Terrana: Bioinformatics Co-Op: Computational Biology & Data Science

Flagship Pioneering Co-Op Program • Cambridge, MA

2d • $25 - $35 • Onsite

About The Position

This position is open exclusively to current Northeastern University Co-Op students. The work period is from January 2027 to June 2027. This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position with 5 days in office. At Terrana, we are advancing the frontiers of biotechnology through an integrated approach combining cutting-edge science, data, and engineering. The CBDS (Computational Biology & Data Science) team partners closely with experimental scientists and platform teams to extract insights from large-scale biological data. Terrana Biosciences was founded by Flagship Pioneering's venture creation engine. Flagship Pioneering Co-Op Program is for students dreaming big and taking courageous leaps. You'll join fellow peers across our ecosystem of companies and learning firsthand how we build first-in-category companies. You’ll have access to enrichment sessions, a dedicated professional development track, and a mentor that help guide you toward your next step. By the end, you will carry on a meaningful project outcome, a genuine network, and a front-row view of how Flagship pioneer new ventures that change the world. We are seeking a Bioinformatics Co-Op who is passionate about applying computational approaches to solve real-world biological problems. This is a unique opportunity to join a multidisciplinary team and contribute to high-impact research in genomics, molecular biology, and synthetic biology.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Data Science, Computer Science, Biology, or a related field.
• Coursework or hands-on experience in analyzing high-throughput sequencing data.
• Proficiency in Python and/or R for data analysis and scripting.
• Familiarity with tools such as FASTQC, STAR, HISAT2, Bowtie2, samtools, DESeq2, or similar.
• Experience working in a Linux/Unix environment and using version control (e.g., Git).

Nice To Haves

• Experience with cloud computing environments (AWS, GCP) or containerization tools (Docker, Singularity).
• Interest in or exposure to machine learning and/or large language models (LLMs) in biological contexts.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with CBDS scientists to process, analyze, and interpret next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, including RNA-seq and/or small RNA-seq.
• Assist in the development and automation of bioinformatics pipelines using Python, R, or workflow management systems like Snakemake or Nextflow.
• Perform data quality control, alignment, quantification, and differential expression analysis.
• Help curate internal datasets and contribute to data visualization and reporting to cross-functional teams.
• Participate in regular team meetings, journal clubs, and code reviews to grow technically and scientifically.
• Collaborate with wet lab scientists to translate experimental results into actionable insights.
• Conduct SHAPE-MAP analyses alongside ongoing maintenance of internal applications.

Benefits

• Mentorship from experienced computational biologists and data scientists.
• Exposure to real-world R&D workflows and the opportunity to work on projects that directly impact our scientific mission.
• Practical experience with industry-standard tools, pipelines, and best practices.
• A collaborative, mission-driven environment where learning and innovation are highly valued.
• Compensation reflects the real work you take on.
• Retirement benefits may be available after completing a set number of hours.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree