Senior Research Associate, Chemical Biology

Flagship Pioneering, Inc.•Cambridge, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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 how critical research, diagnostic, and therapeutic molecules are manufactured. We are seeking passionate problem solvers ready to make a profound impact on biotechnology and therapeutic innovation. We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented, and intellectually curious Research Associate or Senior Research Associate to join our Chemical Biology team. This role is centered on applying chemistry to solve complex biological problems, interrogating and controlling enzyme-driven biomolecular synthesis through a mechanistic and molecular lens. You will execute high-throughput experiments to probe enzyme–substrate interactions, characterize biomolecule products, and contribute to the development of robust, scalable assays that power our platform. The ideal candidate appreciates the dynamic chemical nature of biological systems and is excited to manipulate and measure biology at the molecular level. This is an exciting opportunity to build deep expertise at the interface of chemistry and biology within a fast-paced, collaborative startup environment. You are a hands-on experimentalist who thrives in execution-focused, pipeline-driven work and is eager to grow alongside a rapidly evolving technology platform.

Requirements

B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related discipline with a strong foundation in chemical principles applied to biological systems
2+ years of relevant laboratory experience (industry or academic)
Hands-on experience applying chemistry to biological systems, including enzymatic assays, biomolecule manipulation, or reaction-based workflows
Strong foundation in protein chemistry, enzymology, or biomolecular interactions
Proficiency in core laboratory techniques including pipetting, gel electrophoresis, and quantitative assay execution
Demonstrated ability to generate high-quality, reproducible data and perform rigorous data analysis
Experience working in fast-paced, collaborative laboratory environments

Nice To Haves

Experience with analytical and separation techniques such as HPLC, capillary electrophoresis, TLC, or plate-based detection systems
Exposure to bioorthogonal chemistry, chemical modification of biomolecules, or mechanistic enzymology
Familiarity with nucleic acid or protein characterization platforms (e.g., TapeStation or similar technologies)
Experience contributing to assay development, optimization, or high-throughput workflows

Responsibilities

Execute high-throughput experiments to characterize enzyme–substrate and enzyme–product interactions, with a focus on understanding underlying chemical mechanisms
Apply chemical principles to modulate and interrogate protein function, reactivity, and biomolecular synthesis pathways
Perform biomolecular product characterization using analytical and separation techniques (e.g., gel electrophoresis, TapeStation, HPLC, plate-based assays)
Support the development, optimization, and scaling of biochemical and enzymatic assays with an emphasis on quantitative, reproducible readouts
Generate, analyze, and interpret experimental datasets to extract mechanistic insight and inform pipeline progression
Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Enzyme Science and Assay Development, to integrate chemical insight into broader platform workflows
Maintain rigorous experimental documentation and contribute to protocol development and knowledge sharing across the team