Best suited to candidates with hands-on lab experience in mRNA/LNP production and mammalian cell culture working in biotech therapeutics.
Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.
Original posting from Kernal Biologics, Inc. via Greenhouse
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 lipid nanoparticle (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
Kernal Bio is seeking a highly motivated Co-op to join our LNP team. The successful candidate will play an integral role in advancing next-generation mRNA-LNP therapeutics, contributing to routine production and analysis, LNP formulation, antibody conjugation, process development, and analytical characterization.
This position offers hands-on experience across multiple manufacturing functions and the opportunity to work alongside experienced scientists and engineers driving the future of selective, programmable mRNA medicines. The role also includes assisting with authoring and reviewing key documentation, such as protocols, batch records, and SOPs.
Key Responsibilities
Support routine mRNA and LNP production, purification, and analytical testing
Assist with LNP formulation and optimization, including process development and scale-up
Contribute to antibody–LNP conjugation and associated analytical characterization workflows
Participate in process development and analytical method development for mRNA-LNP products
Draft, review, and maintain documentation (SOPs, protocols, batch records)
Collaborate across teams to ensure seamless data sharing and process execution
Maintain precise and organized lab records
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
Qualifications
B.S. or M.S. student in Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Chemistry, or a related field
Required: Familiarity with mRNA/LNP unit operations (e.g., in vitro transcription, chromatography, normal flow filtration, tangential flow filtration). 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 monthly subway pass
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.