Nucleic Acid Scientist, Process Development

Company Summary:

FL87 is a privately held, early-stage biotechnology company developing a novel approach to gene therapy that can address currently untreatable diseases.

FL87 was founded by Flagship Pioneering, an innovation enterprise that conceives, creates, resources, and grows first-in-category life sciences companies.

Flagship Pioneering has created over 100 groundbreaking companies over the past twenty years, all of which are pioneering novel and proprietary biological, industrial, and engineering approaches to solve major needs in human health and sustainability. These companies include Moderna (MRNA), Syros Pharmaceuticals (SYRS), Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ:MCRB), Generate Biomedicines, Tessera Tx, Evelo Biosciences (EVLO), and Indigo Agriculture.

The role:

We are seeking an innovative and enthusiastic Process Development Scientist to join the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) team. We are looking for an individual who enjoys hands-on laboratory benchwork and brings scientific rigor and intellectual curiosity to the production of DNA and mRNA therapeutics. They will work cross-functionally with internal teams and external labs to advance the FL87 platform. This is a fantastic opportunity to work with leading-edge, dedicated, and innovative scientists in the industry!

Key responsibilities:

• The successful candidate will be part of the team responsible for the production and characterization of DNA and mRNA therapeutics.
• Synthesize and purify DNA and mRNA products for preclinical studies.
• Optimize and scale up enzymatic reactions for DNA and mRNA synthesis.
• Develop, optimize, and scale up purification workflow for nucleic acids using chromatography, filtration, and enzymatic reactions to remove byproducts, and/or endotoxin.
• Operate and maintain lab instruments, including Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) (e.g. AKTA systems), Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) systems, biosafety cabinets (BSCs), and incubators.
• Characterize DNA and mRNA drug substance using analytical techniques, such as HPLC, fragment analysis, UV spectroscopy, gel electrophoresis, endotoxin measurement, and fluorescence.
• Coordinate with members of other teams and manage material requirements, priorities, and timelines.
• Adapt as needed to meet the needs of the most critical project(s).
• Assist with the coordination of instrument preventative maintenance and repairs.
• Maintain an electronic laboratory notebook and miscellaneous documentation.
• Maintain reagent inventory.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry or related discipline with 7+ years of relevant industry experience, Master’s degree with 5+ years of relevant industry experience, or PhD with 1+ years’ experience.
• In-depth knowledge of enzymatic reactions, RNA production methods, impurities, and analytics.
• Experience with enzymatic reactions, such as in vitro transcription (IVT)
• Experience with AKTA purification and instrumentation
• Experience with TFF and instrumentation is a plus.
• Experience with nucleic acid analytics, including running gel and capillary electrophoresis, and interpreting data.
• Experience with aseptic / RNase-free handling and operation is a plus.
• Excellent time and project management.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Technical troubleshooting and organizational skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office programs.

Location: Cambridge, MA

Values and Behaviors:

Flagship is an experiment in institutional, entrepreneurial, and innovation practiced in the context of a small company with an insurgent mindset. We are seeking individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit, strong communication skills, and comfort in working in and contributing to a dynamic and cross-functional team environment.

At Flagship, we recognize there is no perfect candidate. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, we encourage you to 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 level of the role will be commensurate with the education and years of experience of the identified candidates.

Flagship Pioneering and our ecosystem companies are 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.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, “FSP”) do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.

The salary range for this role is $96,000 - $126,500. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. FL87 currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on FL87’s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.