Intern, Preclinical In Vitro Pharmacology

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 Preclinical In Vitro Pharmacology Intern will play a key role in the pre-clinical team conducting cell-based studies to support candidate tLNP development for various indications including oncology, fibrosis, inflammation-related diseases and blood monogenic disorders. The candidate will be a team member focused on the generation of pre-clinical data required for candidate selection.

Responsibilities & Duties:
•    Use aseptic techniques to culture mammalian cells, including tumor cell lines, T cells, and PBMCs
•    Execute cell-based assay to assess CAR-T cell function including cytotoxicity, activation, proliferation and cytokine profiling
•    Utilize multi-color flow cytometry to phenotype immune cells
•    Make stable tumor cell lines by using techniques such as electroporation, viral delivery, and nanoparticle transfections
•    Isolate PBMCs and T cells from Leukopaks
•    Maintain and implement good laboratory practice including an accurate online laboratory notebook system, instrument and reagent validation, and personal safety precautions 
•    Work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment 
•    Organize and communicate data (written and oral) and participate in project team meetings

Requirements/Qualifications:
•    Currently enrolled in a college/university program (undergraduate or graduate) in Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biomedical Science, or a related field; or hold a Bachelor’s degree in a life science discipline
•    Basic hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture techniques (aseptic technique, passaging, cell counting, cryopreservation)
•    Foundational knowledge of cell biology, molecular biology, and immunology concepts
•    Familiarity with common laboratory procedures such as preparing reagents, buffer preparation, and maintaining lab records
•    Strong attention to detail and ability to follow experimental protocols
•    Willingness to learn new techniques and contribute to a collaborative research environment
•    Coursework or prior lab experience related to immunology, cancer biology or cell biology is a plus
•    Ability to independently conduct studies while working efficiently as part of a team
•    Strong organizational and time-management skills, thorough record keeping skills (documentation and electronic lab notebook), excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
•    Ability to work on-site 30-40 hours per week during summer 2025 and 5-15 hours during academic year

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.