Senior Research Associate/Associate Scientist, Preclinical Formulation Development

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

FL94 Inc., is a privately held, early-stage biotechnology company pioneering the emerging field of Protein Editing. At FL94 we create small molecules that edit protein structure and function to unlock presently undruggable targets and a broad array of therapeutic modalities. Our platform integrates novel small molecule chemistry and chemoproteomic discovery technologies with Machine Learning (ML) to enable generative design. FL94 is backed by Flagship Pioneering, bringing their courage, vision, and resources to guide FL94 from platform validation to patient impact. We are seeking collaborative, relentless problem solvers that share our passion for impact to join us! 

Position Summary: 

The Formulation team is seeking a highly motivated, attentive and self-driven candidate to join our team and contribute to the development of discovery compounds as an Senior Research Associate/Associate Scientist. This successful candidate will join an energizing and collaborative research environment working as part of cross function drug discovery teams in providing a develop-ability assessment of innovative molecules.

What You'll Do

• Execute stage appropriate, fit-for-purpose preclinical formulations preparation (Solutions, suspensions, emulsions, nanoparticles, SEDDS etc.) for oral, and parenteral formulations on a small scale for small molecules  
• Author protocols describing preparation of formulations for use at internal and external formulation labs
• Basic drug substance characterization by using techniques such as HPLC/UPLC, XRPD, DSC and PLM. Assessment of the chemical and physical properties of small molecules, such as solubility, dissolution, particle size and chemical stability
• Routine lab support such as buffer and mobile phase preparation, pH meter calibration, basic troubleshooting of lab equipment, and coordinating with external instrument and service vendors. Shipping and receiving samples between internal and external sites
• Summarize experimental results and presents at team meetings and department presentations
• Author templated memos and reports with limited guidance
• Maintain detailed lab notebooks and reports in compliance with GLP/GMP guidelines (as applicable) 
• Evaluate novel drug delivery systems (e.g., lipid-based, amorphous solid dispersions, spray dry etc.) for poorly soluble compounds 
• Support transition of formulations from discovery to clinical development (e.g., bridging studies)
• Independently design and perform focused experiments that drive progress in cross-functional formulation initiatives

Requirements:

• S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline is required
• ONE (1) year (minimum) industry, government or equivalent experience in small molecules formulation or a related field
• Hands-on experience with one or more of the following techniques: HPLC, UV-visible, DSC etc
• Experience with data analysis using standard software platforms (Excel, Prism etc.)
• Practical experience in developing and preparing preclinical formulations (small molecules) 
• Basic knowledge of physicochemical properties and their relationship to formulation development
• Basic knowledge of pharmacokinetics (PK) and biopharmaceutics principles 
• The ability to manage multiple parallel activities and deliver results to agreed timelines
• Ability to do bench work independently
• Strong collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability in fast-paced research environments
• Excellent written, oral, and visual communication skills
• Excellent time management skills

Location: Cambridge, MA

About Flagship

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 tha