Associate Director, Molecular Cloning Technologies

Terrana Biosciences, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 161,000 - 204,000; Full time

Job summary

Terrana Biosciences, Inc. in Cambridge, MA is seeking an Associate Director of Molecular Cloning Technologies to lead the vision, development, and scaling of cloning and construct generation capabilities across the company.

As a scientific leader, you will define cloning strategies that accelerate discovery and product advancement. You will serve as the technical authority for molecular cloning and drive high-throughput workflows and automation to enable rapid construct generation.

Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology or related field with 10+ years industry/postdoc experience.
• Deep expertise in cloning, DNA assembly, vector engineering, and construct design.
• Proven track record of developing new technologies or platform capabilities.
• Experience leading cross-functional scientific initiatives.
• Experience scaling high-throughput cloning workflows and automation.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the long-term cloning strategy.
• Own cloning function and construct generation operations.
• Develop novel cloning technology, workflows, and automation.
• Lead throughput, turnaround, and unit economics improvements.
• Mentor scientists and collaborate with biology and engineering teams.

Skills

Molecular cloning

DNA assembly

Vector engineering

High-throughput workflows

Laboratory automation

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology

Tools

LIMS

Liquid handling automation

Job description

Associate Director, Molecular Cloning Technologies

Cambridge, MA

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Founded through Flagship Pioneering’s venture creation engine, Terrana Biosciences is a cutting-edge agricultural biotechnology company developing innovative RNA-based products to address global agricultural challenges. We are committed to advancing sustainable farming solutions through precision technologies that ensure environmental safety and regulatory compliance.

THE ROLE

Terrana Biosciences is building a new generation of RNA-based technologies to transform agriculture. We areseekingan innovative and strategic Associate Director, Molecular Cloning Technologies to lead the vision, development, and scaling of cloning and construct generation capabilities across the company.

As a scientific leader, you will define and drive cloning strategies that accelerate discovery, platform development, and product advancement. You will serve as the technical authority for molecular cloning technologies, develop novel high-throughput workflows, andidentifyemerging approaches that strengthen Terrana's RNA technology platform. This role requires a highly creative scientist who thrives at the intersection of technology innovation, scientific leadership, and operational excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Define and execute the long-term cloning strategy supporting Terrana's research and platform development efforts.
• Own the cloning function and construct generation operations at Terrana, ensuring reliable, scalable, and cost-effective delivery of high-quality constructs supporting company pipeline activities.
• Conceive, develop, and implement novel cloning technologies, workflows, and automation solutions to enable rapid construct generation and testing.
• Drive continuous improvements in construct generation throughput, turnaround time, automation, quality, and unit economics while expanding organizational capacity.
• Lead innovation in high-throughput DNA assembly, plasmid engineering, vector development, and viral engineering technologies.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and establish new capabilities that improve speed, scale, quality, and efficiency.
• Partner closely with Molecular Biology, Delivery, Discovery, Sequencing, and Bioinformatics teams to enable key research objectives and accelerate innovation.
• Mentor scientists and contribute to the development of technical talent and scientific culture across the organization.
• Drive external collaborations and represent Terrana's cloning capabilities with scientific partners and collaborators.
• Communicate scientific strategy, findings, and recommendations to senior leadership.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Plant Biology, or a related field and 10+ years of relevant industry and/or postdoctoral experience with a demonstrated record of scientific leadership and innovation.
• Demonstrated ability to balance scientific leadership with hands‑on laboratory execution in a fast‑paced, resource‑constrained environment.
• Deep expertise in molecular cloning, DNA assembly technologies, vector engineering, and construct design.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing novel technologies or platform capabilities.
• Experience leading complex, cross‑functional scientific initiatives from concept to execution.
• Experience developing, implementing, and scaling high‑throughput cloning workflows, laboratory automation solutions, and production operations.
• Strong communication, influence, and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated creativity, scientific rigor, and an entrepreneurial mindset.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertisein viral vector biology, host-virus interactions, plant virology, or RNA virus engineering.
• Experience in agricultural biotechnology, plant biology, microbial engineering, or RNA-based technologies.
• Familiarity with automated liquid handling platforms and laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Working knowledge of sequencing-based construct verification and associated data analysis workflows.

Location: Cambridge, MA

ABOUT FLAGSHIP PIONEERING:

Flagship Pioneering invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health, sustainability and beyond. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship hasoriginatedmore than 100 companies. Many of these companies 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 .

At Flagship, we accept impossible missions to enable bigger leaps. Our core values guide us through uncertainty and toward lasting impact.

We are an equal opportunity employer . All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We recognize that great candidates often bring unique strengths without fulfilling every qualification . If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your background and interest in Flagship.

Privacy Notice for Applicants: When you apply for a role at Terrana Biosciences, Inc., a Flagship Pioneering portfolio company, 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 [e-mail].

The salary range for this role is $161,000 - $203,500. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Terrana Biosciences, Inc. currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on Terrana Biosciences, Inc.'s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.