Intern, RNA Platform Team

About Capstan Therapeutics
Capstan is a biotechnology company with a mission to multiply the therapeutic possibilities for patients by developing targeted in vivo RNA technologies. Our proprietary CellSeeker™ tLNP platform technology is composed of novel LNPs conjugated with a recombinant protein binder, such as a monoclonal antibody. tLNPs are designed to deliver payloads, including mRNA or gene editing tools, capable of reprogramming specific cell types in vivo. Capstan’s CellSeeker™ technology has the potential to generate transformative therapies with possible applications across a broad range of disease areas, including autoimmune disorders, oncology, fibrosis, and monogenic blood disorders.

The Opportunity
Our RNA Platform Team is seeking a motivated Intern who will have the opportunity to design and clone constructs for RNA production. In this role, you will have the opportunity to spearhead the optimization of plasmid production workflows. This position would be well suited for a student with a molecular or cell biology background.

Responsibilities & Duties:
•    Assist in Plasmid production workflows  
•    Assist in optimizing E. Coli growth for plasmid production 
•    Assist in developing new cloning strategies and maximizing cloning efficiency  
•    Assist in the design and molecular cloning of DNA constructs for mRNA production
•    Conduct laboratory experiments and analysis of results
•    Participate in team meetings and communication of results
•    Maintain adherence to rigorous laboratory standards, encompassing meticulous documentation in an online laboratory notebook system and stringent personal safety measures.

Requirements/Qualifications:
•    Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or graduate degree program in a scientific discipline 
•    Minimum 2 years of college level coursework in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioinformatics, computer science or related discipline. 
•    Hands-on laboratory experience is strongly preferred.
•    Ability to work on-site 30-40 hours per week for at least 10 weeks during summer 2025 and 5-15 hours per week during the school year.
•    Strong communication and organizational skills
•    Motivated to learn and ask questions

Salary & Benefits:
•    Salary range is $21-$23/hour depending on experience.
•    Onsite Fully Stocked Kitchens 
•    Alexandria Real Estate tenant perks: access to an on-site gym and fitness classes, discounts at local restaurants, and frequent on-site meals
•    Fun team environment with many employee events throughout the year
•    Gain hands-on experience while learning from some of the brightest minds in biotech. We are here to help you grow, explore your interests, and make the most of your internship.
 

If you are interested in hearing more, reach out to us. We believe that each team member will impact and improve the lives of those we work with, and those we work for—our patients.

Capstan Therapeutics, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, California's Fair Employment and Housing Act, and applicable local law, applicants and employees with disabilities are eligible for and may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform the essential functions of the job, unless such accommodation constitutes an undue hardship. Please contact careers@capstantx.com if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Unsolicited resumes sent to Capstan from recruiters do not constitute any type of relationship between the recruiter and Capstan and do not obligate Capstan to pay fees should we hire from those resumes. We ask that external recruiters and/or agencies not contact or present candidates directly to our hiring managers or employees.