Co-op, Cell & Molecular Neurology Research

Biogen•Cambridge, MA

18h

About The Position

The Neurology Research Unit’s ALS Research Group is seeking a highly motivated co-op student to support exploratory, discovery-stage research into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying ALS. The work focuses on target identification and validation through hypothesis-driven studies of genomic and proteomic changes associated with ALS-relevant pathways. The student will work closely with scientists to plan, execute, troubleshoot, and analyze experiments, including studies of approaches to modulate the structural and functional properties of key targets. The role involves molecular assays such as qPCR and ddPCR, gel electrophoretic analysis of PCR products, western blotting, and protein quantification using AlphaLISA and MSD platforms. It also includes mammalian cell culture; plasmid transfection and viral transduction of human iPSC-derived neurons and established cell lines; immunostaining; fluorescence microscopy; and quantitative image analysis, including co-localization and morphological assessments. The student will generate reproducible data, document methods and results rigorously, conduct preliminary analyses, contribute to data summaries, figures, and internal scientific presentations, and assist with assay development, optimization, and validation. Work must follow established laboratory safety, quality, and data integrity standards. This is a six-month student co-op role scheduled for January through June 2027. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S., be at least 18 before the scheduled start date, and be currently enrolled in an accredited educational institution or skills program/apprenticeship. The education requirement states that applicants must be currently enrolled in and pursuing a Master’s or PhD. Preferred fields are Molecular Biology/Biochemistry or Neuroscience. The role is listed at the Internship job level. The base compensation range is $29.00–$33.00 per hour; the actual offer considers academic level and degree candidacy and must comply with applicable minimum wage requirements. Biogen also describes its culture as inclusive and collaborative, focused on learning, growth, and delivering life-changing medicines.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in and pursuing a Master’s or PhD.
Currently enrolled in an accredited community college, college, university, or skills program/apprenticeship.
Legal authorization to work in the U.S.
Must be at least 18 years of age before the scheduled start date.
Strong molecular biology background and understanding of genomics and proteomics.
Knowledge and technical experience in molecular and cellular biology.
Hands-on experience in genomics- and proteomics-based assays, including qPCR, ddPCR, western blotting, and protein analysis methods.
Proficiency in mammalian cell culture and experience with assay development and optimization.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, scientific rigor, and rigorous experimental documentation.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively within a research team.

Nice To Haves

Training equivalent to a Master’s or PhD program in neuroscience, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline.
Experience working with iPSC-derived neurons and/or established cell lines.
Preferred major or program in Molecular Biology/Biochemistry or Neuroscience.

Responsibilities

Support discovery-stage ALS research focused on target identification and validation.
Plan, execute, troubleshoot, and analyze molecular and cell-based experiments with scientists.
Perform qPCR, ddPCR, gel electrophoretic analysis of PCR products, western blotting, and protein quantification using AlphaLISA and MSD platforms.
Conduct mammalian cell culture and plasmid transfection or viral transduction of human iPSC-derived neurons and established cell lines.
Perform immunostaining, fluorescence microscopy, and quantitative image analysis, including co-localization and morphological assessments.
Generate high-quality, reproducible experimental data and perform preliminary data analysis.
Document experimental methods and results rigorously in accordance with laboratory safety, quality, and data integrity standards.
Contribute data summaries, figures, and internal scientific presentations.
Assist with assay development, optimization, and validation.
Contribute to research on ALS mechanisms and approaches to modulate the structural and functional properties of key targets.