FL99: Chemical Biology/Biochemistry Co-Op

Company Summary:

Flagship Labs 99, Inc. (FL99) is a privately held, early-stage biotechnology company developing an innovative platform for genetic medicine delivery that will overcome longstanding barriers to expand the scope and effectiveness of next-generation therapeutics.

FL99 was founded by Flagship Pioneering, an innovation enterprise that conceives, creates, resources, and grows first-in-category life sciences companies. Flagship Pioneering has created over 100 groundbreaking companies over the past twenty 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), Syros Pharmaceuticals (SYRS), Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ:MCRB), Generate Biomedicines, Tessera Tx, Evelo Biosciences (EVLO), and Indigo Agriculture.

The Company:

FL99 is seeking an innovative and enthusiastic Chemical Biology / Biochemistry Co-Op to assist with platform development. In this role, you will contribute to our design, synthesis, and purification of novel nucleic acid therapeutics. You will work closely with a small, multidisciplinary group of experienced scientists and engineers to advance the FL99 platform. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to building the foundation of an early-stage company, collaborating with a passionate, energetic, and creative team to help shape the future of genetic medicine delivery. 

Primary Responsibilities:

We’re looking for a passionate and detail-oriented co-op student to contribute to platform ideation and implementation in chemical biology/biochemistry. More specifically, we’re looking for either a strong chemist who’s interested in expanding to molecular biology, or a talented molecular biologist who’d be excited to also flex into chemistry projects. A competitive candidate will have meaningful experience in at least two of the following three areas: 

• Molecular biology techniques such as in vitro transcription, RT-qPCR, and gel-based analyses to produce and characterize nucleic acids
• Nucleic acid purification methods such as HPLC or FPLC
• Chemistry analysis techniques such as NMR, TLC, etc. 

Regardless of specific background/expertise, core responsibilities for all candidates include: 

• Thoroughly documenting results in electronic lab notebooks.

• Collaborating closely with scientists from diverse disciplines to advance company objectives. 
• Communicating ideas and data and presenting findings through written technical reports and oral presentations to a cross-functional team
• Working on tough problems with both tenacity and agility 
• Having a growth mindset, with a strong desire to learn new things, be mentored by more experienced scientists, and help create something big  

Qualifications:

• B.S. or M.S. candidate in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, or a related field
• Experience with at least one of the following sets of laboratory skills is required, with experience with both preferred:
• Chemical synthesis, NMR, and chromatography methods
• Molecular biology techniques, including in vitro transcription, RT-qPCR, and gel-based analyses
• Ability to work independently and with peers on multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
• Independently motivated, organized, and excellent problem-solving abilities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Competence with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

More About Flagship Pioneering

We are creative optimists and we would love for you to consider joining our team!  See all our open opportunities across Flagship Pioneering’s Ecosystem!

Flagship Pioneering is a biotechnology company 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 companies 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.

We believe pioneering is best done by teams, and that it is a process that can be taught, learned, and replicated.  Learn more about our Company Creation Model. Can Breakthrough Innovations Be Made Systematically? A Conversation With Noubar Afeyan, Flagship Pioneering’s CEO.

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.

At Flagship, we recognize there is no perfect candidate. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please 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.