Summer Lab Intern

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a leading healthcare nonprofit organization like no other. For decades, we have been taking major steps and pioneering new ways to advance the mission to find a cure for cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives by funding research and drug development, partnering with the CF community, and advancing high-quality, specialized care.

We are the global leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis and nearly every CF drug and therapy available today was made possible because of CF Foundation support. We did this not only for the close to 40,000 people living in the U.S. with CF - and the estimated 105,000 people worldwide - but for the people with CF and families who have worked tirelessly to support the mission.

These achievements have required dedication and unwavering commitment from a talented team of CF Foundation employees. We promote an environment that attracts -- and retains -- a diverse group of talented people who are passionate about eradicating this disease . Join us and you will join an amazing team, devoted to our community, and our mission.

Position Description

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CF Foundation) and its employees embrace their commitment to its core values. These core values are the pillars on which the CF Foundation stand and will continue to sustain us as we move forward.

• Keep sight of what really matters: Our decisions are based on what is best for people with cystic fibrosis and their families.

• Aspire for excellence in all we do: We take pride in our work. We are committed to continuous learning and improvement.

• Stronger together: We collaborate and work together so that we can learn more and achieve more.

• Innovate with courage: We embrace challenges. We reach beyond boundaries in pursuit of our vision.

• Care about our people: We deeply care about each other and all who support our shared mission. We listen with respect. We support one another.

We are a nonprofit, donor-supported organization that has raised and invested billions of dollars to help develop cystic fibrosis therapies that have changed the lives of people with this disease. Nearly every CF medicine available today was made possible because of Foundation support.

CFF LAB:

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's one-of-a-kind CF research facility, located in Lexington, MA helps expedite the early stages of drug discovery that could correct or improve the function of the defective cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The Lab bridges the gap between discoveries made at academic institutions and the development of new therapies by the biotech and pharmaceutical industry. Since it first opened in 2012, the vision for the lab has evolved from a focus on developing new and better CFTR transformative treatments, especially for those with rare and nonsense mutations who cannot be treated with modulators. In addition to unique treatments for those with rare and nonsense mutations, the lab is concentrating research on enabling genetic therapies that will ultimately offer the best hope for a cure for CF.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM SUMMARY:

This ten-week summer research experience will focus on learning how scientific discovery at the bench can be translated to treatment of disease. Students will join one of seven teams in the Laboratory and carry out an independent research project. The purpose of the internship is to: 1) immerse students in areas of biomedical science not readily accessible on undergraduate campuses, 2) provide an opportunity for firsthand knowledge of how new data are obtained and interpreted, 3) experience the process of research as a creative intellectual activity and gain a more realistic view of the opportunities and demands of a professional research career, 4) allow students to gain an in depth understanding of cystic fibrosis (CF) and the rapidly advancing therapeutic landscape for CF.

Works under supervision on projects conducted within one or more CFF Lab (aka CFFT Lab) teams including: Genomics, Bioinformatics, Gene Editing, Stem Cell Biology, Pilot Projects, Screening, and Electrophysiology. Will gain hands-on experience in a variety of basic and state-of-the-art lab techniques which may include sterile technique and cell culture, general and specific microscopy, DNA/RNA isolation and sequencing, cloning, digital droplet PCR, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, etc. Will analyze data and present findings in project team meetings.

• Perform laboratory experiments using standard techniques and equipment.

• Troubleshoot and understand experimental activities.

• Perform calculations to complete research test results; collate data; and perform analysis of lab results for discussion with supervisor.

• Maintain detailed records of the work conducted (electronic lab notebook).

• Collate results in preparation for internal meetings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Active student, having completed their sophomore year in a degreed college or university life sciences program.

• Excellent attention to detail.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, problem solving skills.

• Detail-oriented and capable of multi-tasking in a dynamic team.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Interns will report to the Director II, Facilities and Operations.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Commute to lab every workday. Must have access to reliable transportation.

• Supervised work at the Lab.

• Sitting, bending, reaching, and walking.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements.

COMPENSATION:

This paid internship opportunity offers a pay rate of $20.00 per hour.

This position will be posted for a minimum of 5 days or until the position is filled. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply promptly if interested.

Total Rewards: The CF Foundation is committed to offering competitive compensation (base pay and incentive), benefits, and professional development opportunities that maximize our ability to recruit, retain, reward, and motivate a highly qualified and diverse workforce. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; a holistic well-being program; health savings and flexible spending accounts; employer-provided life and disability insurance; retirement savings benefits; and a variety of work-life benefits to support employees and their family members. In addition, the CF Foundation offers full-time employees 20 days of vacation and 10 days of sick per year, prorated based on hire date, as well as 14 paid holidays, 2 personal days, and a variety of generous leave benefits. Visit ourWhy Work at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundationpage to learn more.

The CF Foundation is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to being an employer of choice, not just a good place to work, but a great and inclusive place to work. We strive to recruit and maintain a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, physical or mental disability, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or testing, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran or any characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable Accommodations: The CF Foundation is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or would like to request an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at HROps@cff.org.