Senior Associate, Venture Origination

Flagship Pioneering; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Annual incentive program

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Flagship Pioneering seeks a Senior Associate to originate and build science-based companies within its Pioneering Abundance initiative. You will explore biology and technology, develop venture hypotheses, design rapid experiments, and help translate strong ideas into new ventures.

The role intersects science, strategy, and company creation, requiring leadership across IP, recruiting, and early operations. Based in Cambridge, MA or RTP, NC, you will drive the origination journey and collaborate

Qualifications

• PhD from a top university with expertise in plant biology, plant pathology, plant physiology, biochemistry or genetics.
• At least 4 years of relevant experience beyond doctoral training, or an equivalent record of progressively responsible work and demonstrated independent leadership.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to and lead explorations to rapidly assess scientific areas and develop venture hypotheses.
• Outline key scientific questions and develop experimental plans to create value and test ideas.
• Identify and engage academic KOLs and thought experts to de-risk concepts.
• Understand IP landscape, formulate initial strategy, and assess patentability; prepare seminal applications.
• Develop corporate strategy, goals, timelines, and resourcing for new companies.
• Develop audience-specific pitches for the company.
• Support business development and storytelling evolution.
• Recruit and manage early scientific and IP employees and relationships with CROs.
• Lead scientific teams and manage daily research, facilities, HR, and operations.
• Stay current with literature, conferences, funding opportunities, and new developments.

Skills

Plant biology

Plant pathology

Plant physiology

Biochemistry

Genetics

Startup experience

Entrepreneurship

Leadership

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

PhD

Job description

Flagship Pioneering seeks a Senior Associate to originate and build science-based companies within its Pioneering Abundance initiative. You will explore biology and technology, develop venture hypotheses, design rapid experiments, and help translate strong ideas into new ventures.

The role intersects science, strategy, and company creation, requiring leadership across IP, recruiting, and early operations. Based in Cambridge, MA or RTP, NC, you will drive the origination journey and collaborate