Research Intern (Downstream Processing) - Marlborough, MA

Sartorius; Marlborough (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentoring program

Internal seminars

Onboarding platform

Global collaboration

Modern lab facilities

Job summary

Sartorius seeks a motivated PhD-level intern to support downstream processing of extracellular vesicles and viral vectors at our Marlborough, MA site. You will contribute to purification workflows using tangential flow filtration and chromatography, and perform analytical evaluations integral to process development for biologics.

You will document results, adhere to SOPs, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance platform technologies for nanoparticle characterization and

Qualifications

• PhD candidate in Bioengineering with EVs purification experience.
• Hands-on experience with TFF systems and chromatography.
• Familiar with EVs, viral vectors or LNPs and wet-lab work.
• Strong documentation and batch-record habits.

Responsibilities

• Execute purification of EVs and viral vectors using TFF and chromatography.
• Optimize downstream steps to improve yield and purity.
• Operate and maintain TFF and chromatography systems (AKTA, etc.).
• Process samples and quantify with NTA, qPCR, protein assays, RNA.
• Record data, monitor parameters, and maintain lab notebooks.
• Support integration of downstream data with analytical assays.
• Collaborate with upstream, analytical, and formulation teams.

Skills

Lab techniques

Experimental design

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Education

PhD candidate in Bioengineering

Tools

TFF systems

AKTA chromatography

NTA/qPCR/HPLC

SEC‑MALS

Job description

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. Onsite at our Marlborough, MA site, 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.

What you will accomplish together with us

• Execute Purification Protocols: 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).
• Optimize Unit Operations: Assist in the design and optimization of downstream steps to improve product yield, purity, and scalability.
• System Operation and Maintenance: Operate and maintain TFF and chromatography systems (e.g., AKTA or equivalent), including set‑up, cleaning, and troubleshooting.
• Sample Handling and Quantification: Prepare and process samples following SOPs. Quantify particles using orthogonal methods such as NTA, qPCR, protein assays, and total RNA analysis.
• Process Monitoring and Data Recording: Monitor and document key parameters (e.g., transmembrane pressure, flux, recovery) during TFF runs. Maintain detailed lab notebooks and process logs.
• Analytical Support: Support integration of downstream data with analytical assays (e.g., flow cytometry, SEC‑MALS, SDS‑PAGE) for process characterization.
• Collaborative Work: Interact regularly with upstream, analytical, and formulation teams to align on process goals and transfer knowledge.
• Safety and Compliance: Follow laboratory safety protocols and ensure compliance with quality standards and experimental reproducibility.

What will convince us

• Education: PhD candidate in Bioengineering, or closely related discipline with formal education and experience with extracellular vesicles characterization and purification.
• Experience: 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. Experience with analytical tools (e.g., NTA, BCA, qPCR, HPLC, or SEC‑MALS) is highly desirable.
• Identification with our core values: Sustainability, Openness, Enjoyment.

What We Offer

Compensation is up to $30 hr.

• Personal and Professional Development: Mentoring, leadership programs, internal seminar offerings
• Making an Impact Right from the Start: Comprehensive onboarding, including a virtual online platform
• Welcoming Culture: Mutual support, team spirit and international collaboration; communities on numerous topics such as “Coaching”, “Agile Working” and a “Businesswomen’s Network”
• Intelligent Working Environment: Working in smart buildings with the latest technology and equipment.

Sartorius is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability or based on status in any other protected group of class.

Sartorius is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability, or based on status in any other protected group of class.

Please view equal employment opportunity posters provided by OFCCP here.

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Sartorius is part of the solution in the fight against cancer, dementia, and many other diseases. Our technologies help translate scientific discoveries into real-world medicine faster, so that new therapeutics can reach patients worldwide.

www.sartorius.com/career

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www.sartorius.com/careers