Analytical Development Co-Op ( Spring 2027)

 

About Us…

Obsidian Therapeutics is pioneering engineered cell and gene therapies to deliver transformative outcomes for patients. Obsidian’s programs apply our cytoDRiVE® technology in Cell and Gene therapy products to control expression of proteins for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and safety. Obsidian’s lead program is currently in clinical development for the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer.

We’re proud of our diverse talented team and committed to cultivating an environment of inclusion where each person feels a strong sense of belonging and is supported to continuously learn and contribute their best work. Our Research team is based in the heart of Cambridge, MA, and Technical Operations team is based in our purpose built facility in Bedford, MA.   

 

 

Our Opportunity...

We are looking for a highly motivated, scientifically curious, flexible, collaborative, and dynamic Co-Op to join our Analytical Development team. You’ll gain direct exposure to new analytical method platforms or deepen your experience with existing platforms. You will also gain industry exposure to the fast‑paced and dynamic nature of a clinical‑stage Analytical Development group, working across diverse methodologies and test articles.

As a member of our Analytical Development team, you will be a vital part of a highly collaborative group working to unlock the promise of precision cell therapy for patients, starting with our lead program amsoki-cel (OBX-115), a novel engineered tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) cell therapy that uses our proprietary cytoDRiVE® platform. This is a unique opportunity to be a valuable contributor in a well-funded clinical company with field-leading advisors, best-in-class partners, and an experienced team.    

This is a lab-based role; work is full-time on-site in our Bedford, MA location.

Work Outcomes...

• Contribute to pre-validation studies (e.g., robustness, reagent stability) in support of method validation in 1H2027. 
• Generate drug product characterization data to support TIL DP manufacturing for pivotal and phase II studies.

Learning Outcomes...

• Broaden your scientific understanding and gain hands-on experience with analytical development and learn how to evaluate product quality using a variety of assay methodologies. 
• Gain experience with reference material and assay performance trending using our custom tracking app. 
• Make intellectual and technical contributions to projects while working on a collaborative team and learning to operate effectively within a fast‑paced biotech environment. 
• Learn and maintain accurate documentation in Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN). 
• Analyze, interpret, and summarize experimental data with guidance from management. 
• Prepare presentations and present findings to the broader Analytical Development team. 
• Develop technical writing skills by drafting scientific or method‑related documents with manager support. 
• Communicate results clearly in team meetings. 

You Will...

Core responsibilities

• Perform molecular and/or cell-based assays (Flow Cytometry, Antibody staining, ddPCR, ELISA) to characterize TIL drug product or critical materials.
• Analyze and interpret standardized testing results, trend reference material, and report data for review.
• Contribute to assay development and/or optimization experiments to ensure methods are fit-for-purpose for late-stage clinical characterization.

You Bring...

Core Qualifications

• Enrolled in an Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) or Graduate (Masters) degree program in Biology, Chemistry, Bioengineering, or related major. 
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique. 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively. 
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail as applied to execution of lab work and record-keeping. 
• Self-motivated, with a proven ability to meet objectives, timelines, and high standards managing multiple responsibilities in parallel.  
• Flexible - adapts to change in a fast paced, rapidly developing environment
• Curious and humble – seeks and welcomes input/expertise of others, continuous learner
• Tenacious and resilient – is not easily overwhelmed by challenges, delivers on commitments, operates with urgency.

Bonus Qualifications

• Previous Co-Op experience. 
• Experience with Electronic Notebook (ELN). 
• Experience with molecular assays, cell-based assays, flow cytometry, and/or ELISA. 
• Experience handling viral vectors (e.g., Lentivirus/Gamma Retrovirus) 
• Coursework or experience in oncology or immunology. 

*Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications; candidates with relevant prior co‑op experience and/or critical skills may receive a higher hourly rate.

 

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 gain hands on experience that will help prepare 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. 

Not only will you have a dedicated mentor, but you will also have regular interaction with members of the team working on other projects.  Past Co-Ops have found Obsidian to be a welcoming environment offering exceptional opportunities to learn through meaningful work and collaboration with talented, experienced, and supportive colleagues who encourage 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 kayaking outings, fitness challenges, food festivals, after work get-togethers and other events. 

We also offer networking opportunities throughout your Co-Op experience.  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. 

 

Obsidian is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, cultivating a welcoming and diverse environment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.