Medicinal Chemistry Co-op (Fall 2025)

About Wave:

Wave Life Sciences is a biotechnology company focused on unlocking the broad potential of RNA medicines to transform human health. Our RNA medicines platform, PRISM, combines multiple modalities, chemistry innovation and deep insights in human genetics to deliver scientific breakthroughs that treat both rare and prevalent disorders. Our toolkit of RNA-targeting modalities includes editing, splicing, RNA interference and antisense silencing, providing us with unmatched capabilities for designing and sustainably delivering candidates that optimally address disease biology. Our diversified pipeline includes clinical programs in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and Huntington’s disease, as well as a preclinical program in obesity. Driven by the calling to “Reimagine Possible”, we are leading the charge toward a world in which human potential is no longer hindered by the burden of disease.

Scope: 

Wave Life Sciences USA seeks a highly motivated, energetic, safety conscious and results-driven candidate to join its team of medicinal chemists in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The co-op’s role will primarily consist of laboratory work in support of the medicinal chemistry team’s efforts. The candidate will be responsible for planning, designing and executing multi-step synthesis including purification and compound characterization. The candidate will also be responsible for analysis of raw materials and final products received and maintain records. The candidate will be trained in a variety of laboratory techniques and instrumentation (including NMR, UPLC/MS, polarimeter, Isco column chromatography, benchtop rotovap, etc.), making this an excellent learning opportunity. These efforts will support the development of novel nucleic acid therapies across multiple disease areas.

POSITION RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Perform multi-step organic synthesis, isolate newly synthesized chemical compounds
• Analyze chemical compounds through various analytical techniques (UV-Vis, LC/MS, Polarimeter, NMRs etc.) and interpret experimental outcomes
• Troubleshoot and optimize reaction protocols based on discussions with their supervisor
• Present data and summarized results both orally and in written form, within multidisciplinary team meeting 
• Take detailed notes about the experimental design and conditions, record these experimental results in both electronic notebook and presentation format

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Working towards a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related discipline (i.e. biochemistry, chemical engineering)
• At least two years of an undergraduate education completed within a Chemistry discipline preferred
• Must have successfully completed Organic Chemistry courses (I and II or equivalent) with lab 
• Must possess excellent oral and written skills, as well as superior organizational and time management skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Collaborative and self-motivated team player
• Enthusiasm and excitement for the pursuit of cutting-edge science
• Basic understanding of molecular and cell biology
• Organic and biochemistry lab experience preferred 

EEO Statement:

Wave Life Sciences provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Wave Life Sciences complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Wave Life Sciences expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Wave Life Sciences’ employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

We value our relationships with professional recruitment firms. To protect the interests of all parties and given the large volume of inquiries received from third-party placement agencies, we are not able to respond to all agency inquiries. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates for current or future positions. Submission of unsolicited resumes in advance of a signed agreement between our company and a placement agency does not create an implied obligation and, if an unsolicited candidate represented by a placement agency is hired, we are not obligated to pay a fee. Only approved recruitment firms will be allowed to provide services to Wave Life Sciences, USA.