2026 Co-Op, Bioanalytical and Molecular Assays

Role Summary

Support biomarker and bioanalytical next-generation sequencing (NGS) for mRNA therapeutics. Contribute across wet-lab execution and computational analysis—helping to prepare samples and libraries, operate sequencing workflows, assay development, maintain LIMS-driven traceability, and assist with bioinformatics and AI-enabled QC/reporting.

Responsibilities

• Perform nucleic-acid extraction, quantification from variety of biological matrices, QC (e.g., TapeStation/Bioanalyzer), and prepare libraries for RNA-seq, WES/targeted DNA, TCR-seq, and HLA typing.
• Operate Illumina platforms (e.g., NextSeq/NovaSeq); track run metrics; troubleshoot and support instrument maintenance/calibration.
• Support bioinformatics pipelines (FASTQ‚Üíalignment/calling/quant); assist with RNA-seq differential expression, TCR clonotype analysis, HLA typing, and SNP/variant calling.
• Maintain data integrity and chain-of-custody in LIMS; ensure metadata hygiene and audit-ready records.
• Explore AI/ML for read-level QC, anomaly detection, and automated reporting (stretch opportunity).
• Draft/update SOPs; summarize results for cross-functional partners; present progress at team meetings.
• Follow GDP, biosafety, and data governance practices appropriate to bioanalytical/clinical environments.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in Undergraduate or Graduate program in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Bioengineering, Computational Biology, or related field.
• Coursework or hands-on experience with at least one NGS modality (RNA-seq, WES/targeted DNA, SNP genotyping, HLA typing, or TCR-seq).
• Comfort with standard molecular techniques (pipetting, bead cleanups, qPCR) and QC instrumentation.
• Strong organization, communication, and meticulous record-keeping.
• Note: For this role, immigration sponsorship cannot be offered. Candidates must already hold work authorization in the US and be able to maintain that status without the need for future sponsorship.

Skills

• Experience with RNA-seq, WES/targeted panels, TCR-seq, HLA typing, SNP genotyping; familiarity with tools such as STAR/Salmon, BWA/GATK, MiXCR, OptiType (or equivalents).
• LIMS experience (e.g., Benchling, LabVantage) and clean data provenance practices.
• Bioinformatics basics with FASTQ/BAM/VCF handling, QC (FastQC/MultiQC), and environment management (conda/mamba).
• Exposure to AI/ML for omics (scikit-learn/PyTorch/TensorFlow) or LLM-assisted lab/analysis workflows.
• Clear scientific communication with figures/tables suitable for non-expert audiences.

Education

• Relevant undergraduate or graduate program in molecular biology, genomics, bioengineering, computational biology, or related field.