About the internship: 

The R&D Intern will be involved in the synthesis and characterization of Secant Group biomaterials for end-uses in payload delivery applications. Characterizes both chemical and physical properties of biomaterials in addition to cell-based interactions under the supervision of an experienced Research Scientist. Develops knowledge of commonly used instrumentation, concepts, methods, and procedures consistent with materials chemistry, cell biology and biomedical engineering. Will also have daily exposure to a chemical and biological lab environment, manufacturing environments, and environmentally controlled rooms. 

What you will do:

• Perform polymer synthesis and characterization of novel biomaterials.
• Characterize biomaterials using spectroscopy, chromatography (column/GPC/HPLC), thermal analysis, and rheology.
• Prepare polymer formulations containing biologic and/or small molecule APIs
• Perform in vitro release studies to determine payload release kinetics
• Works with experienced Secant Group scientists to help develop and assess biomaterials and polymers for cell-based therapies with focus on gene delivery to cells.
• Generates and analyzes data relevant to the characterization of various cell types using in vitro cellular and biochemical assays.
• Assists with expansion and maintenance of cell lines.
• Learns and follows best practices using aseptic technique when performing cell culture related tasks.
• Investigates available literature, relevant to research tasks, to develop skills independently designing experiments and drawing conclusions from data analysis.
• Uses, and assists with maintenance of, standard biological lab equipment such as biological safety cabinets, cell counters, fluorescence microscopes, plate readers, centrifuges, and flow cytometers.
• Clearly communicates technical information and project status to supervisor and colleagues through written and verbal manner.
• Presents and discusses research findings at weekly group meetings and provides suggestions based on data conclusions to help guide future experiment aims.
• Accurately and thoroughly documents procedures and results using laboratory notebooks, protocols & reports, records, and databases.

Who you are:

• Currently in a college program, preferably Biomaterials, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering related major or minor.