Research Intern (Downstream Processing) - Onsite Marlborough, MA

Sartorius • Marlborough, MA

1d • $0 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a motivated and technically skilled intern (PhD level) to support research and development activities in downstream processing of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and viral vectors. The successful candidate will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to optimize and execute purification workflows using tangential flow filtration (TFF) and chromatography-based methods. This internship provides hands-on experience in biologics processing and analytical evaluation, contributing directly to process development for therapeutic nanoparticles. This is a hands-on position starting September 2025 for a minimum of six months up to a maximum of ten months. In the Research Intern role, you will serve as a critical contributor to the development and integration of Sartorius’ emerging technologies for characterization and purification of different types of nanoparticles such as extracellular vesicles and viral vectors. These leading-edge platforms will be utilized in basic research as well as the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

Requirements

• PhD candidate in Bioengineering, or closely related discipline with formal education and experience with extracellular vesicles characterization and purification.
• Hands-on experience with TFF systems (lab or pilot scale) for nanoparticle or biologics concentration and diafiltration.
• Practical knowledge of chromatography techniques such as SEC, IEX, or affinity purification.
• Familiarity with nanoparticle systems such as EVs, viral vectors (e.g., AAV, lentivirus), or LNPs.
• Comfortable working in a wet lab environment with complex biological samples.
• Strong documentation and organizational skills; experience with SOPs and batch records is a plus.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with analytical tools (e.g., NTA, BCA, qPCR, HPLC, or SEC-MALS) is highly desirable
• Identification with our core values: Sustainability, Openness, Enjoyment

Responsibilities

• Perform purification of EVs and viral vectors using TFF systems (hollow fiber and/or flat sheet) and various chromatography modalities (e.g., ion exchange, size exclusion, affinity).
• Assist in the design and optimization of downstream steps to improve product yield, purity, and scalability.
• Operate and maintain TFF and chromatography systems (e.g., AKTA or equivalent), including set-up, cleaning, and troubleshooting.
• Prepare and process samples following SOPs. Quantify particles using orthogonal methods such as NTA, qPCR, protein assays, and total RNA analysis.
• Monitor and document key parameters (e.g., transmembrane pressure, flux, recovery) during TFF runs. Maintain detailed lab notebooks and process logs.
• Support integration of downstream data with analytical assays (e.g., flow cytometry, SEC-MALS, SDS-PAGE) for process characterization.
• Interact regularly with upstream, analytical, and formulation teams to align on process goals and transfer knowledge.
• Follow laboratory safety protocols and ensure compliance with quality standards and experimental reproducibility.

Benefits

• Mentoring
• leadership programs
• internal seminar offerings
• Comprehensive onboarding, including a virtual online platform
• Mutual support
• team spirit
• international collaboration
• communities on numerous topics such as “Coaching”, “Agile Working” and a “Businesswomen’s Network”
• Working in smart buildings with the latest technology and equipment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree