What are the responsibilities and job description for the Discovery Synthesis & Purification Co-op (Fall 2026) position at Wave Life Sciences?
About Wave
JOB DESCRIPTION
Wave Life Sciences is a biotechnology company focused on unlocking the broad potential of RNA medicines to transform human health. Our RNA medicines platform, PRISM, combines multiple modalities, chemistry innovation and deep insights in human genetics to deliver scientific breakthroughs that treat both rare and prevalent disorders. Our toolkit of RNA-targeting modalities includes editing, splicing, RNA interference and antisense silencing, providing us with unmatched capabilities for designing and sustainably delivering candidates that optimally address disease biology. Our diversified pipeline includes clinical programs in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and Huntington’s disease, as well as a clinical program in obesity and a preclinical program in NASH/MASH. Driven by the calling to “Reimagine Possible”, we are leading the charge toward a world in which human potential is no longer hindered by the burden of disease.
Scope
Wave Life Sciences seeks a highly motivated co-op student to join its team of scientists in Lexington, Massachusetts. This co-op student will gain exposure to areas of oligonucleotide synthesis, formulation, purification, and analysis. The co-op will be trained in a variety of laboratory techniques and instrumentation, making this an excellent learning opportunity for future entrance into industry or academia. This is an ideal position for any student with strong organizational skills and attention to detail who thrives in a team-oriented, fast-paced and multi-disciplinary biotech environment. Completion of coursework in organic chemistry, biochemistry, analytical chemistry with laboratory experience is preferred.
Position Responsibilities
Wave Life Sciences provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Wave Life Sciences complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Wave Life Sciences expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Wave Life Sciences’ employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.
We value our relationships with professional recruitment firms. To protect the interests of all parties and given the large volume of inquiries received from third-party placement agencies, we are not able to respond to all agency inquiries. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates for current or future positions. Submission of unsolicited resumes in advance of a signed agreement between our company and a placement agency does not create an implied obligation and, if an unsolicited candidate represented by a placement agency is hired, we are not obligated to pay a fee. Only approved recruitment firms will be allowed to provide services to Wave Life Sciences, USA.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Wave Life Sciences is a biotechnology company focused on unlocking the broad potential of RNA medicines to transform human health. Our RNA medicines platform, PRISM, combines multiple modalities, chemistry innovation and deep insights in human genetics to deliver scientific breakthroughs that treat both rare and prevalent disorders. Our toolkit of RNA-targeting modalities includes editing, splicing, RNA interference and antisense silencing, providing us with unmatched capabilities for designing and sustainably delivering candidates that optimally address disease biology. Our diversified pipeline includes clinical programs in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and Huntington’s disease, as well as a clinical program in obesity and a preclinical program in NASH/MASH. Driven by the calling to “Reimagine Possible”, we are leading the charge toward a world in which human potential is no longer hindered by the burden of disease.
Scope
Wave Life Sciences seeks a highly motivated co-op student to join its team of scientists in Lexington, Massachusetts. This co-op student will gain exposure to areas of oligonucleotide synthesis, formulation, purification, and analysis. The co-op will be trained in a variety of laboratory techniques and instrumentation, making this an excellent learning opportunity for future entrance into industry or academia. This is an ideal position for any student with strong organizational skills and attention to detail who thrives in a team-oriented, fast-paced and multi-disciplinary biotech environment. Completion of coursework in organic chemistry, biochemistry, analytical chemistry with laboratory experience is preferred.
Position Responsibilities
- Perform downstream processing of oligonucleotides synthesized at various scales, utilizing various purification modalities, but specifically Anion Exchange (AEX) chromatography and size exclusion chromatography (SEC).
- Learn the AKTA Unicorn software to assist in developing new methods/gradients
- Characterize compounds using analytical instrumentation i.e., UV, pH, UPLC and LC-MS
- Operate and maintain lab equipment such as synthesizers, ÄKTA purifiers, UPLC, LC-MS, Nanodrop, and other analytical instrumentation
- Maintain timely, detailed written and electronic records of experimental protocols and data in accordance with company policy
- Potential to learn synthesis of oligonucleotides on the MM12, MM192 and AKTA synthesis systems if timing allows
- Strict adherence to lab safety and personal protective equipment policies
- Effective and timely communication skills both interdepartmentally and with vested stakeholders, including presenting scientific data
- Attention to detail and well organized
- An inquisitive student with a positive attitude with a desire to succeed and promote change to improve efficiencies
Wave Life Sciences provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Wave Life Sciences complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Wave Life Sciences expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Wave Life Sciences’ employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.
We value our relationships with professional recruitment firms. To protect the interests of all parties and given the large volume of inquiries received from third-party placement agencies, we are not able to respond to all agency inquiries. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates for current or future positions. Submission of unsolicited resumes in advance of a signed agreement between our company and a placement agency does not create an implied obligation and, if an unsolicited candidate represented by a placement agency is hired, we are not obligated to pay a fee. Only approved recruitment firms will be allowed to provide services to Wave Life Sciences, USA.