Internship projects
Here you can find the project details of the 2026 International Summer Internships at the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology. For questions about the internships, please have a look at our application guide and FAQ. If you have questions regarding the project description and the scientific aspects of the internships, please contact us.
Key Lab
The Key lab is interested in the evolutionary mechanisms shaping the human gut microbiome. Therefore we perform targeted microbial culturing and whole genome sequencing using collected native stool samples from adults and infants. The envisioned project entails the comprehensive culturing of human gut microbiome specimen, isolating clones of interest and cryopreservation of collected isolates.
Skills required:
- Expertise in microbiology & evolution
- Experience in culturing
Iatsenko Lab
We study the genetics of host–microbe interactions and how gut microbes influence host physiology. Using Drosophila melanogaster, with a relatively simple microbiome, we dissect the mechanisms by which gut microbes affect the host. Currently we focus on the commensal species Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) and its interactions with host immunity, and effects on gut microbiome dynamics. The internship project will focus on elucidating the mechanisms underlying L. plantarum colonization in the Drosophila gut.
Intern responsibilities: Perform Drosophila colonization assays; conduct microscopy (e.g., fluorescence/confocal) to visualize and track L. plantarum; and quantify bacterial load, spatial distribution, and colonization dynamics.
Skills ideally required:
- Experience in microbiology (culture methods, aseptic technique) and basic molecular biology (e.g., DNA extraction, PCR)
- Microscopy experience is beneficial
- Prior hands-on work with insects (especially Drosophila) is a plus
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and willingness to learn
Portugal Lab
The Malaria Parasite Biology Group at the Max Planck Institute of Infection Biology conducts innovative research into the biology, genetics and epidemiology of the deadliest human parasite – Plasmodium (P.) falciparum malaria. A central focus is understanding how P. falciparum parasites, which are transmitted by mosquitoes, can survive long dry-seasons despite mosquitoes being absent. To build this understanding, our group works closely with collaborators from Mali, performs longitudinal studies, and uses cutting-edge genomic and molecular techniques. In addition, the team is developing novel, field-deployable nanopore sequencing assays to probe patterns of malaria drug resistance, both across space and time.
As an intern in the group, your project will focus on elucidating patterns of malaria diversity and drug resistance across dry seasons in Mali using a novel nanopore sequencing approach. Your work will involve optimizing the assay, processing samples from ongoing studies, and analyzing and interpreting generated results. By the completion of the project, you will have gained important skills in parasitology, genomics, and scientific communication.
Skills required:
- Basic molecular skills, such as DNA extraction, PCR, etc.
- Understanding of genomic methods
Skills ideally required:
- Experience with genomics
- Bioinformatic analysis
