Scientist, Reproductive & Molecular Biology

Scientist, Reproductive & Molecular Biology

Cambridge, MA USA

We are building a new venture, FL122, pioneering genomic technologies at the intersection of human health and assisted reproduction. The company was founded by Flagship Pioneering, an innovative enterprise that conceives, creates, resources, and grows first-in-category life sciences companies. Flagship Pioneering has created over 100 groundbreaking companies over the past twenty years, all of which are pioneering novel and proprietary biological, industrial, and engineering approaches to solve major needs in human health and sustainability. These companies include Moderna (MRNA), Generate Biomedicines, Tessera Therapeutics, and Quotient Therapeutics. We are an equal opportunity employer.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Scientist with experience at the intersection of reproductive biology and molecular biology to help build the experimental foundation of the company's scientific platform. As an early scientific team member, you will contribute to the development of core laboratory workflows spanning human gamete handling and molecular characterization, support the establishment of technical standards, and help execute the experimental strategy in close collaboration with senior scientists and leadership. We are looking for someone who is highly hands-on, adaptable, and excited to operate across disciplines. The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation from IVF or embryology laboratory environments, combined with experience in molecular biology techniques and a willingness to learn and implement new methods. This role requires attention to detail, comfort working with sensitive human samples, and a collaborative mindset suited for a fast-paced startup environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform and support IVF laboratory procedures, including preparation and handling of human gametes in a BSL2 environment with strict adherence to quality and reproducibility standards
• Execute workflows related to ART techniques such as intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and related embryology methods, contributing to protocol optimization and standardization
• Conduct molecular biology experiments, including nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and QC from low-input or sensitive samples
• Contribute to the development and optimization of workflows for integrating embryology procedures with downstream molecular analyses
• Support implementation of instrumentation, reagents, and workflows to enable robust and scalable experimental operations
• Assist in transcriptomic workflows (e.g., RNA-seq), including sample preparation, library preparation, and coordination with sequencing efforts
• Analyze and communicate experimental results clearly, troubleshoot challenges, and iterate on protocols
• Collaborate across internal teams and incorporate feedback from external advisors into experimental plans

Requirements

• Prior hands-on experience in IVF or embryology laboratory settings, including handling human gametes and performing procedures such as ICSI or related workflows
• Ph.D. in biology, molecular biology, genetics, reproductive biology, or a related discipline strongly preferred; exceptional candidates with a Master's degree / relevant hands-on experience will also be considered
• Strong foundation in molecular biology techniques, with demonstrated ability to learn and adapt to new experimental methods
• Experience with RNA sequencing workflows; exposure to single-cell RNA sequencing is a plus but not required
• Demonstrated ability to execute and troubleshoot experiments independently, particularly in low-input or sensitive sample contexts
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality, especially when working with human-derived samples
• Comfort working in a fast-moving, early-stage startup environment with a collaborative and proactive mindset

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.

The salary range for this role is $100,000 - $143,000. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. FL122 currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on FL122's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.