What are the responsibilities and job description for the Co-op, Synthetic Biology position at Flagship Pioneering, Inc.?
Company Summary:
Ring Therapeutics Inc. is a privately held, early-stage biotechnology company pioneering a completely novel form of gene therapy by exploiting a family of naturally occurring commensal viruses to create the first re-dosable and targetable DNA medicines. This approach enables a powerful new class of tropic, persistent, non-integrating vectors that overcome the immunogenicity, and limited tropism of existing gene therapy vectors. Ring Therapeutics is leveraging this versatile technology to develop a broad pipeline of novel, targeted medicines for disease with high unmet medical need.
Ring Therapeutics was founded by Flagship Pioneering, focused on launching breakthrough companies based on internally conceived innovations and insights. Flagship Pioneering has created over 40 groundbreaking companies over the past fifteen years, all of which are pioneering novel and proprietary biological, industrial, and engineering approaches to solve major needs in human health and sustainability. These companies include Moderna (MRNA), Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ:MCRB), Syros Pharmaceuticals (SYRS), Rubius Therapeutics (RUBY), Axcella Health, Evelo Biosciences (EVLO), and Indigo Agriculture.
Position Summary:
Ring Therapeutics is seeking a synthetic biology co-op to join the Platform and Biology team to help develop new DNA medicine technologies. This researcher will be responsible for utilizing a variety of molecular cloning techniques to create novel plasmids. The co-op will work as part of a team to design, execute, and validate the DNA constructs. The ideal candidate will have familiarity with traditional cloning techniques as well as assembly methods (MoClo, Gibson, etc.) often used in synthetic biology. We are searching for enthusiastic and highly motivated individuals who are comfortable multitasking and working both with a team and independently on various aspects of the synthetic biology platform development.
Key Responsibilities:
- Follow experimental protocols related to cloning, bacterial propagation and plasmid DNA isolation.
- Perform molecular cloning experiments to support company objectives.
- Maintain electronic lab notebooks, and communicate results to the scientific team.
- Prepare large scale plasmid stocks; establish and maintain records for plasmid database.
- Work independently and collaborate with scientific colleagues in support of team goals.
- Adhere to laboratory safety requirements and procedures.
Qualifications:
- 0-2 years molecular biology and cloning research experience in an academic or industry setting.
- Candidates must be familiar with the following molecular biology techniques, hands-on experience preferred:
- Bacterial transformation, culture, plating
- Plasmid and genomic DNA purification
- Molecular cloning (e.g., traditional, Golden Gate, Gibson, etc.)
- PCR, gel electrophoresis, gel imaging
- Experience interpreting Sanger DNA sequencing is a plus.
- Excellent aseptic technique; demonstrated knowledge with general micro/molecular biology techniques.
- Excellent communication skills, capable of conveying technical information in a clear and thorough manner.
- Demonstrated ability to execute/perform in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial and technical environment.
- Self-motivated and adaptable to evolving project priorities and responsibilities.
- Confident, execution-focused, team-oriented.
Flagship Pioneering and our ecosystem companies are 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.
Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, “FSP”) do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.
