Serif Biomedicines: CMC mRNA Development Co-Op

Flagship Pioneering•Cambridge, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is open exclusively to current Northeastern University Co-Op students. Work Period: January 2027 to June 2027. This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position with 5 days in office. About Serif Biomedicines, Inc. Serif Biomedicines, Inc. is a privately held, early-stage biotechnology company developing a novel approach to gene therapy that can address currently untreatable diseases. About Flagship Pioneering Serif Biomedicines was founded by Flagship Pioneering's venture creation engine that invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health or sustainability. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated and fostered more than 100 scientific ventures, resulting in more than $90 billion in aggregate value. Many of the company’s Flagship has founded have addressed humanity’s most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture. Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE’s “Change the World” list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies and has been twice named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at www.flagshippioneering.com. Flagship Pioneering Co-Op Program Welcome to Flagship Pioneering Co-Op Program for the cohort 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. The Role We are seeking an enthusiastic Co-Op to join the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) team. We are looking for an individual who enjoys hands-on laboratory benchwork and brings scientific rigor and intellectual curiosity to their role. This individual will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment as part of a highly collaborative, rapidly growing team.

Requirements

Current student enrolled in a master’s or bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, Biology, Biotechnology, or Biochemistry.
Familiarity with enzymatic reactions, such as in vitro transcription (IVT)
Familiarity with HPLC and FPLC purification and instrumentation
Knowledge of TFF and instrumentation.
Familiarity with nucleic acid analytics, including running gel and capillary electrophoresis, and interpreting data.
Knowledge of aseptic/RNase-free handling and operations.
Excellent time and project management.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Proficient with Microsoft Office programs.

Responsibilities

Synthesize and purify mRNA products for preclinical studies.
Optimize and scale up enzymatic reactions for mRNA synthesis.
Optimize and scale up purification workflow for nucleic acids using chromatography, filtration, and enzymatic reactions to remove byproducts and/or endotoxin.
Perform 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) (e.g. AKTA systems), Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) systems, and biosafety cabinets (BSCs).
Characterize mRNA drug substance using analytical techniques, such as fragment analysis, UV spectroscopy, gel electrophoresis, and endotoxin measurement.
Maintain an electronic laboratory notebook and miscellaneous documentation.
Present findings at team meetings or cross-functional meetings.