Principal Scientist, Molecular Cloning & RNA Platform Innovation

Flagship Pioneering, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 143,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Annual incentive program

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Terrana Biosciences is seeking a Principal Scientist, Molecular Cloning Technologies in Cambridge, MA to lead cloning strategy and construct generation. You will define long-term cloning platforms, drive scalable operations, and pioneer high-throughput workflows to accelerate RNA-based technology development.

The role requires a PhD with 12+ years of experience in molecular cloning and platform leadership, with strong collaboration skills and a track record of innovation.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, synthetic biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, plant biology, or related field.

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 delivery of high-quality constructs.
• Conceive, develop, and implement novel cloning technologies, workflows, and automation solutions for rapid construct generation and testing.
• Drive continuous improvements in throughput, turnaround time, automation, quality, and unit economics while expanding capacity.
• Lead innovation in high-throughput DNA assembly, plasmid engineering, vector development, and viral engineering technologies.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and establish new capabilities to improve speed, scale, quality, and efficiency.
• Partner with Molecular Biology, Delivery, Discovery, Sequencing, and Bioinformatics teams to enable research objectives and accelerate innovation.
• Mentor scientists and contribute to development of technical talent and scientific culture.
• Drive external collaborations and represent Terrana’s cloning capabilities with scientific partners.
• Communicate scientific strategy, findings, and recommendations to senior leadership.

Skills

Molecular cloning

DNA assembly

Vector engineering

High-throughput workflows

Laboratory automation

Leadership

Scientific communication

Education

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology / Synthetic Biology / Biotechnology

Tools

Laboratory automation platforms

Job description

Terrana Biosciences is seeking a Principal Scientist, Molecular Cloning Technologies in Cambridge, MA to lead cloning strategy and construct generation. You will define long-term cloning platforms, drive scalable operations, and pioneer high-throughput workflows to accelerate RNA-based technology development.

The role requires a PhD with 12+ years of experience in molecular cloning and platform leadership, with strong collaboration skills and a track record of innovation.