Protein Science - Analytical Assay Development Co-op

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 motivated and enthusiastic Co-op student to join our Protein Science team with a focus on recombinant enzyme expression, purification, and enzyme characterization. This role provides hands-on laboratory experience supporting the production and characterization of high-quality proteins used across pipeline, partner, and platform development programs. The Co-op will contribute to routine protein production workflows while gaining exposure to enzyme quality assessment, enzyme characterization and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities: 

• Support recombinant protein expression in microbial and/or mammalian systems.
• Enzyme engineering and activity characterization
• Perform protein purification using chromatographic techniques such as affinity, ion exchange, and size exclusion chromatography.
• Prepare buffers, reagents, and samples for protein production and purification workflows.
• Operate and maintain chromatography systems (e.g., ÄKTA).
• Assess protein purity and integrity using SDS-PAGE and basic analytical methods.
• Document experimental procedures, results, and protocols using electronic lab notebooks (e.g., Benchling).

How This Role Supports FL116: 

This role supports FL116’s discovery and development efforts by enabling the reliable production of high-quality protein reagents. The Co-op’s contributions help maintain experimental throughput and ensure protein quality for downstream assays and decision-making.

Collaborative Opportunities: 

The Co-op will work closely with scientists across Protein Science, Computational, and Chemistry teams, gaining exposure to how protein production supports broader research and development activities within the company. 

Required Skillset: 

• Pursuing a degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• Feels comfortable running a protein purification workflow independently (not just experience in a classroom lab).
• Strong interest in synthetic biology.
• Familiarity with basic wet-lab techniques (e.g., pipetting, solution preparation).
• Attention to detail with strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Curiosity-driven mindset and willingness to learn.

Preferred Experience: 

• Exposure to different chromatography techniques (affinity, ion exchange, SEC).
• Experience running HPLC.
• Protein Engineering mindset.
  
  

About Flagship Pioneering

Flagship Pioneering is a bioplatform innovation 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 human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture.  Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE’s “Change the World” list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies, and has been twice named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at www.flagshippioneering.com.

Flagship Pioneering is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

The pay range for this role is $25 - $35 per hour. This role is a short-term engagement that is not eligible for health and welfare benefits. Retirement benefits may be available after completing a set number of hours. 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.