Co-op, Analytical Technologist in Biomarker Discovery

Job Description

This application is for a 6-month student role from January - June 2025. Resume review begins in October 2024. 

Biomarkers are measurements that can help predict disease progression, describe a drug’s mechanism of action or identify disease risk factors, among other potential uses. Application of biomarkers to clinical studies allows for teams to make efficient, data-driven decisions.  The Biogen Biomarkers group discovers and develops novel biomarker assays that are used to support Biogen’s entire pipeline.  

Our Biomarker subgroup applies cutting edge analytical technologies such as liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry to measure trace amounts of proteins, metabolites and lipids in human biological fluids like plasma, serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Many of these measurements are done at the picogram level (1 trillionth of a gram!). We are also interested in learning how proteins associated with neurological disease often have a propensity to aggregate in the brain.  Diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and others are thought to involve proteins which function abnormally by clumping together and spreading.  We are interested in studying this phenomenon by deploying “seeding amplification” assays which can monitor if abnormal proteins are found in patient samples. Together our work helps to support Biogen’s pipeline by allowing for important decision-making to be done in early stage clinical trials.  

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Position Description 

As a co-op, you will: 

• Sample Processing: Pipetting and mixing reagents in clinical samples to identify proteins of interest in a Biological fume hood 
• Analytical Techniques:  Learning how to operate a state-of-the-art liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry rig which separates and analyzes samples for protein or small molecule content 
• Seeding Amplification: Use a fluorescence-based reader including software to determine presence of protein aggregation in biological samples 
• Data analysis and interpretation:  Microsoft Excel and Graphpad Prism  

Example projects may include: 

• Development of novel seeding amplification assays to support ALS portfolio 
• Identification of seeding competent alpha synuclein species in Parkinson’s disease cerebrospinal fluid 
• Development and validation of a small molecule mass spectrometry-based panel to support Biogen’s multiple sclerosis franchise 

Qualifications

Include the knowledge, skills, and abilities you may be seeking. 

• Good math skills for calculations of concentrations for reagent preparation 
• Pipetting 
• Good understanding of Microsoft Excel and Word 

To participate in the Biogen Internship Program, students must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. 
• At least 18 years of age prior to the scheduled start date 
• Be currently enrolled in an accredited community college, college or university 

Education 

Undergraduate or graduate student majoring in biology, chemistry, neuroscience or related discipline. 

Additional Information

Why Biogen?

We are a global team with a commitment to excellence, and a pioneering spirit. As a mid-sized biotechnology company, we provide the stability and resources of a well-established business while fostering an environment where individual contributions make a significant impact. Our team encompasses some of the most talented and passionate achievers who have unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and expanding their skills. Above all, we work together to deliver life-changing medicines, with every role playing a vital part in our mission. Caring Deeply. Achieving Excellence. Changing Lives.

At Biogen, we are committed to building on our culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients we serve. We know that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives make us a stronger and more innovative company, and we are focused on building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired. Read on to learn more about our DE&I efforts.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Biogen is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.