Co-op, Synthetic Biology (mRNA Therapeutics)

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.