What are the responsibilities and job description for the Oligonucleotide Process Development Co-op (Fall 2025) position at Wave Life Sciences?
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 co-op students to join its team of scientists in Lexington, Massachusetts. The co-op student will gain exposure to areas of oligonucleotide synthesis, purification, and analysis. Co-ops will be trained in a variety of laboratory techniques and instrumentation, making this an excellent learning opportunity. This is an ideal position for any student, including those looking for their first co-op, with strong organizational skills and attention to detail who thrives in a team-oriented, fast-paced and cross-disciplinary biotech environment. Organic chemistry or biochemistry laboratory experience is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Assist in the upstream and downstream development of oligonucleotides
- Preparation of synthesis reagents for solid phase oligonucleotide synthesis by weighing organic compounds and preparing reagents
- Independently prepare buffer solutions of specified molarity for purification of oligonucleotides
- Assist in the operation of AKTA systems and be able to learn and work on UNICORN software
- Assist in running desalting operations on Sartoflow TFF systems
- Prepare and submit samples on analytical systems such as UPLC and LCMS and conduct analysis
- Maintain a detailed report of experimental procedures and findings in electronic lab notebooks
- Use of pH meter, Nanodrop to record data
- Use of MS Excel is preferred
Skills and Competencies
- Present experimental data in team meetings
- Eager to learn about instrumentation and work with new technology
- Following the lab safety protocols including use of PPEs
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.
