Project:	Spacecraft Microbial Cleanliness and Risk Assessment using Bioinformatics Tools (JPL AO No. 16048)
Disciplines:	Biology, Computer science, microbiology
Mentor:	Moogega Cooper, (JPL), Moogega.Cooper@jpl.nasa.gov, Phone: (818) 205-5573
Background:	The NASA Standard Assay (NSA) bioburden quantification method targets certain spores, which constitute less than 0.1% of spacecraft-associated microorganisms, has clear limitations. Molecular assays capturing and identifying a much larger fraction of organisms, have been used on a research basis for Mars missions. These state-of-the-art techniques now require validation for spacecraft-associated surfaces. In 2022, a workshop at JPL recommended (Green, 2023) implementing a hybrid molecular verification process for Life Detection and Planetary Protection, offering several benefits, to include 1) Rapid quantification of biological contaminants; 2) Taxonomic and functional characterization of contaminants; and 3) an improved understanding of the risk profile of contaminants.
Description:	We are excited to announce an opportunity for a highly motivated student with expertise in molecular biology or bioinformatics to join our team and contribute to a groundbreaking project focused on low-biomass microbial burden quantification, sequencing technologies, and bioburden assessment. This internship will involve validating protocols for low-biomass samples, including optimizing digital PCR (dPCR) assays with universal bacterial primers and probes to quantify microbial burden and assess the risk based on the target body of exploration. The successful candidate will collect and analyze cleanroom samples to compare traditional NASA Standard Assays with molecular approaches, while also optimizing nanopore-based sequencing technology for low-biomass samples and benchmarking its performance against industry-standard sequencing methods. If you are passionate about advancing microbial detection technologies and driving innovation in bioburden assessment, we encourage you to apply and join us in this pioneering effort.
References:	• Rezzonico F. Nanopore-based instruments as biosensors for future planetary missions. Astrobiology. 2014 Apr 1;14(4):344-51. • Carr CE, et al. Towards in situ sequencing for life detection. In2017 IEEE aerospace conference 2017 Mar 4 (pp. 1-18). IEEE. • Green SJ, et al. Metagenomic Methods for Addressing NASA's Planetary Protection Policy Requirements on Future Missions: A Workshop Report. Astrobiology. 2023 Aug;23(8):897-907. • Sutton MA, et al. Radiation tolerance of nanopore sequencing technology for life detection on Mars and Europa. Scientific reports. 2019 Mar 29;9(1):5370.
Student Requirements:	* Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Microbiology, or a related field. * Expertise or desire to learn digital PCR (dPCR), 16S-based bacterial detection, and sequencing technologies. *Bioinformatics tools and statistical analysis. * Experience with nanopore sequencing technology encouraged but not mandatory
Location / Safety:	Project building and/or room locations: . Student will need special safety training: .
Programs:	This AO can be done under the following programs:   Program    Available To        SURF@JPL    both Caltech and non-Caltech students  Click on a program name for program info and application requirements.