Associate/Senior Associate, Pioneering Intelligence

What if... we could harness the power of data with AI to create breakthroughs and accelerate the creation of new technologies?  This is the question that Pioneering Intelligence, Flagship Pioneering's in-house AI initiative, seeks to explore. Joining together cutting edge-research and digital sciences, Pioneering Intelligence builds on Flagship's legacy of founding companies at the forefront of AI. Pioneering Intelligence is dedicated to developing AI/ML-powered platforms for transformative applications that drive advances across the ecosystem, fuel Flagship's creation of breakthrough innovations, and push the boundaries of the field. 

We are a team of applied research scientists and engineers from a variety of backgrounds spanning applied mathematics, advanced computation, engineering and robotics, enabling us to push the boundaries of AI-driven innovation. We challenge conventional computational approaches to unlock the next generation of AI breakthroughs.

Position Summary: 

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative individual to join our team as an interdisciplinary AI/ML-focused Associate. This entrepreneurial professional will ideate, research and refine novel venture hypotheses, develop business cases and technical roadmaps, and co-lead a new company origination to launch. Successful candidates will demonstrate deep understanding of the latest developments across technical disciplines (including cutting-edge AI/ML), coupled with strategic acumen on value creation and a willingness to embrace uncertainty to advance our mission.

Key Responsibilities:

Venture Hypothesis Ideation and Validation:

• Lead explorations to rapidly ideate around innovation utilizing AI/ML and computation to create outsized impact, and develop novel, actionable and high value venture hypotheses


• Perform computational proof-of-concept experiments to de-risk and refine venture hypotheses


• Research the competitive landscape, formulate an initial value creation strategy and operational plan, and develop a pitch for the new venture creation working alongside a Partner/Principal on the venture creation team

New Company Origination and Operation:

• Lead development team (internal or external) on daily research and platform building


• Work closely with Flagship operations team (Finance, IP, IT, HR, etc.) to oversee day-to-day company operation, and manage across development team and stakeholders


• Manage operational and strategic risks proactively, including: identifying proof-of-concept strategy, anticipating potential technical hurdles, pre-emptively seeking support and planning for alternative options


• Define and evolve value-creation opportunity, including interacting with internal and external stakeholders to develop product-market fit, alongside a Principal or Partner


• Clearly communicate progress and risks to Flagship leadership on a regular basis

Capability Building and Team Building:

• Stay up to date on the latest technology developments and novel applications of AI/ML and other technologies across domains of interest


• Contribute to team building efforts, including: mentoring summer fellows, contributing to overall business unit strategy, and collaborating with our internal Center of Excellence on AI/ML knowledge sharing and research

Qualifications: 

• PhD or Master’s in technical fields (Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics)


• Experience working in an entrepreneurial environment and demonstrated passion for entrepreneurship


• Hands-on experience developing and building technically challenging projects (software and/or physical products)


• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills


• Excellent communication skills, across verbal, written and PowerPoint presentation


• Ability to navigate complex information, relentlessly prioritize, and thoughtfully handle ambiguity


• A passion for innovation and a willingness to explore uncharted territories

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. with 2 years of experience in post-doc, tech, or a related tech-centered industry preferred.


• Experience with cutting-edge algorithms (e.g., LLM, diffusion model), reinforcement learning, causal inference


• Prior experience as a Founder/Co-Founder

What We Offer: 

• Make an impact as part of a Fortune “Change the World” company


• Surround yourself with inspirational colleagues and leaders


• A dynamic and innovative work environment, with an exciting startup culture as well as the full support and expertise from Flagship ecosystem


• A platform to grow, learn, and lead

Location:  Cambridge, MA