Co-op, Biologist, Translational In Vivo Science

This application is for a 6-month student role from January - June 2025. Resume review begins in October 2024. As a co-op, you will be embedded in Translational In Vivo Sciences group in Integrated Pharmacology & Safety. Our group employs various in vivo techniques including live bioluminescence imaging to evaluate new strategies to improve drug delivery into the central nervous system (CNS) and muscle. We are collaborating with various groups in Biogen to explore new delivery technologies to achieve improved cellular uptake, blood brain barrier penetration, and cell type-specific delivery. To support Biogen’s mission of being pioneers in developing therapeutics against challenging neurological diseases, it is critical to achieve effective drug delivery to the target. Our group is involved in the design and execution of preclinical studies in mouse models to evaluate tissue-enhanced delivery with a particular focus on oligonucleotide therapeutics and gene therapy. Position DescriptionYou will support in vivo pharmacodynamic studies with either an mRNA readout or bioluminescence readout. A successful candidate will work closely with other team members and acquire the following techniques and skills: Dosing in mice via different routes of administration (IP, IV and SC) Perform bioluminescence imaging of live mice under anesthesia Analyze imaging data and present at lab meetings Support other techniques in molecular and cellular biology, such as tissue collection, DNA/RNA purification, digital droplet PCR, tissue sectioning, immunohistochemistry and microscopy Gain a thorough understanding of scientific concept of preclinical rodent models and drug delivery  Take a lead on a subproject to help improve the current in vivo platform Example projects may include: Optimization of a novel brain-specific AAV-luciferase reporter mouse model using in vivo bioluminescence imaging (BLI) Optimization of in vivo fluorescence imaging in genetically engineered mouse models Validation of a novel genetically engineered mouse model using immunohistochemistry (IHC)