FL| Cambridge, MA Senior Scientist, Protein Assay Development and Screening

Senior Scientist, Protein Assay Development and Screening

Cambridge, MA USA

What if… you could pioneer a new approach to designing life's most essential molecules?

FL116, backed by Flagship Pioneering, is an early-stage biotechnology company transforming the way biomolecules are synthesized. Our innovative platform has the potential to transform the way these critical research, diagnostic, and therapeutic tools are manufactured. We are seeking passionate problem solvers ready to make a profound impact on biotechnology and therapeutic innovation.

Position Summary

We are seeking a creative, motivated, and technically exceptional Senior Scientist to lead high-throughput protein expression and assay development. This role will focus on building scalable, manual and automated workflows for rapid protein generation and functional screening, and integrating those outputs into a design-build-test-learn (DBTL) cycle that powers our platform. The ideal candidate is a hands-on experimentalist who thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and is driven by solving hard problems with elegance and speed.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop scalable high-throughput expression systems in in e. coli and cell-free formats for protein production across diverse constructs and libraries.
• Design and implement multiplexed protein screening assays using plate-based readouts (e.g., fluorescence, luminescence, absorbance), mobility-based platforms (e.g., Lab Chip, Tape Station), and other automated methods.
• Generate and analyze large experimental datasets to extract actionable insights, inform platform improvements, and feed downstream ML models.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners, including machine learning scientists, chemists, and biochemists, to ensure cohesive integration across the platform.
• Contribute to team building, lab infrastructure, and the overall strategic direction of the team.
• Document experimental results rigorously, communicate clearly, and present findings effectively to internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biochemistry, Protein Engineering, Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline, with 5+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Hands-on expertise in high-throughput protein expression (bacterial and/or cell-free systems) and purification.
• Strong track record of designing and executing quantitative protein assays at scale.
• Experience handling, analyzing, and interpreting large biological datasets.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Clear and concise communicator with excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in protein and nucleic acid characterization techniques (Lab Chip, plate reader, gel electrophoresis, Tape Station/Fragment Analyzer, sequencing technologies, Mass Spectrometry).

Who You Are

• Innovative Pioneer: You thrive in breaking new ground scientifically and are passionate about leveraging protein biochemistry to create transformative technologies.
• Collaborative Contributor: You excel in cross-functional teams, readily share expertise, and value the input of colleagues.
• Inventive Problem Solver: You proactively identify challenges and rapidly ideate creative solutions.
• Mission-Driven Individual: You are driven by an ambition to fundamentally change how biomolecules are synthesized and to meaningfully impact human health and biotechnology.

More About Flagship Pioneering

Flagship Pioneering conceives, creates, resources, and develops first-in-category life sciences companies to transform human health and sustainability. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated and fostered more than 100 scientific ventures, generating billions in value. Flagship companies are known for addressing humanity’s most pressing challenges and advancing innovative solutions with global impact.

We are an equal opportunity employer and are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams. If you have some of the qualifications listed above but not all, we still encourage you to apply. We value passion, experience in many forms, and unique backgrounds.

Come pioneer the future with us.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this role is $126,000 - $181,500. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. FL116 currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on FL116 s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.

The company does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment or staffing agencies unless directly contacted by Flagship Pioneering’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency without a signed agreement will become the property of FSP.

We are actively seeking qualified candidates and welcome applications.