Senior Research Associate, Protein Degradation

What if… you could join an organization that creates, resources, and builds life sciences companies that invent breakthrough technologies to transform health care and sustainability?

At Flagship Labs 107 (FL107), a Flagship Pioneering-backed stealth biotechnology company, we’re pioneering the mastery of protein control: tuning the stability, degradation, and localization, of any protein. By systematically rewriting the rules of protein homeostasis, we’re on a mission to target the “undruggable” and treat the “impossible.” Our innovative approach combines novel biology, medicinal chemistry, and AI/ML-powered molecular design, all driven by our unwavering commitment to dramatically improve patient lives.

Position Summary: We are seeking a highly creative, resourceful, and motivated Research associate to join our Protein degradation team. The ideal candidate will help us set up our in-house protein production capabilities and support our cell-culture and molecular biology efforts. Strong candidates will be independent, goal-oriented, and have excellent communication skills. We are seeking individuals who can be highly adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced collaborative and multidisciplinary environment. This is a unique opportunity to drive the growth of an early-stage biotechnology company where you can meaningfully define the next frontier of protein homeostasis modulators. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving our discovery efforts aimed at developing therapeutic strategies that modulate protein homeostasis.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the third member of our Protein degradation team.
• Conduct biochemical assays, involving including protein production, purification, and assay development.
• Perform in vitro cellular experiments, including bacterial transformation, mammalian cell transfection, and flow cytometry.
• Conduct standard biological and laboratory analyses and assays.
• May be responsible for designing and executing advanced experiments
• Compile and analyze experimental data. Develop a summary of findings for presentation to the team.
• Analyze experimental data and interpret results while maintaining an accurate electronic lab notebook.
• Identify technical issues, propose solutions, and communicate findings effectively to the team.
• Manage lab inventories, calibrate and operate lab equipment, and ensure timely procurement of reagents and consumables.
• Collaborate on multiple projects with shifting priorities and deadlines.
  
  

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (3 year of related experience) or bachelor’s degree (5 years of related experience) in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology or a related discipline. Industry experience preferred.
• Familiarity with a variety of molecular biology and cell biology techniques including, but not limited to, cell culture, western blot, flow cytometry, transfection, lentiviral transduction, immunoprecipitation, immunoblotting, RT-qPCR, and cell proliferation/viability assays.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to document and analyze information/data and use logic to address work-related issues and problems.
• Organized, with close attention to detail and strong time management skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Resourceful problem solver and self-starter.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior industry experience.
• Prior experience with protein production: plasmid preparation, bacterial transformation, protein purification (sonication, affinity chromatography, size exclusion chromatography).
• Experience in protein degradation is a plus
  
  

What We Offer

• Opportunity to lay the scientific foundation of a transformative platform company as an early employee, and to serve as a key contributor to the development of new technologies in the protein degradation field.
• Custom-tailored role to maximize impactful contributions, professional growth, and scientific interests.
• Weekly lunches, monthly social events, and community lunchroom with free snacks, cold brew coffee tap, and a vibrant community with scientists and entrepreneurs.
• A collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity and innovation.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technologies.
  
  

Values And Behaviors

Flagship is an experiment in institutional, entrepreneurial, and innovation practiced in the context of a small company with an insurgent mindset. We are seeking individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit, strong communication skills, and comfort in working in and contributing to a dynamic and cross-functional team environment.

At Flagship, we recognize there is no perfect candidate. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, we encourage you to apply anyway. Experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your unique background. The level of the role will be commensurate with the education and years of experience of the identified candidates.

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.