Spring 2025 Co-op: Process Chemistry - Prime Medicine
Watertown, MA
About the Job
Company Overview:
Prime Medicine is a leading biotechnology company dedicated to creating and delivering the next generation of gene editing therapies to patients. The Company is leveraging its proprietary Prime Editing platform, a versatile, precise and efficient gene editing technology, to develop a new class of differentiated, one-time, potentially curative genetic therapies. Designed to make only the right edit at the right position within a gene while minimizing unwanted DNA modifications, Prime Editors have the potential to repair almost all types of genetic mutations and work in many different tissues, organs and cell types.
Prime Medicine is currently progressing a diversified portfolio of eighteen programs initially focused on genetic diseases with a fast, direct path to treating patients or with a high unmet need because they cannot be treated using other gene-editing approaches. Over time, the Company intends to maximize Prime Editing's therapeutic potential and advance potentially curative therapeutic options to patients for a broad spectrum of diseases. For more information, please visit www.primemedicine.com.
Co-Op Assignment Overview
Prime Medicine is seeking a co-op for the Spring 2025 semester with interest in large RNA molecules synthesis and downstream operations including purification to join the Process Chemistry team. The candidate will be involved in routine laboratory activities to support solid-phase synthesis, chemical deprotection, purification, desalting and lyophilization of Prime's long guide RNA (gRNA). The candidate will prepare phosphoramidite solutions & reagents needed for solid-phase gRNA synthesis, setting them up on automated DNA/RNA synthesizers and support crude RNA purification efforts using chromatographic techniques, generate data and document them in the Prime's project specific folder, and will share results in the weekly process chemistry team meeting. We want curious problem solvers who enjoy working on exciting projects, working within a team and are passionate about developing genetic editing technologies to better human health and well-being.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Learn and perform solid-phase gRNA synthesis, chemical deprotection and purification of long guide RNA
- Preparation of synthesis reagents, and phosphoramidite solutions to support synthesis on the automated DNA/RNA synthesizers.
- Manage routine purification of crude gRNA oligonucleotides using purification techniques followed by salt-exchange, desalting and lyophilization to dryness.
- Maintain Oligo synthesizers, purifiers and other lab instruments such as Nano drop, TFF. in good operational condition after use.
- Document data in the project specific folder, write a project summary report in brief, and share results at team meetings.
Required Qualifications:
- Must be enrolled in the undergraduate/advanced degree program at the time of Co-op program.
- Completed general chemistry lecture and lab prior to Spring 2025.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, good organization skills, the ability to multi-tasks, and work as a team player and independently.
- A passion for learning and contributing to multiple facets of a program.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior relevant internship/Co-op experience is preferred.
- Completed Organic chemistry lecture and lab prior to Fall 2025 is preferred, but not required
- Familiarity working in chemistry laboratory, and experience in organic chemistry laboratory procedures and instrumentation. Prior experience with nucleic acid chemistry is a plus but not required.
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.
Prime Medicine is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other classification protected by law.
