Job Description

We are seeking to employ a highly motivated and talented research intern to work at Codiak BioSciences in the summer of 2020.

Codiak BioSciences has rapidly built a proprietary technology platform for exosome engineering and manufacturing that allows for precise targeting of important molecular pathways, opening the door to the development of therapies for cancer and other diseases. Codiak BioSciences is led by an experienced and dedicated teams, supports the development of exosome-based therapies that address significant unmet medical needs in oncology, immunology, hematology, neurology, and other disease areas.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This internship will focus on two main projects

1. To study how exosome mediates cell-cell communication in vivo (Endogenous Mechanism)- We are using animal models and cutting-edge technology trying to decipher how exosome mediate cell-cell communication. We aim to map and construct the endogenous exosome communication network. This will help us fully exploit the therapeutic potential of exosomes. We could use the knowledge we gained in this study to achieve target specific exosome delivery.
2. To study how to improve exosome cargo delivery- We are using various strategies and approaches to engineer exosomes and improve the efficiency of their cargo delivery. We employ the most cutting-edge CRISPR screen approach trying to find novel genes or signal pathways we can engineer to achieve better cargo delivery. This study will support the development of exosome-based therapies that address significant unmet medical needs in oncology, immunology, hematology, neurology, and other disease areas.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Carry out experiments and research according to protocols laid out by primary researchers
• Collect and log experimental data
• Conduct statistical analyses of data sets
• Prepare graphs and spreadsheets to portray results
• Create presentation slides and posters to help researchers present findings
• Review print and online resources to gather information
• Check facts, proofread, and edit research documents to ensure accuracy.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and inventory
• Applying molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemical methods to support the generation and characterization of novel engineered exosomes.
• Help to generate novel mammalian cell expression systems specifically tailored to the production of engineered exosomes; Cultivate cell lines to produce exosomes with desired properties.
• Develop cell-based and biochemical assays for evaluating exosome functionality.

Qualifications

• Must be deadline driven and have a high level of organizational and planning skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and oral and written communication skills.
• Previous experience with molecular biology (including molecular cloning, PCR, DNA extraction and purification), cell culture is preferred.
• Ability to work well in teams, effectively manage multiple projects, and present ideas clearly and concisely.
• Applicants should be highly motivated and have a strong interest in discovery research.
• Experience with bright field and fluorescence microscopy is preferred.
• Strong work ethic and attention to detail.

Additional Information

ABOUT CODIAK

FORWARD ENGINEERING ON NATURE’S MESSENGER SYSTEM

Recent discoveries have demonstrated that exosomes derived from normal cells can act as a potent and safe delivery system for multiple therapeutic payloads. These small vesicles, which leave cells and travel throughout the body, can mediate dramatic effects in animal models of disease.

We are developing a broad platform for the delivery of macromolecules to the cytoplasm of diverse cells and tissues, to create a proprietary pipeline of novel, targeted medicines for diseases with high unmet medical need. The company’s technology exploits the natural propensity of exosomes to transmit macromolecule payloads between cells to create a pipeline of drugs across a broad range of diseases, including those associated with currently “undruggable” targets. While our initial focus is on oncology/immuno-oncology, this approach also offers significant potential in hematology, neurology and gene therapy  and other therapy areas.

We are now producing drug candidate exosomes using the engExTM platform, our novel therapeutic engine for exosomes. We tailor exosomes to express molecules on their surfaces and/or deliver specific cargo inside. This affords us the flexibility for designing proprietary drug candidates; exosomes can be mixed and matched into rational and targeted combinations with the potential for a broad therapeutic platform.

As of December 2017, Codiak has raised a combined $168.5M in Series A-C financing. The company maintains partnerships with academic exosome labs and has multiple paths to clinical and commercial success through the breadth of the company’s research, strength of its IP position and proprietary innovation behind its production capabilities.

INSPIRED EMPLOYEES CREATE GREAT SCIENCE

Codiak’s CEO and first employee Doug Williams, Ph.D., (former EVP of Biogen R&D, CEO of ZymoGenetics) espouses the belief that inspired employees create great science. Employees treat the company as if it was their own and report that there is “direct and respectful communication,”  and “trust that teammates will do the right thing and never compromise integrity.”  

Named one of 11 disruptive startups “on a do-or-die mission to launch new meds” by Endpoints News in January 2018, Codiak is in the heart of Boston’s biotechnology hub at 500 Technology Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Website: www.codiakbio.com

Codiak BioSciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status.