Research Associate, Protein Degradation

What if… you could join an organization that creates, resources, and builds life sciences companies that invent breakthrough technologies to transform health care and sustainability? 

At Flagship Labs 107 (FL107), a Flagship Pioneering-backed stealth biotechnology company, we’re pioneering the mastery of protein control: tuning the stability, degradation, and localization, of any protein. By systematically rewriting the rules of protein homeostasis, we’re on a mission to target the “undruggable” and treat the “impossible.” Our innovative approach combines novel biology, medicinal chemistry, and AI/ML-powered molecular design, all driven by our unwavering commitment to dramatically improve patient lives. 

Position Summary: We are seeking a highly creative, resourceful, and motivated Research associate to join our Protein degradation team. The ideal candidate will help us set up our in-house protein production capabilities and support our cell-culture and molecular biology efforts. Strong candidates will be independent, goal-oriented, and have excellent communication skills. We are seeking individuals who can be highly adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced collaborative and multidisciplinary environment. This is a unique opportunity to drive the growth of an early-stage biotechnology company where you can meaningfully define the next frontier of protein homeostasis modulators. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving our discovery efforts aimed at developing therapeutic strategies that modulate protein homeostasis.  

Key Responsibilities: 

• Perform in vitro cellular experiments, including bacterial transformation, mammalian cell transfection, and flow cytometry.  

• Conduct standard biological and laboratory analyses and develop assays for small molecule-based drug discovery. 

• Compile and analyze experimental data, maintain electronic notebook, and present findings to the team.
• Collaborate on multiple projects with shifting priorities and deadlines. 
• Oversee daily laboratory operations, ensuring a safe, clean, and functional environment.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for lab workflows and maintenance.
• Manage lab access, space allocation, and inventory control systems.

• Manage lab inventories, procure and ensure consistent availability of consumables and reagents.

• Oversee lab infrastructure, utilities, and layout to optimize workflow efficiency.

Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree (0+ year of related experience) or bachelor’s degree (2+ years of related experience) in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related discipline. Industry experience preferred.  

• Familiarity with a variety of molecular biology and cell biology techniques including, but not limited to, cell culture, western blot, flow cytometry, transfection, lentiviral transduction, immunoprecipitation, immunoblotting, RT-qPCR, and cell proliferation/viability assays. 
• Proven ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal). 

• Strong organizational and project management skills.

• Working knowledge of laboratory safety regulations and best practices.

• Proficiency with inventory management

• Experience with managing CROs/external vendors, contractors, and service providers.
• Resourceful problem solver and self-starter. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Prior experience with small molecule drug discovery programs.
• Familiarity with inventory management

•  Experience in protein degradation is a plus.

What We Offer: 

• Opportunity to lay the scientific foundation of a transformative platform company as an early employee, and to serve as a key contributor to the development of new technologies in the protein degradation field. 

• Custom-tailored role to maximize impactful contributions, professional growth, and scientific interests. 

• Weekly lunches, monthly social events, and community lunchroom with free snacks, cold brew coffee tap, and a vibrant community with scientists and entrepreneurs. 

• A collaborative and inclusive work environment that values diversity and innovation. 
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technologies. 

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. 

The salary range for this role is $65,000 - $93,500. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. FL107 currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on FL107's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.