About the role#
We are looking for a researcher to join our Synthetic Biology team. You will support the design, production, and testing of mRNA therapeutics. This is a hands-on, bench-based role where you will work with mammalian cell lines, transfect and test mRNAs, and assist with DNA template and mRNA production. You will perform experiments, document your work in an electronic lab notebook, and present your findings to the team.
What you'll do#
- Maintain human and murine cell lines, including sterile technique, passaging, cell counting, viability checks, and cryopreservation.
- Transfect IVT and LNP-formulated mRNAs into mammalian cells and quantify expression using flow cytometry.
- Support DNA template construction through primer design, PCR, DNA assembly, and plasmid quality control.
- Assist with internal mRNA production and quality analysis, including IVT, purification, and use of Nanodrop or Bioanalyzer tools.
- Develop your skills to work with minimal supervision and produce data that informs project decisions.
What you'll need#
- Currently enrolled as a B.S. or M.S. student in Biology, Biological Engineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
- Hands-on mammalian cell culture experience at the bench, such as sterile technique, passaging, transfection, and viability assays. Please note that coursework alone does not satisfy this requirement.
- Reliability and a detail-oriented approach to laboratory work.
- Ability to work full-time, between 35 and 40 hours per week, on-site.
- At least 6 months of previous laboratory experience is strongly preferred.
- Experience with molecular biology techniques like PCR, cloning, or gel electrophoresis, and familiarity with flow cytometry are considered a plus.
Location & details#
- This role is based in the Seaport district of Boston, Massachusetts.
- The position is on-site and requires a commitment of at least 6 months.
- This is a paid, full-time internship.
About Kernal Biologics
Kernal Biologics is a biotechnology research company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 2016, the firm focuses on mRNA therapies designed to instruct cells to produce medicine for treating cancer and other severe diseases. The team maintains expertise in synthetic biology, RNA design, and immunotherapy. It currently operates with 21 employees.
How to get in at Kernal Biologics
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