ligation
• - Magnetic bead-based cleanup and size selection

Week 6: WGS Library Preparation – Part 2

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• - PCR enrichment and cleanup
• - QC of prepared libraries (TapeStation, Qubit)
• - Review of library preparation troubleshooting

Week 7: RNA-Seq Library Preparation – Part 1

• - mRNA enrichment (poly-A selection) or rRNA depletion
• - First-strand and second-strand cDNA synthesis
• - Adapter ligation and indexing

Week 8: RNA-Seq Library Preparation – Part 2

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• - PCR amplification, cleanup
• - Library QC and review of library preparation troubleshooting

Month 3: Observation of Library Pooling

Week 9: Overview on Library Pooling and Loading

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• - Sample pooling and final concentration checks
• - Overview of loading libraries onto the sequencing platform (Illumina)
• - Preparing library documentation

Week 10: Advanced QC Techniques

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• - Interpreting electropherogram results
• - Identifying adapter dimers, over-amplification, and degraded RNA
• - Setting QC acceptance thresholds

Week 11: Troubleshooting & Review Sessions

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• - Sample handling
• - Common errors in wet lab
• - Reviewing QC failures
• - Cleaning Session

Week 12: Final Assessment & Project Submission

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• Intern will have to prepare a project report detailing:
• - Sample journey: extraction to data
• - QC and library metrics
• - Key insights from data analysis
• - Oral presentation to mentors/team