Serif Biomedicines: Molecular Biology Co-Op

Flagship Pioneering; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Serif Biomedicines in Cambridge (in partnership with Flagship Pioneering) offers a co-op position focused on hands-on molecular biology, DNA construct design, and analysis of cell phenotypes and protein expression. You’ll work within a dynamic team, performing core lab techniques and contributing to ongoing projects alongside senior scientists.

As a co-op, you will gain exposure to cloning strategies, PCR workflows, and data interpretation while developing a solid bench science foundation in a

Qualifications

• Pursuing a MS in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with core techniques: miniprep/midiprep, PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme digests, ligation, and DNA purification.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and clear written/verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and QC DNA constructs using restriction cloning, Gibson/Golden Gate assembly, and PCR.
• Run agarose DNA gels to analyze PCR products and digests; perform gel extraction and DNA purification.
• Set up restriction enzyme digests and ligations; optimize reaction conditions and troubleshoot cloning workflows
• Perform core molecular and cell biology tasks, including DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR/RT-qPCR, transfection/transduction, and clonal line generation
• Analyze and clearly communicate experimental results; iterate protocols in collaboration with experienced scientists

Skills

Motivated

Curious problem solving

Molecular biology

Education

MS in Molecular Biology/Cell Biology/Bioengineering/Biochemistry

Tools

Miniprep/Midiprep

PCR

Agarose gel electrophoresis

Restriction enzyme digests

Ligation

DNA purification

Job description

This position is open exclusively to current Northeastern University Co-Op students. Work Period: January 2027 to June 2027. This is a full - time, 40 hours per week position with 5 days in office.

About Serif Biomedicines

Are you ready to help build the next generation of molecular biology tools and platforms? At Serif Biomedicines, we push the boundaries of DNA design, precise cloning, and cell-based engineering to accelerate the discovery and development of transformative therapeutics and diagnostics.

About Flagship Pioneering

Serif Biomedicines was founded by Flagship Pioneering's venture creation engine that invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health or sustainability. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated and fostered more than 100 scientific ventures, resulting in more than $90 billion in aggregate value. Many of the company’s Flagship has founded have addressed humanity’s most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture. Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE’s “Change the World” list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies and has been twice named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at www.flagshippioneering.com .

Flagship Pioneering Co-Op Program

Welcome to Flagship Pioneering Co-Op Program for the cohort dreaming big and taking courageous leaps. You'll join fellow peers across our ecosystem of companies and learning firsthand how we build first-in-category companies. You’ll have access to enrichment sessions , a dedicated professional development track , and a mentor that help guide you toward your next step. By the end, you will carry on a meaningful project outcome , a genuine network , and a front-row view of how Flagship pioneer new ventures that change the world.

About the Role

As a member of our molecular biology team, you’ll work at the forefront of hands-on research from constructing DNA plasmids to analyzing cell phenotypes and protein expression.

What You Will Do

• Design, build, and QC DNA constructs using restriction cloning, Gibson/Golden Gate assembly, and PCR.
• Run agarose DNA gels to analyze PCR products and digests; perform gel extraction and DNA purification.
• Set up restriction enzyme digests and ligations; optimize reaction conditions and troubleshoot cloning workflows
• Perform core molecular and cell biology tasks, including DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR/RT-qPCR, transfection/transduction, and clonal line generation
• Analyze and clearly communicate experimental results; iterate protocols in collaboration with experienced scientists

What We're Looking For

• Highly motivated and enthusiastic co-op students eager to dive into fast-paced, impactful bench science
• Curious problem solvers who learn new techniques quickly and think creatively
• Individuals with a strong foundation in molecular biology and cell culture; experience with synthetic biology, genome engineering, or assay development is a plus.

Qualifications:

• Pursuing a MS in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, or a related field
• Hands-on experience with core techniques: miniprep/midiprep, PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme digests, ligation, and DNA purification
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and clear written/verbal communication

Why Join Us:

• Contribute directly to impactful, platform-scale molecular biology
• Collaborate with a tight-knit, multidisciplinary team that values mentorship and scientific rigor
• Build a diverse toolkit spanning cloning, gel-based analysis, cell engineering, assay development, and data analysis

What We Offer

Build alongside founders. You’ll work inside the same hypothesis-driven process Flagship uses to conceive and launch first-in-category companies. This can be the start of a longer story. Strong co-ops are considered for future opportunities across Flagship and its portfolio companies, not just for this one role.

Work alongside people who left the safe path . Your colleagues are scientists, engineers, and operators who chose to build something new rather than join something already established.

Take on real ownership. You're contributing to ventures that are still being defined. Your work can shape real decisions, not just support them.

Be paid like the contributor you are. Compensation reflects the real work you take on. Embark on an exhilarating journey with Serif Biomedicines, where your contributions at the bench will accelerate breakthrough molecular biology and shape what’s possible in biotech.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Flagship Pioneering is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

Compensation:

The pay range for this role is $25 - $35 per hour. This role is a short-term engagement that is not eligible for health and welfare benefits. Retirement benefits may be available after completing a set number of hours. Compensation and benefits information is based on Pioneering Medicines’s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.

Privacy Notice for Applicants:

When you apply for a role at Flagship Pioneering, we collect and use personal information you provide (such as your name, contact details, work history, and application materials) to evaluate your application, communicate with you, and comply with legal obligations. Your application data is processed through Greenhouse, our applicant tracking system, and may also be reviewed using AI-assisted screening tools. We do not sell your personal information. California residents have rights under the CCPA/CPRA including to know, delete, and opt out of the sharing of their personal information. If you are located in the EU or UK, we process your data under GDPR and you have rights to access, rectify, and erase your data. To exercise your rights or for questions, contact [e-mail].

The pay range for this role is $25 - $35 per hour. This role is a short-term engagement that is not eligible for health and welfare benefits. Retirement benefits may be available after completing a set number of hours. Compensation and benefits information is based on Serif Biomedicines's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.

Privacy Notice for Applicants:

When you apply for a role at Flagship Pioneering, we collect and use personal information you provide (such as your name, contact details, work history, and application materials) to evaluate your application, communicate with you, and comply with legal obligations. Your application data is processed through Greenhouse, our applicant tracking system, and may also be reviewed using AI-assisted screening tools. We do not sell your personal information. California residents have rights under the CCPA/CPRA including to know, delete, and opt out of the sharing of their personal information. If you are located in the EU or UK, we process your data under GDPR and you have rights to access, rectify, and erase your data. To exercise your rights or for questions, contact [e-mail].