Summer 2026, Research and Development Intern

Territory:

Lansing, Mich.

Deadline to apply:

Oct. 31, 2025.

Your purpose:

CentralStar’s Research and Development Laboratory, AntelBio™, conducts cutting-edge science to develop and commercialize new management tools for dairy and beef producers. Key among these have been diagnostics for a variety of dairy-industry diseases and physiologic status markers including mastitis and pregnancy. You’ll join the team as a Laboratory Intern, assisting in research projects from biomarker discovery to validation of novel diagnostic tests utilizing molecular and immunological techniques and technologies. The Dairy Herd Information (DHI) system has been in place for more than 100 years, but now even more value can be drawn from routinely-collected samples to improve animal health and herd management. You’ll collaborate with researchers, veterinarians, and producers as samples are collected and studies are carried out.

Training and experience will be provided on:

• Numerous common laboratory procedures and equipment;
• Molecular genetic techniques, sequence interrogation, and assay design;
• Immunological techniques and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) design;
• Sample-collection methodologies, including venipuncture;
• Laboratory software and data-management techniques; and
• Data analysis and presentation.

Qualifications:

• Should have a strong interest in agriculture;
• Outstanding attention to detail;
• Motivation to follow through;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Strong work ethic and the ability to work independently and function as part of a cohesive team;
• Knowledge of common laboratory practices is strongly suggested; and
• Understanding of dairy- or beef-cattle production is a bonus.

Compensation:

• Competitive wage and
• Opportunity for professional development.

About CentralStar Cooperative:

CentralStar’s mission of enhancing producer profitability through integrated solutions for mutual success is fulfilled by incorporating an array of products and services critical to dairy-and-beef-farm prosperity. CentralStar’s product and service offerings include Accelerated Genetics, GenerVations and Select Sires genetics; extensive artificial-insemination (A.I.) technician service; genetic, reproduction, and dairy-records consultation; DHI services; diagnostic testing; herd-management products; research and development; and more. CentralStar’s administration and warehouse facilities are located in Lansing, Mich., and Waupun, Wis., with laboratories in Grand Ledge, Mich., and Kaukauna, Wis. The cooperative serves dairy and beef producers throughout Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana, with additional DHI territory in various surrounding states.

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