Co-Op

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 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