Biotherapeutics Process Development Co-op – Cell Line Development: CHO Cell Engineering
About The Position
Takeda’s Biotherapeutics Process Development organization develops robust, scalable manufacturing processes for biologic medicines. Its Cell Line Development team develops and engineers Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell platforms for biologics production, applying molecular biology, genome engineering, and cell culture technologies to create production cell lines designed for productivity, product quality, stability, and manufacturability. As a Cell Line Development Co-op, you will contribute to the development of next-generation CHO host cell platforms. You will support a host cell engineering project using zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) technology to generate and characterize engineered CHO cell lines. Working with experienced scientists, you will gain hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, genome editing, molecular biology, cell line characterization, data analysis, and scientific documentation. The work supports collaborative research to strengthen the performance, consistency, and reliability of biologics manufacturing platforms. The position is primarily onsite at Takeda’s Cambridge, Massachusetts location, with availability to work onsite at least four days per week. It is a full-time paid co-op/internship opportunity.
Requirements
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, bioengineering, chemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field.
- Hands-on laboratory experience in molecular biology, mammalian cell culture, and aseptic techniques.
- Foundational knowledge of molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, bioprocessing, or related scientific principles.
- Demonstrated interest in cell line development, host cell engineering, mammalian cell culture, and biologics development.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with careful attention to detail and accurate scientific documentation.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, ability to learn new techniques and manage multiple priorities, and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Availability to work full-time, primarily onsite at Takeda’s Cambridge, Massachusetts location, at least four days per week.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with techniques such as PCR, DNA/RNA analysis, genome engineering, or flow cytometry.
Responsibilities
- Support host cell engineering and cell line development studies designed to improve CHO cell productivity, product quality, stability, and manufacturability.
- Apply molecular biology and genome-editing methods to generate and characterize engineered CHO host cell lines.
- Perform mammalian cell culture activities, including routine cell maintenance, transfection, recovery, expansion, cryopreservation, and planned experiments.
- Conduct molecular and cellular assays to evaluate cell growth, productivity, stability, and other relevant cell line attributes.
- Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and communicate findings through summaries, project updates, and presentations.
- Maintain complete and accurate laboratory records in accordance with Takeda requirements and scientific best practices.
- Collaborate with colleagues across Cell Line Development, Process Development, Analytical Development, and other partner functions.
- Contribute to a safe, inclusive, and respectful laboratory environment through integrity, curiosity, accountability, and teamwork.
Benefits
- Paid sick time.
- Civic Duty paid time off.
- Participation in company volunteer events.
- Participation in company-sponsored special events.
- Access to an onsite fitness center where available.
- A fixed monthly commuter subsidy for public transportation or parking.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
