Principal Scientist, Nucleic Acids

The Company:

FL85 is a Flagship-backed, privately held biotechnology company on a mission to transform the current approach to information molecule therapeutics to unlock their full therapeutic potential. In recent years, we have begun to experience the power of information molecules in treating historically undruggable diseases and in designing therapies with unprecedented turnaround times. FL85’s platform integrates nanoparticle development with world-class informatics technologies and a novel pipeline of experimentation and discovery to drive a new generation of highly effective, therapeutically relevant information molecule therapies. We are seeking collaborative, relentless problem solvers that share our passion for impact to join us!

"Flagship Pioneering has conceived of and created companies such as Moderna Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MRNA), Editas Medicine (NASDAQ: EDIT), Omega Therapeutics (NASDAQ: OMGA), Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MCRB), and Indigo Agriculture. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has applied its unique hypothesis-driven innovation process to originate and foster more than 100 scientific ventures. In 2021, Flagship Pioneering was ranked 12th globally 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."

Position Summary

FL85 is seeking a highly talented Principal Scientist to play a leading role as part of FL85’s Nucleic Acids Group where s/he will support the development of mRNA technologies to enable next generation of information molecule therapeutics.  The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of principles necessary for establishing high-yield, high-quality and scalable mRNA production processes. A robust background in bioprocess development including mRNA synthesis optimization as well as characterization techniques is required. As a member of FL85, the candidate will support advancement of novel non-viral delivery capabilities and key responsibilities will include:

• Design and implement scalable in vitro transcription processes allowing for high quality mRNA generation.
• Laboratory-based, hands-on contribution to mRNA generation and characterization (impurity assessment, cell-based potency and immunogenicity assays, NGS and/or Sanger sequencing analysis, etc.) to facilitate in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies.
• Development and optimization of new technologies and methods related to improved mRNA synthesis and purification based on both experimental results and in-depth knowledge of laboratory techniques.
• Establishing and managing timelines to ensure projects are completed according to schedule.
• Analysis and documentation of results in an electronic lab notebook or other technical reporting format.
• Interpreting experimental results with other working groups to coordinate effort toward project goals and sharing results to broader team of scientists and leadership.
• Train and mentor scientists and research associates.

Basic Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemical Engineering, or related field with at least 8 years of relevant experience
• Experience with mRNA synthesis, purification, and characterization
• Strong understanding of bioprocess development related to scaling up mRNA generation, experience executing protocols, troubleshooting, and carrying out literature searches for technology evaluation and selection
• Proven ability to work independently and cross-functionally with highly skilled teams in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and technical environment
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Motivated, curious, and comfortable working with highly technical projects and personnel
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of conveying technical information in a clear and thorough manner
• Comfortable with challenging technical problems and deadlines

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.