Senior Scientist, Nucleic Acid Chemistry

Flagship Pioneering, Inc.•Cambridge, MA

4h•$126,000 - $181,500

About The Position

The Company FL99 is developing novel delivery technologies that will fundamentally redefine how genetic medicines can treat disease. We’re looking for future colleagues who are driven to solve incredibly hard problems in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. If that sounds like you, we’d love to consider your application. We are seeking an outstanding Senior Scientist, Nucleic Acid Chemistry (exact title flexible based on qualifications) to join us in ideating and building the next generation of Programmable Medicines. Our mission is to completely re-imagine nucleic acid therapeutics, casting aside long-standing dogma to pioneer integrated innovation at the cutting edge of both payload and delivery. This is a rare and unique opportunity to be one of the first employees of a biotech startup that combines an insurgent, swing-for-the-fences mindset with the backing, resources, and know-how of one of biotech’s leading VCs.

Requirements

PhD in Chemistry or Biochemistry with deep experience in nucleic acid chemistry (e.g., synthesizing and applying chemical probes of DNA, developing small molecules to profile RNA structure, or creating tools to study nucleic acid modifications)
Expertise in methods for analyzing and purifying compounds (NMR, HPLC, LC-MS, etc.)
Fluency in standard molecular biology methods for producing and assaying nucleic acids (PCR, IVT, gel and capillary electrophoresis, etc.)
Experience with organic synthesis of small molecules
Caring deeply about your work and your colleagues
Passion for challenging, fast-paced, ever-changing science
Superior attention to detail and execution of experiments, both personally and via CROs

Responsibilities

Contribute to Nucleic Acid Chemistry innovation, aligned with the company’s core strategic goals. This role is the first dedicated hire in our Chemistry team, so we’re not just looking for a pair of hands. We’re looking for someone who can think critically and creatively about nucleic acids to influence the company’s scientific directions, including: Molecular design Synthesis scheme optimization Assay design
Plan and execute Nucleic Acid Chemistry experiments. Along with ideation, we’re looking for someone who’s excited to roll up their sleeves and pursue benchwork science. This is primarily a bench role, at least at the outset. Key skillsets include: Preparation, purification, and validation of small molecules (NMR, LC/MS, HPLC, etc.) Reactions of small molecules with nucleic acids, including purification and validation CRO management for small molecule synthesis