Co-op, Synthetic Biology (mRNA Therapeutics)

Kernal Biologics, Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Bluebikes membership

Gym membership support

On-site cafeteria

Job summary

Kernal Biologics, Inc. is seeking a motivated researcher for a full-time Co-op (≥6 months) in our Synthetic Biology team in Boston's Seaport.

You will design, produce, and test mRNA therapeutics, working daily with mammalian cell lines, performing transfections, and supporting DNA template and mRNA production while learning cutting-edge biotech approaches. The role requires hands-on bench experience, a strong attention to detail, and a commitment to full-time on-site work.

Qualifications

• Hands-on mammalian cell culture at the bench is required.
• 6+ months of lab experience preferred.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques is a plus.
• Must be able to work full-time on-site in Boston’s Seaport for ≥6 months.

Responsibilities

• Maintain human and murine cell lines using sterile technique and viability assays.
• Transfect IVT mRNAs and LNP-formulated mRNAs into mammalian cells and quantify expression.
• Support DNA template design and construction (primer design, PCR, plasmid prep).
• Support internal mRNA production and quality analysis (IVT, purification, Nanodrop/Bioanalyzer).
• Document experiments and present data with minimal supervision.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Bench laboratory experience

Transfection

Molecular biology techniques

Flow cytometry (a plus)

Education

Bachelor's or MS student in Biology or related field

Tools

PCR

Cloning

Gel electrophoresis

Flow cytometry (assay)

Job description

Full-time Co-op (≥6 months) · In person · Boston, MA (Seaport)

About Kernal Biologics, Inc.

Kernal Bio is a venture-backed therapeutics company engineering cells inside the body using AI-designed, selective mRNA and targeted LNP technology. By developing in vivo CAR-T therapies, Kernal Bio is advancing precision treatments for autoimmune diseases and blood cancers. The company was founded by experts from MIT, Harvard, Merck, and BMS, and its leadership team brings a track record of three FDA-approved therapies and over 120 patents. With support from leading investors, including Hummingbird Ventures, Amgen Ventures, Y Combinator, and HBM, Kernal Bio is transforming the future of cell therapy design and delivery.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to fill a Co-op position on our Synthetic Biology team, supporting the design, production, and in vitro testing of mRNA therapeutics. This is a hands-on, bench-based role: you will work with mammalian cell lines every day, transfect and test mRNAs, and support DNA template and mRNA production, while learning cutting-edge mRNA and synthetic biology technologies as an integral member of the team. You will perform experimental research, document it, and present your results.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain human and murine cell lines: sterile technique, passaging, cell counting and viability, cryopreservation
• Transfect IVT mRNAs and LNP-formulated mRNAs into mammalian cells and quantify expression by flow cytometry
• Support DNA template design and construction (primer design, PCR, DNA assembly, plasmid prep and QC)
• Support internal mRNA production and quality analysis (IVT, purification, Nanodrop/Bioanalyzer)
• Execute, document (electronic lab notebook), and present experiments; learn to work with minimal supervision and generate decision-making data

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. student in Biology, Biological Engineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field
• Required: hands-on mammalian cell culture experience at the bench (sterile technique, passaging, transfection, viability assays), not coursework alone
• ≥6 months of previous laboratory experience strongly preferred
• Experience with molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis) and/or assays such as flow cytometry is a plus
• Reliable, detail-oriented, and able to work full-time (35-40 hours/week) on site in Boston's Seaport throughout the ≥6-month Co-op
• Eagerness to grow and develop as a scientist

Benefits

• Compensation: $20-25/hour based on experience
• Free Bluebikes membership
• Gym membership support
• On-site cafeteria

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kernal is dedicated to providing a diverse work environment and is committed to equal employment opportunity for all its employees and qualified applicants. We do not discriminate in employment practices for reasons of race, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, religion, disability, or any other legally protected status. Kernal will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.