Your next role as a Miracle Maker

Maravai LifeSciences is seeking a #MiracleMaker to join our Research & Development teamas a Research Intern, Chemistry R&D. In this role you will gain hands on experience with on mRNA synthesis. This entails a straightforward reaction that will first be taught as the foundation for the ensuing work. The complexity of the reactions will then increase while emphasizing a theoretical understanding to the process. The intern will contribute to our hands-on project needs but will also depart with what amounts to a unique learning experience.

Project Overview: Co-transcriptional capping of mRNA using novel capping analogs

The development of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) as therapeutics and vaccines is a rapidly evolving field. The mRNA program at TriLink Biotechnologies is focused on the research and application of novel advancements to optimize the quality, expression, and immune tolerance of mRNAs synthesized by in vitro transcription (IVT), the current state-of-the art technology. One such application is the chemical synthesis of novel capping analogs that efficiently cap mRNAs during IVT reactions. The Chemistry R&D team at TriLink is actively designing and synthesizing a library of cap analogs that theoretically could increase the potency of mRNAs. The successful intern's project will focus on testing these novel cap analogs to increase the expression, potency, and immune tolerance of mRNAs synthesized by IVT. A panel of existing downstream assays will be done to measure percent capping efficiency, mRNA integrity, and dsRNA content (an immunogenic by-product of IVT reactions). The results will be interpreted to help decide which cap analogs hold promise as the next improvement upon TriLink's successful CleanCap technology.

Milestones: Milestones to gauge satisfactory advancement throughout the internship are as follows:

1. Demonstrate a strong theoretical grasp of the mechanisms controlling mRNA in vitro transcription including mRNA capping and the synthesis of cap analogs. Be able to independently research articles and explain the findings.
2. Be able to independently plan and perform in vitro transcriptions using novel cap analogs. Troubleshoot results with supervision when needed.
3. Understand the criteria by which mRNA quality is measured, including percent capping, mRNA integrity, and dsRNA content. Be able to perform percent capping assays, capillary electrophoresis and/or HPLC to show mRNA integrity, and dot blot assays to measure dsRNA content.
4. Analyze data and interpret assay results. Plan next set of experiments based on those results with supervision when needed.
5. Present the results to the research group in a PowerPoint presentation.
6. Present to senior leadership and their peers at the end of the program.

Job responsibilities:

• Analyze and interpret in vitro data to guide project direction.
• Help design experiments to test mRNA functions.
• Document, interpret, and summarize findings in reports.
• Present results during group meetings and participate in scientific discussions.
• Contribute to troubleshooting, problem solving, and novel ideas while providing solutions within logical scientific context.
• Maintain safe, clean, and organized work environment.
• Perform other functions and duties as required.

Skills and experience required:

• Must be pursuing an undergraduate degree, currently in the Junior year or first semester of Senior year. Preferred areas of study are molecular biology, biochemistry or chemistry. Molecular biology preferred.
• Knowledge of general mRNA Biology. Familiarity with mRNA in vitro transcriptions, capping process, purification, and functional assays a plus.
• Ability to multitask, meet project deadlines, and work in fast-paced dynamic environment.
• Have excellent oral & written communication & presentation skills.

The Summer Internship Program is a 9 week program beginning on June 17, 2024 through August 16, 2024.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00 per hour. The salary offer will depend on multiple factors which may include the successful candidate's skills, experience and other qualifications, as well as the location of the role.