Metaphore Biotechnologies: Analytical Characterization / Protein Science Co-Op

Flagship Pioneering•Cambridge, MA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is open exclusively to current Northeastern University Co-Op students. Work Period: January 2027 to June 2027. This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position with 5 days in office. Metaphore Biotechnologies is harnessing the power of mimicry to make previously intractable drug targets accessible and unlock breakthroughs that outperform today's drugs for maximum patient impact. The company's MIMiC™ platform is a computationally driven bioplatform designing new therapeutics where function, specificity, and selectivity are programmable. Metaphore Biotechnologies was founded by Flagship Pioneering's venture creation engine. The Flagship Pioneering Co-Op Program is for students dreaming big and taking courageous leaps. You'll join fellow peers across our ecosystem of companies and learning firsthand how we build first-in-category companies. You’ll have access to enrichment sessions, a dedicated professional development track, and a mentor that help guide you toward your next step. By the end, you will carry on a meaningful project outcome, a genuine network, and a front-row view of how Flagship pioneer new ventures that change the world. We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Co-op student to join our Protein Science team. This opportunity will allow the Co-op to engage in hands-on experimental work and gain valuable experience in protein analytics, contributing directly to our Pipeline, Partner, and Platform Development programs. The Co-op will support the development and optimization of analytical assays, execute routine analyses, and synthesize large data sets to support scientific decision-making.

Requirements

Pursuing a degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field.
Demonstrated critical thinking and proactive problem-solving skills.
Interest in protein science with the ability to think both deeply and broadly about proteins.
Curiosity-driven with a strong desire to learn and ask questions.
Attention to details and strong organizational skills for careful documentation and tracking of experiments.
Data-oriented with the ability to analyze large data sets, identify patterns, and draw conclusions.

Nice To Haves

Experience with analytical techniques such as HPLC/UPLC separation (SEC, Reversed Phase, HIC, Ion Exchange), thermal stability assessment (DLS, DSF - Prometheus Panta), and binding/affinity assessment (BLI or SPR).
Familiarity with SDS-PAGE and plate-based assays (ELISA).
Experience in wet lab techniques (e.g., pipetting) is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and optimize analytical assays to support multiple company programs.
Execute and analyze data from a suite of analytical assays, including QC (purity, sizing, thermostability by SEC, DLS, nanoDSF) and kinetics/affinity assessments using Octet BLI.
Contribute to the development and implementation of UPLC-based separation methods, including Reversed Phase, Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography, and Ion-Exchange Chromatography.
Draft and update protocols, SOPs, and Benchling templates.
Research and develop additional methods as needed for developability assessments such as AC-SINS, ELISA, and Poly-reactivity.