FL114: Senior Scientist, Therapeutics Engineering

About FL114: 

FL114 is an innovative, privately held biotechnology company developing our novel epigenetic editing platform to treat a variety of diseases through precise, tunable modification of gene expression. FL114 was founded by Flagship Pioneering, where companies such as Moderna Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MRNA) and Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MCRB) were conceived and created.  With a strong emphasis on innovation and experimental execution, FL114 cultivates a highly dynamic and entrepreneurial environment.

About the Role:

FL114, Inc. is seeking a Senior Scientist to join our integrated Platform as a key contributor in our Therapeutics Engineering efforts. The successful candidate will be an essential member of a close-knit team of experimental and computational scientists driving FL114’s product generation engine and supporting a broad set of therapeutic programs. We are looking for enthusiastic, detail-oriented, adaptive, and highly motivated individuals with a passion for bringing novel medicines to patients. Applicants should be comfortable working on a fast-paced, cross-functional scientific team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Independently conduct, optimize and proactively troubleshoot cellular screening assays in a wide range of primary and transformed cell lines.
• Expression and functional characterization of novel biologics modalities using various cell systems and techniques (cell-based assays, RNA/DNA/protein isolation and detection techniques, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, etc.)
• Drive, pilot, and oversee development of a wide range of cutting-edge assays.
• Design, procurement, and maintenance of combinatorial libraries for relevant cell-based and cell-free assays.
• Identification and management of external partners (CROs, CMOs, etc).

Required Skills:

• Execute routine and advanced molecular biology techniques, including plasmid preparation, RT-qPCR, cloning, RNA/DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, oligo pool work, etc.
• Culture and maintain a wide variety of mammalian cell lines, including transient and stable transfections. Develop cell lines as necessary.
• Analyze and interpret assay data, maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, and communicate results clearly in team meetings.
• Drive optimization and automation of screening protocols, including the use of liquid handling systems and plate readers.
• Experience developing DNA assets for molecular library design.
• Experience with gene delivery technologies (for example LNP, lentivirus, etc.).
• Exposure to CRISPR-based or other gene editing technologies.
• Exposure to NGS data sets and its interpretation.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools such as GraphPad Prism, Benchling, SnapGene, etc.
• Adaptive and detail-oriented with excellent time management and organizations skills.
• Exceptional teamwork and communication skills.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Cell or Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related disciplines with 2+ years of relevant experience in biotech or pharma.
• Strong background in cellular and molecular biology with hands-on experience in the development and optimization of cell-based assays and library screening assays.
• Extensive experience in gene design, vector construction, and protein expression.
• Possession of strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to clearly convey results and scientific data to senior leaders, teams and partners.
• Industry experience in drug discovery or pharmaceutical R&D preferred.

About Flagship 

Flagship Pioneering is a scientific innovation engine that invents and builds companies that change the world. We bring together the greatest scientific minds with entrepreneurial company builders and assemble the capital to allow them to take courageous leaps in human health, sustainability, and beyond. 
 
What sets Flagship apart is our ability to advance biotechnology by uniting life science innovation, company creation, and capital investment under one roof in a way that is largely without precedent. Our team of scientists, entrepreneurial leaders, and professional capital managers are each aligned around an institutionalized process that enables us to innovate and create breakthroughs for the benefit of people and planet.  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 a