Join Our Team

Cell Therapy, Co-Op

Cambridge, MA

Our Opportunity…

We are looking for a scientifically curious, flexible, collaborative, and dynamic Co-Op to join the Cell Therapy Department as a key contributor to preclinical research efforts for our pipeline of tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapies.  You’ll be a vital part of a highly collaborative team working to achieve Obsidian’s vision by translating innovative science into medical breakthroughs for patients, starting with our lead program cytoTIL15 engineered to make TILs more effective for more patients.

This 6-Month Co-Op (January - June) opportunity is open to undergraduate students majoring in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering or Immunology and is based in our Cambridge office.  You will receive a tremendous amount of support, guidance, and mentorship as a Co-Op at Obsidian and can take advantage of some great perks such as free lunch, commuter benefits, and excellent career development opportunities (details below).

This is a unique opportunity to be a contributor in a well-funded clinical company with blue chip investors, field-leading advisors, best-in-class partners (BMS and Vertex), and an experienced team. You'll help us build a dynamic, innovative, passionate, collaborative, and successful organization focused on delivering transformative therapies in areas of greatest clinical need. 

You Will…

• Support the Cell Therapy department in testing the expression and function of novel targets in T-Cells and TIL.
• Depending on experience level, you may assist with generating large scale lentiviruses and/or retroviruses containing cargos of interest, scaling up and assessing the function of cargos in transduced T-Cells, and/or perform REPs/Pre-REPs of TILs (Rapid Expansion Phase).
• Learn and apply key immunology and cell biology assays including working with primary human cells, flow cytometry, PCR (polymerase chain reaction), VCN (vector copy number), MSD (Meso-Scale Discovery assay), and T-cell expansion.
• Broaden your scientific understanding through exposure to multiple biological pathways within the context of cell therapy.
• Make intellectual and technical contributions to projects, while working on a collaborative team.
• Support design of experiments, meticulously execute bench work, analyze data, and troubleshoot assays.
• Learn how to effectively use an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN), communicate results in team meetings, and navigate a fast-paced biotech environment.

You Bring…

Core Qualifications

• Working towards the completion of a bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Immunology or related field.
• Experience with mammalian tissue culture and aseptic technique.
• High level of motivation and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Adaptability, scientific curiosity, and desire to learn new skills.
• Excellent organizational skill and attention to detail as applied to record-keeping.
• Attention to detail as applied to record-keeping.
• Authorized to work in the US during the Co-Op term of employment.

Bonus Qualifications

• Previous Co-Op experience is preferred.
• Experience with Electronic Notebook (ELN).
• Experience with flow cytometry, PCR, and primary cell culture.
• Coursework or experience in oncology or immunology

Why Join Obsidian…

We’re proud of our diverse talented team and committed to cultivating an environment where each person feels a strong sense of belonging and is supported to continuously learn and contribute their best work. Join us to make a positive impact on patients, grow your career, and work with a great team.

As a Co-Op at Obsidian, you will build upon the skills that you’ve obtained through your studies and obtain hands on experience that will help position you for future full-time opportunities in the industry. You will gain exposure to the biotechnology industry and learn how to be effective in a professional setting. You will work closely with a highly collaborative and welcoming team working to advance Obsidian’s mission.

You will receive a tremendous amount of support, guidance, and mentorship.  Not only will you have a dedicated mentor, but you will also have regular interaction with members of the Cell Therapy team working on other projects.  Past Co-Ops have expressed their gratitude in finding Obsidian to be a welcoming environment that encourages questions and exploration.

Our Co-Ops receive a market competitive hourly rate and are able to take advantage of Obsidian’s Commuter Benefits to assist with commuting costs. And who doesn’t love a free lunch? Lunch selections are available from a variety of surrounding restaurants and is delivered daily in both our Cambridge and Bedford locations! Having lunch delivered allows us to gather together and build personal connections. We have a variety of fun social networking opportunities available through our Social Committee including activities like team building activities at Level 99, kayaking outings, fitness challenges, food festivals, after work get-togethers and other events.

We also build in career networking opportunities throughout your Co-Op experience so that you can explore your career interests.  You will have the opportunity to meet team members from cross-functional groups and learn about various functions that contribute to drug development.  We offer opportunities to chat with Scientists about their career paths.  You will also receive guidance on resume writing, how to use LinkedIn effectively, and job search coaching.

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