Flagship Labs 111: Small Molecule Drug Discovery Co-Op
Company Description
Flagship Labs 111 Inc. (FL111) is a privately held, early-stage biotechnology company pioneering a novel platform harnessing innovations in chemistry, computation, and data science to create new therapeutic modalities beyond traditional small molecules. FL111 is backed by Flagship Pioneering, bringing the courage, vision, and resources to guide FL111 from platform validation to patient impact. We are seeking collaborative, creative and relentless problem solvers that share our passion for impact to join us!
The Role
We're looking for an enthusiastic co-op student eager to learn the laboratory skills used in small molecule drug discovery. You will set up, run, and analyze biochemical and cell-based assays for the screening and characterization of small molecules in cancer biology.
What you will do
- Culture and maintain cancer cell lines for assay use.
- Prepare compound plates via reconstitution and serial dilution.
- Run luminescence and fluorescence assays on plate readers.
- Perform Western blot analysis for protein detection.
- Analyze and present data using Excel, GraphPad Prism, and PowerPoint.
- Maintain accurate, complete records in an electronic lab notebook (ELN).
- Communicate results within the FL111 team and collaborate with other Flagship companies as needed.
What success looks like
By the end of the co-op, you will have built foundational lab competency and contributed usable assay data, including:
- Reliable, well-documented cell culture technique applied to routine maintenance and assay setup.
- Accurately prepared compound plates (reconstitution, serial dilution) ready for screening.
- Plate reader assay data (luminescence/fluorescence) generated and recorded correctly.
- Western blot results produced and interpreted with guidance.
- Clean, organized ELN records that let others follow your work from setup to result.
- Data summarized clearly in Excel/Prism and communicated to the team in a Powerpoint or verbal update.
- Growing comfort working independently at the bench, with regular, proactive communication on progress and questions.
Qualifications
Required
- Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
- No prior co-op or industry lab experience required — this role is designed to build foundational skills.
- Willingness and enthusiasm to learn hands-on laboratory technique.
- Basic familiarity with lab safety practices and general chemistry/biology coursework.
- Strong attention to detail and willingness to follow written protocols precisely.
- Good organizational habits and clear written/verbal communication.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team lab environment.
Preferred
- Coursework or lab exposure to cell culture, biochemistry, or molecular biology techniques.
- Familiarity with Excel; exposure to GraphPad Prism a plus.
- Interest in oncology or small molecule drug discovery.
About Flagship Pioneering
Flagship Pioneering is a bioplatform innovation 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.
Flagship Pioneering is 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.
The pay range for this role is $25 - $35 per hour. This role is a short-term engagement that is not eligible for health and welfare benefits. Retirement benefits may be available after completing a set number of hours. Compensation and benefits information is based on Pioneering Intelligence's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.
Privacy Notice for Applicants: When you apply for a role at Flagship Pioneering, we collect and use personal information you provide (such as your name, contact details, work history, and application materials) to evaluate your application, communicate with you, and comply with legal obligations. Your application data is processed through Greenhouse, our applicant tracking system, and may also be reviewed using AI-assisted screening tools. We do not sell your personal information. California residents have rights under the CCPA/CPRA including to know, delete, and opt out of the sharing of their personal information. If you are located in the EU or UK, we process your data under GDPR and you have rights to access, rectify, and erase your data. To exercise your rights or for questions, contact privacy@flagshippioneering.com.
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