About the role#
We are seeking an enthusiastic Co-Op to join the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) team at Serif Biomedicines. This position is open exclusively to current Northeastern University students. You will engage in hands-on laboratory benchwork and contribute to a collaborative, growing team.
What you'll do#
- Synthesize and purify mRNA products for preclinical studies.
- Optimize and scale up enzymatic reactions for mRNA synthesis.
- Refine purification workflows for nucleic acids using chromatography, filtration, and enzymatic reactions to remove byproducts or endotoxin.
- Run high-throughput screens to optimize RNA generation through in vitro transcription (IVT) and automated purification instrumentation.
- Operate and maintain lab instruments, including Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) systems, Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) systems, and biosafety cabinets.
- Characterize mRNA drug substance using analytical techniques, such as fragment analysis, UV spectroscopy, gel electrophoresis, and endotoxin measurement.
- Maintain an electronic laboratory notebook and documentation.
- Present findings at team and cross-functional meetings.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a master’s or bachelor’s degree program in chemical engineering, Biology, Biotechnology, or Biochemistry.
- Familiarity with enzymatic reactions like in vitro transcription (IVT).
- Experience with HPLC and FPLC purification and instrumentation.
- Knowledge of TFF instrumentation.
- Experience with nucleic acid analytics, including gel and capillary electrophoresis, and data interpretation.
- Knowledge of aseptic and RNase-free handling operations.
- Strong time and project management skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs.
Location & details#
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts.
- Term: Winter 2027 (January 2027 to June 2027).
- Modality: On-site, 40 hours per week.
- Pay: $25 - $35 per hour.
- This is a full-time, short-term engagement. It is not eligible for health and welfare benefits, though retirement benefits may be available after completing a set number of hours.
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
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