Process 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, and collaborative Process Development Co-Op to join our Process Development Team. You’ll be a contributor to efforts to Process Development that result in improved cell growth performance and product quality for our autologous tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) cell therapies, as well as process characterization + studies for increased process understanding.

As a member of our Tech Ops Department,  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...

• Assist in designing and executing experiments to improve and understand the process
• Perform cell counting and conduct mammalian cell culture activities under aseptic conditions for suspension cell expansion

Learning Outcomes...

• Broaden your scientific understanding and gain hands on experience with process development and learn how changes in process impact cell performance and product quality
• Make technical contributions to projects while working on a collaborative team
• Learn how to effectively use Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN), communicate results in team meetings, and navigate a fast-paced biotech environment

You Will...

Core responsibilities

• Assist a Senior Associate Scientist to plan and execute process development (PD) studies that drive process improvement/characterization, and support commercial readiness.
• Gain hands on experience with cell therapy (TIL) process development.
• Execute REP (Rapid Expansion Phase) and pre-REP TIL cell culture studies to support PD workflows
• Support design of experiments, meticulously execute bench work, analyze data, and troubleshoot assays.

You Bring...

Core Qualifications

• Experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique
• Excellent organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail as applied to record keeping
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and independently
• Working towards the completion of a Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, chemical/biochemical engineering, immunology, or related field
• 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 is preferred
• Knowledge of Design of Experiment (DoE) or statistical analysis
• Prior coursework or experience in oncology or immunology
• Experience with ELNs
• Experience with JMP 18

*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.