Scientist I/ II, Microfluidic Assay Development

Company Summary:

Ampersand Biomedicines is an innovative, privately held biotechnology company leading the way in developing multi-specific medicines that direct a wide range of therapeutic molecules to specific cells and biological contexts (www.Ampersand.bio).  Ampersand was founded in Flagship Pioneering’s venture creation engine, where companies such as Moderna Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MRNA) and Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MCRB) were conceived and created.  With a strong emphasis on innovation, Ampersand cultivates a highly dynamic and entrepreneurial environment. 

Position Summary: 

Ampersand is currently seeking a talented Microfluidic Scientist with specialization in droplet microfluidic-based single cell assay development in the field of Antibody Discovery. The role will focus on the development of a variety of novel single-cell in droplet assays to facilitate the discovery of rare antibodies at Ultrahigh-throughput using our proprietary microfluidic instrumentation. The grade for this position will be determined based on the candidate's level of experience.  

As a member of our team, you will be responsible for the design, experimental characterization, iteration, and execution of single-cell in droplet assays to advance our microfluidics-based antibody discovery platform. This role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, where you will have the chance to work independently and collaboratively within a highly integrated team. This is a primarily on-site role in South Boston, but some occasional travel to our European research laboratories in Pilsen, Czechia, may be required.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Design, iterate and establish novel in-droplet single cell assays for antibody discovery.
• Collaborate with our internal R&D teams to translate project requirements into system specifications.
• Fabricate droplet microfluidic devices and generate cell-in-droplet emulsions by operating in-house microfluidic instrumentation.
• Perform high-throughput single cell in droplet microfluidic sorting experiments and analyze data to inform further assay optimization.
• Troubleshoot system performance and identify ways to optimize processes.
• Analyze, interpret, document, and communicate results to cross-functional teams.
• Maintain an understanding of the latest research and advancements in the field, fostering innovation within our team.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Microfluidics, Biophysics or a related field.
• Demonstrable expertise combining microfluidics and cell biology.
• Demonstrated ability to perform microfluidic experiments and operate microfluidic instrumentation.
• Proficiency in biological assay development, experimental design, validation, and data analysis.
• Experience of developing single cell assays in the field of high-throughput antibody discovery is considered a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively present results and scientific data to team leaders, cross-functional teams, academic collaborators, or partners.
• Enthusiastic about playing a pivotal role in the dynamic and multidisciplinary environment of a small biotech, specifically within the realm of microfluidics-based biological assay development.
• Familiarity with operating microfluidic instruments and performing microfluidic experiments is a plus.

What We Will Offer you:

• Comprehensive, competitive healthcare and dental coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield, vision coverage through VSP, family leave, paid time off, 401k retirement plan, disability and life insurance, and fully covered parking/commuter benefits.
• A dynamic early-stage work environment and highly interdisciplinary, talented, and collaborative team.
• Participation in an unprecedented opportunity to significantly impact the quality of life of patients by developing a targeted approach to delivering therapeutic molecules.
• Professional growth opportunities through mentoring, training, immersion in cross-functional projects, and opportunities to learn and try new things.

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 hum