Associate Scientist/Scientist I, Biochemistry Screening & Biophysical Characterization

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Abiologics, Inc. is a privately held, early-stage biotechnology company on a mission to make biology better through an innovative therapeutic modality. We are pioneering the development of Synteins™, a transformational class of macromolecular medicines unlocked by novel synthetic and computational technologies. Abiologics is actively seeking exceptional scientists who are passionate about driving therapeutic modality innovation in biotechnology.

Abiologics was founded in Flagship Pioneering’s venture creation engine, where companies such as Moderna Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MRNA) and Generate Biomedicines were conceived and created. Since Flagship’s founding in 2000, the firm has originated and fostered the development of more than 100 scientific ventures resulting in more than 500 issued patents and more than 50 clinical trials for novel therapeutic agents. 

THE ROLE

We are seeking a biochemist to design, develop, and execute biochemical and biophysical strategies that enable the discovery and optimization of Synteins. The ideal candidate brings hands-on expertise in assay development, primary and secondary biochemical screening, and orthogonal biophysical characterization to establish target engagement, binding kinetics/thermodynamics, and mechanism of action. This role is highly collaborative, partnering closely with medicinal chemistry, computational sciences, and pharmacology.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, develop, and validate robust biochemical and biophysical assays for hit identification, hit triage, and lead optimization across diverse target classes (enzymes, PPIs, receptors, and challenging targets).
• Execute and analyze small- to medium-scale screens including development of counterscreens and artifact mitigation strategies.
• Perform quantitative biophysical characterization of ligand-target interactions, including affinity, kinetics, stoichiometry, and thermodynamics.
• Apply a range of techniques such as SPR/BLI, fluorescence-based assays, and mass-spectrometry based assays; leverage orthogonal methods to confirm binding and establish MOA.
• Ensure data quality and rigor through appropriate controls, reference standards, Z’ factor assessments, and comprehensive data QC and troubleshooting.
• Miniaturize and automate assays as appropriate; partner with automation/HTS teams and operate plate readers and liquid handling platforms.
• Analyze, visualize, and interpret complex datasets; summarize findings and recommend next steps to project teams.
• Proactively evaluate new technologies and methods to improve throughput, sensitivity, or mechanistic insight.
• Maintain accurate electronic lab notebooks, author SOPs, and present results to cross-functional stakeholders.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS 

• PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemical Biology, or related field with 0–1+ year of relevant experience; or MS with 6+ years; or BS with 8+ years in industry or equivalent.
• Demonstrated, hands-on experience developing and running biochemical and/or biophysical assays to quantify ligand binding and target engagement.
• Proficiency with core biophysical platforms (preferably BLI/SPR) and biochemical readouts (e.g., FP, TR-FRET/HTRF, AlphaLISA, enzymatic kinetics).
• Track record of troubleshooting complex assay and protein reagent issues and delivering decision-enabling data on tight timelines.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills; ability to work effectively in cross-functional, fast-paced environments.

LOCATION:  Boston, MA

ABOUT FLAGSHIP PIONEERING:

Flagship Pioneering invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health, sustainability and beyond. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated more than 100 companies. Many of these companies 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.

At Flagship, we accept impossible missions to enable bigger leaps. Our core values guide us through uncertainty and toward lasting impact.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We recognize that great candidates often bring unique strengths without fulfilling every qualification. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your background and interest in Flagship.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, “FSP”) do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.

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