About the role#
This co-op position is open exclusively to current Northeastern University students. You will join the Biology team to contribute to the experimental validation of novel therapeutic targets. This role involves working closely with scientists to execute in vitro assays, evaluate therapeutic hypotheses, and generate data to support drug discovery programs. You will gain hands-on experience at the intersection of human disease biology, functional genomics, and translational research.
What you'll do#
- Design and execute cell-based experiments to evaluate novel therapeutic targets and biological hypotheses.
- Perform mammalian cell culture, including maintenance, experimental treatment, and sample collection.
- Support functional target validation through gene knockdown or other perturbation approaches.
- Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot in vitro assays to model disease-relevant processes.
- Conduct molecular biology techniques such as RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, qPCR, and immunoassays like ELISA or MSD.
- Analyze and interpret experimental results using quantitative approaches.
- Perform literature reviews to support experimental design and pathway analysis.
- Maintain detailed experimental records in electronic laboratory notebooks and organize datasets.
- Present findings during Biology team and project meetings.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in an undergraduate or master program in Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacology, or a related discipline.
- Strong foundation in molecular and cellular biology with hands-on laboratory research experience.
- Experience with mammalian cell culture.
- Proficiency in one or more techniques: qPCR, RNA/DNA isolation, ELISA, Western blotting, cell-based functional assays, or microscopy.
- Ability to troubleshoot experiments and evaluate results critically.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to rigorous, reproducible work.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Previous research experience in disease biology, functional genomics, target validation, or drug discovery is preferred.
- Experience with gene perturbation technologies like siRNA or CRISPR is a plus.
Location & details#
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts.
- Term: January 2027 to June 2027.
- Work Modality: On-site, 5 days per week.
- Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week.
- Compensation: $25 to $35 per hour.
About Flagship Pioneering
Flagship Pioneering is a biotechnology firm based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 2000, the company focuses on inventing and building platform companies that develop products for human health and sustainability. It has originated more than 100 scientific ventures since its inception. The current ecosystem includes over 40 companies, such as Indigo Agriculture and Generate:Biomedicines.
How to get in at Flagship Pioneering
Applying early is a significant advantage when pursuing an internship at Flagship Pioneering, as recruiters often review candidates before the applicant pool becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, helping you secure a spot at the front of the line. You can reach out to recruiters directly to ask about the role or a potential referral, which often improves your response rates compared to submitting through a general queue. Intern Insider surfaces the specific recruiters behind these roles so you can make that connection yourself.
