Research Intern; Downstream Processing - Onsite Marlborough, MA

Position: Research Intern (Downstream Processing) - Onsite Marlborough, MA
We are seeking a motivated and technically skilled intern (PhD level) to support research and development activities in downstream processing of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and viral vectors. The successful candidate will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to optimize and execute purification workflows using tangential flow filtration (TFF) and chromatography-based methods. This internship provides hands-on experience in biologics processing and analytical evaluation, contributing directly to process development for therapeutic nanoparticles.

Hands on position starting September 2025 for a minimum of six months up to a maximum of ten months

Onsite at our Marlborough, MA site,

In the Research Intern role, you will serve as a critical contributor to the development and integration of Sartorius' emerging technologies for characterization and purification of different types of nanoparticles such as extracellular vesicles and viral vectors. These leading-edge platforms will be utilized in basic research as well as the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

What you will accomplish together with us

* Execute Purification Protocols:
Perform purification of EVs and viral vectors using TFF systems (hollow fiber and/or flat sheet) and various chromatography modalities (e.g., ion exchange, size exclusion, affinity).

Optimize Unit Operations:
Assist in the design and optimization of downstream steps to improve product yield, purity, and scalability.

System Operation and Maintenance:
Operate and maintain TFF and chromatography systems (e.g., AKTA or equivalent), including set-up, cleaning, and troubleshooting.

Sample Handling and Quantification:
Prepare and process samples following SOPs. Quantify particles using orthogonal methods such as NTA, qPCR, protein assays, and total RNA analysis.

Process Monitoring and Data Recording:
Monitor and document key parameters (e.g., transmembrane pressure, flux, recovery) during TFF runs. Maintain detailed lab notebooks and process logs.

Analytical Support:
Support integration of downstream data with analytical assays (e.g., flow cytometry, SEC-MALS, SDS-PAGE) for process characterization.

Collaborative Work:
Interact regularly with upstream, analytical, and formulation teams to align on process goals and transfer knowledge.

Safety and Compliance:
Follow laboratory safety protocols and ensure compliance with quality standards and experimental reproducibility.

What will convince us

Education:

* PhD candidate in Bioengineering, or closely related discipline with formal education and experience with extracellular vesicles characterization and purification.

Experience:

* Hands-on experience with TFF systems (lab or pilot scale) for nanoparticle or biologics concentration and diafiltration.

Practical knowledge of chromatography techniques such as SEC, IEX, or affinity purification.

Familiarity with nanoparticle systems such as EVs, viral vectors (e.g., AAV, lentivirus), or LNPs.

Comfortable working in a wet lab environment with complex biological samples.

Strong documentation and organizational skills; experience with SOPs and batch records is a plus.

Experience with analytical tools (e.g., NTA, BCA, qPCR, HPLC, or SEC-MALS) is highly desirable

* Identification with our core values:
Sustainability, Openness, Enjoyment

Compensation is up to $30 hr.

What We Offer

As a growing global life science company, with our stock listed on the German DAX and TecDAX , Sartorius offers a wide range of benefits:

Personal and Professional Development:
Mentoring, leadership programs, internal seminar offerings

Making an Impact Right from the Start:
Comprehensive onboarding, including a virtual online platform

Welcoming Culture:
Mutual support, team spirit and international collaboration; communities on numerous topics such as "Coaching", "Agile Working" and a "Businesswomen's Network"

Intelligent Working Environment:
Working in smart buildings with the latest technology and equipment.

Sartorius is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability or based on…