Terrana: Bioinformatics Co-Op: Computational Biology & Data Science

Location: Cambridge, MA USA Department: Co-Ops & Internships

This position is open exclusively to current Northeastern University Co-Op students.

Work Period: January 2027 to June 2027. This is a full - time, 40 hours per week position with 5 days in office.

About Terrana Biosciences

At Terrana, we are advancing the frontiers of biotechnology through an integrated approach combining cutting-edge science, data, and engineering. The CBDS (Computational Biology & Data Science) team partners closely with experimental scientists and platform teams to extract insights from large-scale biological data.

About Flagship Pioneering

Terrana Biosciences was founded by Flagship Pioneering's venture creation engine that invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health or sustainability. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated and fostered more than 100 scientific ventures, resulting in more than $90 billion in aggregate value. Many of the company’s Flagship has founded have addressed humanity’s most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture. Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE’s “Change the World” list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies and has been twice named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at www.flagshippioneering.com.

Flagship Pioneering Co-Op Program

Welcome to Flagship Pioneering Co-Op Program for the cohort dreaming big and taking courageous leaps. You'll join fellow peers across our ecosystem of companies and learning firsthand how we build first-in-category companies. You’ll have access to enrichment sessions, a dedicated professional development track, and a mentor that help guide you toward your next step. By the end, you will carry on a meaningful project outcome, a genuine network, and a front-row view of how Flagship pioneer new ventures that change the world.

About the Role

We are seeking a Bioinformatics Co-Op who is passionate about applying computational approaches to solve real-world biological problems. This is a unique opportunity to join a multidisciplinary team and contribute to high-impact research in genomics, molecular biology, and synthetic biology.

Responsibilities

Work closely with CBDS scientists to process, analyze, and interpret next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, including RNA-seq and/or small RNA-seq.

Assist in the development and automation of bioinformatics pipelines using Python, R, or workflow management systems like Snakemake or Nextflow.

Perform data quality control, alignment, quantification, and differential expression analysis.

Help curate internal datasets and contribute to data visualization and reporting to cross-functional teams.

Participate in regular team meetings, journal clubs, and code reviews to grow technically and scientifically.

Collaborate with wet lab scientists to translate experimental results into actionable insights.

Conduct SHAPE-MAP analyses alongside ongoing maintenance of internal applications.

Qualifications

Required

Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Data Science, Computer Science, Biology, or a related field.

Coursework or hands-on experience in analyzing high-throughput sequencing data.

Proficiency in Python and/or R for data analysis and scripting.

Familiarity with tools such as FASTQC, STAR, HISAT2, Bowtie2, samtools, DESeq2, or similar.

Experience working in a Linux/Unix environment and using version control (e.g., Git).

Preferred

Experience with cloud computing environments (AWS, GCP) or containerization tools (Docker, Singularity).

Interest in or exposure to machine learning and/or large language models (LLMs) in biological contexts.

Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams.

What You’ll Gain

Mentorship from experienced computational biologists and data scientists.

Exposure to real-world R&D workflows and the opportunity to work on projects that directly impact our scientific mission.

Practical experience with industry-standard tools, pipelines, and best practices.

A collaborative, mission-driven environment where learning and innovation are highly valued.

What We Offer

Build alongside founders. You’ll work inside the same hypothesis-driven process Flagship uses to conceive and launch first-in-category companies.

This can be the start of a longer story. Strong co-ops are considered for future opportunities across Flagship and its portfolio companies, not just for this one role.

Work alongside people who left the safe path. Your colleagues are scientists, engineers, and operators who chose to build something new rather than join something already established.

Take on real ownership. You're contributing to ventures that are still being defined. Your work can shape real decisions, not just support them.

Be paid like the contributor you are. Compensation reflects the real work you take on.

To Apply: Please submit your resume and a short statement (no more than 250 words) describing your interest in bioinformatics and this co-op opportunity.

Flagship Pioneering is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

The pay range for this role is $25 - $35 per hour. This role is a short-term engagement that is not eligible for health and welfare benefits. Retirement benefits may be available after completing a set number of hours. Compensation and benefits information is based on T