Co-Op, Process Development

Who is BlueRock?

BlueRock Therapeutics, a wholly-owned and independently operated subsidiary of Bayer AG, is a leading engineered cell therapy company using its unique cell+gene platform to direct cellular differentiation and genetically engineer cells to create a new generation of cellular medicines that address large patient populations suffering from neurological, cardiovascular, and immunology diseases.

The convergence of cell biology and genetic engineering is creating fundamental new ways to impact disease. Founded in 2016 to capitalize on these technological breakthroughs, we are advancing our novel cell+gene platform to develop, manufacture, and deliver an entirely new generation of authentic and engineered cell therapies across three therapeutic areas: neurology, cardiology, and immunology.

What Are We Doing?

Our foundational science harnesses the ability to create and then direct the differentiation of universal pluripotent stem cells into authentic, functional cells that can be used as allogeneic cellular therapies to treat a broad array of diseases. We can also further engineer these cells, enabling them to produce enzymes, antibodies, and other proteins for additional therapeutic benefit.

We are passionate about delivering on the promise of cellular and gene therapy, shaping the future of cellular medicine, and delivering new therapies to millions of patients with treatment options.

We are seeking individuals who are collaborative, thrive in a fun and dynamic culture, and are steadfast in the commitment to advance cutting-edge cellular therapies to impact patients’ lives.

BlueRock is seeking a talented and highly motivated full-time co-op intern to join the Process Development team. As a member of the team, the candidate will contribute to the execution of experiments expanding and characterizing human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) and then subsequently producing dopaminergic neurons from the hPSC.

The primary responsibilities will be supporting process development work towards the goal of characterizing the process, producing cells to be used in IND-enabling studies or tech-transferring the process to GMP manufacturing. There will also be the opportunity to collaborate with other groups within the Process Development team as well as internal and external development partners.

In the bigger picture, the successful candidate will be part of developing novel cell-based therapies and bringing regenerative medicines to those who are suffering with intractable diseases. Our dynamic workplace is attractive to those who are self-motivated and resourceful.

• Perform cell culture procedures including thawing, passaging, expanding, and cryopreserving hPSC lines.
• Participate in experimental design, planning, and hands-on execution in the lab to support process development efforts for hPSC and downstream dopaminergic cell production.
• Support root cause investigations to troubleshoot failures in cell culture processes and experiments.
• Perform laboratory techniques like cell counting, flow cytometry, cell processing for downstream applications, various cell characterization assays, and determine experimental outcomes.
• Collect and analyze data in electronic laboratory notebooks from cell processes, various assays, then track and trend data.
• Present scientific data to colleagues in small and large group meetings and forums, prepare and present internal presentations.
• Author study protocols, slide decks, technical reports, and other scientific documents.
• Perform additional duties to support the safe and efficient operation of the laboratory, and other duties as assigned.

• Currently enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college or university in Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or related field of study.
• Must be 18 years of age by the start of the internship/co-op.
• Must have transportation to the BlueRock Therapeutics site in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
• This position is intended to be on-site (always in office/lab) and candidates will be informed should anything change.
• A minimum requirement of 1-2 years of experience in aseptic culture technique, maintaining human or mammalian cell types, and related laboratory experience.
• Experience in working with human pluripotent stem cells is highly advantageous.
• Experience in performing laboratory techniques and cell characterization assays (primarily molecular biology-based) is desirable.
• Ability to work independently and in a group.
• Self-motivated and willing to accept temporary responsibilities outside of the initial job description.
• Competency in computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Proficient with data analysis and statistical analysis tools such as GraphPad, Minitab, and JMP is desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, sufficient to multi-task and be productive in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities, attention to detail, and meticulous bench work.

BlueRock Therapeutics Company Culture Highlights

Winner of Boston Business Journal's Best Places to Work (Mid-size Company) 2023

Winner of Comparably's Award for Best Company for Diversity 2022

Winner of Comparably's Award for Best Company for Women 2022

Winner of Comparably's Award for Best CEO 2022

BlueRock Therapeutics is ranked in the top 5% of companies for Overall Culture on Comparably.

Engineering Department is ranked in the top 5% of companies for Overall Culture on Comparably.

Check us out on Comparably: https://www.comparably.com/companies/bluerock-therapeutics

Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluerocktx/

Equal Opportunity Workplace: At BlueRock, we welcome and support differences and diversity and we are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. Please let us know if you require disability-related accommodation or other grounds protected by human rights legislation during the recruitment process so that we can work with you to meet your needs.