Medicinal Chemistry Co-op (Spring 2027)

Wave Life Sciences; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Wave Life Sciences USA Cambridge, MA seeks a motivated co-op in medicinal chemistry. The role supports the chemistry team with planning, designing and executing multi-step synthesis, purification and compound characterization.

You will analyze materials and products, maintain records, and gain hands-on training in techniques such as NMR, UPLC/MS, polarimetry, and benchtop chromatography, helping advance nucleic acid therapy programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or related discipline with lab experience.
• Two years of undergrad chemistry education completed prefers.
• Organic Chemistry courses with lab completed.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform multi-step organic synthesis and isolate compounds.
• Analyze compounds using UV-Vis, LC/MS, NMR, and related techniques.
• Troubleshoot and optimize reaction protocols with supervisor input.
• Document experimental design and results in notebooks and presentations.
• Present data within multidisciplinary team meetings.

Skills

Teamwork

Enthusiasm for science

Molecular biology basics

Biochemistry lab experience

Education

Bachelor’s in Chemistry

Organic Chemistry Lab

Tools

NMR

UPLC/MS

Polarimeter

Chromatography

Rotovap

Job description

Job Description

Wave Life Sciences is a biotechnology company focused on unlocking the broad potential of RNA medicines to transform human health. Our RNA medicines platform, PRISM, combines multiple modalities, chemistry innovation and deep insights in human genetics to deliver scientific breakthroughs that treat both rare and prevalent disorders. Our toolkit of RNA-targeting modalities including RNAi silencing and RNA editing provides us with unmatched capabilities for designing and sustainably delivering candidates that optimally address disease biology. Our diversified pipeline is focused on our obesity, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and PNPLA3 I148M liver disease programs and includes clinical programs for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Huntington’s disease, as well as several preclinical programs utilizing our versatile RNA medicines platform. Driven by the calling to “Reimagine Possible”, we are leading the charge toward a world in which human potential is no longer hindered by the burden of disease.

Description

Wave Life Sciences USA seeks a highly motivated, energetic, safety conscious and results-driven candidate to join its team of medicinal chemists in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The co-op’s role will primarily consist of laboratory work in support of the medicinal chemistry team’s efforts. The candidate will be responsible for planning, designing and executing multi-step synthesis including purification and compound characterization. The candidate will also be responsible for analysis of raw materials and final products received and maintain records. The candidate will be trained in a variety of laboratory techniques and instrumentation (including NMR, UPLC/MS, polarimeter, Isco column chromatography, benchtop rotovap, etc.), making this an excellent learning opportunity. These efforts will support the development of novel nucleic acid therapies across multiple disease areas.

Experience

• Working towards a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related discipline (i.e. biochemistry, chemical engineering)
• At least two years of an undergraduate education completed within a Chemistry discipline preferred
• Must have successfully completed Organic Chemistry courses (I and II or equivalent) with lab
• Must possess excellent oral and written skills, as well as superior organizational and time management skills

Responsibilities

• Perform multi-step organic synthesis, isolate newly synthesized chemical compounds
• Analyze chemical compounds through various analytical techniques (UV-Vis, LC/MS, Polarimeter, NMRs etc.) and interpret experimental outcomes
• Troubleshoot and optimize reaction protocols based on discussions with their supervisor
• Take detailed notes about the experimental design and conditions, record these experimental results in both electronic notebook and presentation format
• Present data and summarized results both orally and in written form, within multidisciplinary team meeting

Key Skills

• Collaborative and self-motivated team player
• Enthusiasm and excitement for the pursuit of cutting-edge science
• Basic understanding of molecular and cell biology
• Organic and biochemistry lab experience preferred

Wave Life Sciences provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Wave Life Sciences complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Wave Life Sciences expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Wave Life Sciences’ employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.