Co-op, mRNA-LNP Therapeutics

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 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.