Intern- Product Development, Cell Biology

AskBio Inc., a wholly owned and independently operated subsidiary of Bayer AG, is a fully integrated gene therapy company dedicated to developing life-saving medicines and changing lives. The company maintains a portfolio of clinical programs across a range of neuromuscular, central nervous system, cardiovascular, and metabolic disease indications with a clinical-stage pipeline that includes investigational therapeutics for congestive heart failure, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, multiple system atrophy, Parkinson’s disease, and Pompe disease. AskBio’s gene therapy platform includes Pro10™, an industry-leading proprietary cell line manufacturing process, and an extensive array of capsids and promoters. With global headquarters in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and European headquarters in Edinburgh, Scotland, the company has generated hundreds of proprietary capsids and promoters, several of which have entered pre-clinical and clinical testing.

Our vision: Pioneering science to create transformative molecular medicines.

Our mission: Lead innovative science and drive clinical outcomes to transform people's lives.

Our principles:

• Advance innovative science by pushing boundaries. 

• Bring transformative therapeutics to patients in need.  

• Provide an environment for employees to reach their fullest potential.  

Our values:

• Be a Pioneer. We are not afraid of the impossible and to innovate to make gene therapies accessible to those in need.

• Cultivate Collaboration. Strive to be the best teammate, actively listen, openly communicate, and embrace diverse points of view.

• Embrace Responsibility. We are humbled by the enormity of our mission.  We hold a relentless commitment to advance science and clinical outcomes for our patients, families, and caregivers.

• Raise the Bar. Continuously drive improvements and efficiencies. Seek and provide constructive feedback. Have a bias for learning and action.

• Act with Uncompromising Integrity. Be honest, transparent, and committed to doing what’s right in every situation. Make clear commitments and follow through.

Position Summary

AskBio is seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic and collaborative Intern to help us develop next-generation gene therapies. The Intern will support the subgroup of Product Development team in preclinical efforts and interface with teams across the R&D organization. The ideal candidate would have strong experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques, such as DNA, RNA, and protein extraction, quantitative PCR, RT-PCR, ddPCR, ELISA, Western Blot, capillary Western, and next generation sequencing. Direct experience in gene therapy and gene editing research is desirable; however, prior experience is not required.

The location of this position is office-based in RTP (Durham), North Carolina.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform relevant molecular- and cell-based assays to support therapeutic programs. This includes, but is not limited, to: DNA, RNA, and protein purification, AAV transduction, transfection, immunofluorescent staining, digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), Western blotting, capillary Western , and deep sequencing.

• Aid in novel assay development.

• Perform sample processing to support preclinical studies.

• Maintain an organized laboratory notebook and author timely reports detailing experimental work.

• Perform data analysis and communicate findings to research teams.

• Maintain reagent inventories and/or place orders for materials needed for assigned projects.

• Complete required training and contribute to efforts to maintain a safe and well-functioning laboratory environment.

Minimum Requirements

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in molecular or cellular biology, biomedical engineering, biochemistry, or other related field

• Must be at least a Junior in university at the time of your application

• Hands-on laboratory experience in biomedical research (at least 1 year)

• Excellent technical skills with attention to detail

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Self-starter with ability to multitask multiple projects and work independently

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Able to work full-time hours during the summer (May-August) at an AskBio office

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills

• Currently pursuing a Master’s or PhD degree in molecular or cellular biology, biomedical engineering, biochemistry, or other related field

• Prior research experience with AAV gene therapy and gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas

• Proficient in mammalian cell culture, specifically with iPSC-derived cells

• Proficient in molecular biology techniques, such as PCR, Western blotting, and next generation sequencing

• Experience with ELISA or MSD-based assays

• Experience with common laboratory software (ex. GraphPad, SnapGene) and use of an electronic notebook

AskBio Inc. (AskBio) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job‐related requirements. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening by calling us at (919) 561-6210 or sending us an email at careers@askbio.com.

Agencies:  Please do not contact any employee at AskBio about this requisition.  Any resume submitted by a recruitment agency to any employee at AskBio, through any medium, will be deemed the sole property of AskBio unless the agency was engaged by AskBio Talent Acquisition team to recruit for that position.  All agencies must have a prior executed service agreement with AskBio prior to any search engagement.  If a candidate who was submitted outside of the AskBio agency process is hired by AskBio, no fee or payment of any kind will be paid to the agency.