Co-op, Cell & Molecular Neurology Research

Biogen•Cambridge, MA

2d•$29 - $33

About The Position

This is a six-month student co-op role running from January through June 2027, supporting the Neurology Research Unit’s ALS Research Group. The student will contribute to exploratory, discovery-stage research into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying ALS, with a focus on target identification and validation. Working closely with scientists, the student will help plan, execute, and analyze hypothesis-driven experiments investigating genomic and proteomic alterations associated with ALS-relevant pathways. The work includes molecular assays such as qPCR and ddPCR, gel electrophoretic analysis of PCR products, western blotting, and protein quantification using AlphaLISA and MSD platforms. The student will also perform mammalian cell culture, plasmid transfection and viral transduction in human iPSC-derived neurons and established cell lines, immunostaining, fluorescence microscopy, and quantitative image analysis. Experiments will support functional characterization of candidate targets, including studies of ALS mechanisms and approaches to modulating key targets’ structural and functional properties. Primary deliverables include high-quality, reproducible data; rigorous documentation of methods and results; preliminary analyses; and contributions to data summaries, figures, and internal scientific presentations. The student will assist with assay development, optimization, troubleshooting, and validation, following laboratory safety, quality, and data integrity standards. Applicants must be currently enrolled in and pursuing a Master’s or PhD program. Preferred areas of study are molecular biology, biochemistry, or neuroscience. The role is part of Biogen’s Internship or Co-op Program and requires U.S. work authorization, age 18 or older by the scheduled start date, and current enrollment in an accredited educational or skills program.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in and pursuing a Master’s or PhD program.
Currently enrolled in an accredited community college, college, university, skills program, or apprenticeship.
Legal authorization to work in the United States.
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 with genomics- and proteomics-based assays, including qPCR, ddPCR, western blotting, and protein analysis methods.
Proficiency in mammalian cell culture.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, scientific rigor, and rigorous experimental documentation.
Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with a research team.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Support exploratory discovery research into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying ALS.
Help design, execute, and analyze experiments supporting target identification and validation.
Perform qPCR, ddPCR, gel electrophoretic analysis of PCR products, western blotting, and protein quantification using AlphaLISA and MSD platforms.
Conduct routine mammalian cell culture and plasmid transfection or viral transduction using human iPSC-derived neurons and established cell lines.
Perform immunostaining, fluorescence microscopy, and quantitative image analysis, including co-localization and morphological assessments.
Contribute to functional characterization of candidate targets and studies of ALS mechanisms and target modulation.
Participate in experimental planning and troubleshoot assays.
Assist with assay development, optimization, and validation.
Generate reproducible experimental data and conduct preliminary data analysis.
Document methods and results and contribute to datasets, figures, summaries, and internal scientific presentations.
Follow established laboratory safety, quality, and data integrity standards.