Spring 2025 Co-op: AAV Biology

Co-Op Assignment Overview

Prime Medicine is seeking a co-op for the Spring 2025 semester with experience in molecular and cellular biology to join the AAV team. In this position, you will play a critical role in building Prime Medicine’s AAV-based delivery platform to drive gene editing therapeutics to patients for multiple indications. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced research program and will be comfortable working cross-functionally with colleagues with a diverse range of expertise.

The successful candidate will contribute to multiple aspects of optimizing our delivery platform, to include vector engineering, production, QC, and in vitro and in vivo testing. You will learn important molecular and cell biology skills, as well as the complete picture of AAV-based gene editing, witness the marriage of the AAV vector and Prime Editor, and master the technology of next generation gene editing.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Assist the team with AAV production and quality characterization utilizing basic aseptic cell culture technique, ddPCR, SDS PAGE, Silver Staining, denaturing gel electrophoresis, and other relevant techniques and assays.
• Contribute to the team’s efforts to characterize and optimize Prime’s AAV delivery platform with a variety of molecular and cell biology activities to include DNA and RNA purification, common cloning methods (eg. Gibson assembly), NGS sample preparation, qPCR, etc.  
• Assist with experimental design and conduct experiments to characterize newly designed vectors and impact on efficacy and safety.
• Contribute to the scientific discussions and output of the team
• Collect and analyze experimental data, compile experimental summaries in an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN), and present results to the larger team
• Adhere to all laboratory safety requirements and procedures

Qualifications:

• Direct experience working in a laboratory setting and demonstrated ability to perform routine laboratory procedures.
• Experience conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing experimental data, and presenting results to the larger team.
• Rigorous and conscientious, exhibiting care and thoroughness in experiment execution and data interpretation.
• Motivation and passion for driving effective gene editing therapeutic to patients.
• B.S. or M.S. candidate in Cell & Molecular Biology or related major.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to describe research clearly and concisely to a cross-disciplinary audience
• Goal-driven, with strong organizational skills, including record keeping, documentation, and reporting of research.
• Highly adaptable and comfortable in an environment with dynamic priority demands.
• Ability to work independently and within a team

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with AAV vectors, gene therapy, synthetic biology, or biotechnology a plus
• Experience in maintaining mammalian cell culture and performing transfections

What We Offer:

• A cutting-edge team open to mentorship and networking.
• Full reimbursement for monthly commuting costs including MBTA, Commuter Rail, or Bluebikes, etc.
• Participation in regular seminars with industry experts.
• Full participation in employee activities including learning and development offerings, social activities, etc.

NOTE: We are currently not considering co-op candidates outside of the local Boston/Cambridge area.