Co-Op, Bacteriology (mRNA Vaccines)

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States; 70% in-office work model; legal authorization to work in the US required. The co-op runs from January 18, 2027 through June 25, 2027, and applicants must be available for the full duration.

Salary: $20.00–$60.00 per hour.

Company

hirify.global develops mRNA-based medicines and vaccines through its mRNA-LNP technology platform.

What you will do

• Learn and apply laboratory techniques while following established protocols.
• Execute and optimize bacterial and immunological assays supporting vaccine programs.
• Perform antibody binding, toxin neutralization, antibody-dependent complement deposition, and opsonophagocytic assays.
• Independently conduct experiments and maintain accurate scientific documentation.
• Analyze, interpret, and communicate experimental data.
• Deliver reproducible, high-quality results within established timelines.

Requirements

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program focused on microbiology, molecular genetics, bacteriology, biology, molecular biology, or a related field.
• Fundamental knowledge of or hands-on experience with pipetting, serial dilution, aseptic technique, bacterial growth, and mammalian cell culture.
• Ability to identify and apply relevant scientific knowledge and experimental protocols from the literature.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.

Nice to have

• Experience with protein detection techniques such as ELISA or Western blot.
• Experience with cell characterization techniques such as flow cytometry or microscopy.
• Ability to troubleshoot experiments and evaluate alternative approaches.

Culture & Benefits

• Six-month experiential training program with supervision, mentorship, networking, and cross-team collaboration.
• Hands-on development in laboratory safety, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific documentation.
• 70/30 in-office work model supporting collaboration and direct mentorship.
• Paid time off including vacation, sick time, holidays, volunteer days, and a year-end shutdown.
• Subsidized commuter benefits, meditation and mindfulness classes, and location-specific perks.