Scientist I, Biochemistry & Lead Discovery

Flagship Pioneering, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

Flagship Labs 111 Inc. in Cambridge, MA is seeking an independent and motivated lab scientist with deep understanding of biochemical and biophysical assay design to join the Biochemistry team.

This role will lead assay development, target engagement studies, and binding characterization for small molecules, heterobifunctionals, and related modalities, working closely with chemistry and biology to inform hit-to-lead optimization and mechanism-of-action questions.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Enzymology, or a related field.
• MS and at least 8 years of relevant academic or industry experience.
• PhD and 0-2 years of relevant academic or industry experience.
• Deep understanding of protein chemistry and biophysics, with hands-on experience working with small-molecule compounds.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and troubleshoot biochemical assays independently.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally.
• A high degree of scientific independence, motivation, and solutions-oriented thinking.
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
• Experience working with CROs is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute biochemical assay development to monitor protein/ligand and protein/protein interactions
• Apply readout technologies such as FP, FRET, NanoBRET, or NanoBiT across active programs
• Drive protein purification and QC processes to support ongoing discovery efforts
• Set up and run high-throughput assays, troubleshooting independently to keep programs moving
• Partner with contract research organizations as needed to extend internal capacity
• Collaborate cross-functionally and contribute scientific input across multiple concurrent projects

Skills

Biochemistry

Biophysics

Assay development

Small-molecule chemistry

Communication

Education

MS in Biochemistry / Chemical Biology / Enzymology

PhD in Biochemistry / Chemical Biology / Enzymology

Job description

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

FL111 is seeking an independent and motivated lab scientist with deep understanding of biochemical and biophysical assay design to join the Biochemistry team. This role will lead assay development, target engagement studies, and binding characterization for small molecules, heterobifunctionals, and related modalities, working closely with chemistry and biology to inform hit-to-lead optimization and mechanism-of-action questions. This role also contributes to team leadership, cross-functional collaborations, and broader scientific discussions that support organizational growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and execute biochemical assay development to monitor protein/ligand and protein/protein interactions
• Apply readout technologies such as FP, FRET, NanoBRET, or NanoBiT across active programs
• Drive protein purification and QC processes to support ongoing discovery efforts
• Set up and run high-throughput assays, troubleshooting independently to keep programs moving
• Partner with contract research organizations as needed to extend internal capacity
• Collaborate cross-functionally and contribute scientific input across multiple concurrent projects

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• MS or PhD in Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Enzymology, or a related field
  • MS and at least 8 years of relevant academic or industry experience
  • PhD and 0-2 years of relevant academic or industry experience
• Deep understanding of protein chemistry and biophysics, with hands-on experience working with small-molecule compounds
• Demonstrated ability to develop and troubleshoot biochemical assays independently
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally
• A high degree of scientific independence, motivation, and solutions-oriented thinking
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities
• Experience working with CROs is a plus

Location:

Cambridge, MA

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.

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.

The salary range for this role is $100,000 - $126,500. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. FL111 currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on FL111’s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.