Principal Scientist, Cell Biology

Company Summary

Flagship Labs 97 Inc. (FL97) is a privately held, early-stage technology company pioneering the application of artificial intelligence to transform every aspect of the scientific method. FL97 is backed by Flagship Pioneering, which brings the courage, long-term vision, and resources needed to realize unreasonable results. Join our mission-driven team and contribute to the future of science.

Our Life Sciences effort is leveraging AI and high-throughput automation for valuable therapeutic discovery and development across biological modalities.

At FL97, we are uniquely cross-functional and collaborative. We are actively reimagining the way teams work together and communicate. Therefore, we seek individuals with an inclusive mindset and a diversity of thought. Our teams thrive in unstructured and creative environments. All voices are heard because we know that experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way.

If this sounds like an environment you’d love to work in, even if you only have some of the experience listed below, please apply.

The Role

FL97 is seeking a dedicated and skilled Principal Scientist, Cell Biology to join our team. The role will focus on leading assay development efforts and conducting high-throughput assays with integrated automation for a wide array of mammalian cell lines. The Principal Scientist will manage and mentor a team of scientists, drive the onboarding of new automated methods, and optimize processes to enhance efficiency and reproducibility. The successful candidate will leverage their extensive scientific expertise to guide strategic decision-making and contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Responsibilities Include:

• Lead the method development and optimization of cell-based assays for high-throughput screening and drug discovery
• Design and execute experiments using a variety of standard assays, including viability, apoptosis, cytotoxicity, flow cytometry, imaging, staining, ELISAs, co-cultures, differentiation, 3D cell culture, and functional assays (e.g., migration, invasion, and signaling)
• Lead creative solutions for cell line engineering
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate automation and streamline assay workflows
• Analyze and interpret complex biological data to drive decision-making and project advancement
• Mentor and guide junior scientists to foster a culture of scientific excellence and continuous improvement, and  professional development
• Leverage scientific expertise to guide strategic decision-making and contribute to the overall success of the company

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field with 7-10 years of relevant industry experience
• Extensive experience conducting a wide range of cell-based assays in high-throughput formats with integrated automation. Workcell experience is a plus.
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture techniques and a deep understanding of cellular processes and signaling pathways
• Strong data analysis skills and the ability to effectively communicate scientific findings to diverse audiences
• Prior experience in programming (e.g., Python, R) is preferred
• Collaborative mindset and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative startup environment

Working at FL97, you would have access to advanced technology in the areas of:

• AI experimental design and simulation
• Automated instrumentation
• Generative molecular design

About Flagship

Flagship Pioneering is a biotechnology 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 that are part of their core business strategies, and has been twice named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at