Senior Research Associate, Protein Engineering

Company Summary:

Ampersand Biomedicines is an innovative, privately held biotechnology company leading the way in developing multi-specific medicines that direct a wide range of therapeutic molecules to specific cells and biological contexts (www.Ampersand.bio).  Ampersand was founded in Flagship Pioneering’s venture creation engine, where companies such as Moderna Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MRNA) and Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MCRB) were conceived and created.  With a strong emphasis on innovation, Ampersand cultivates a highly dynamic and entrepreneurial environment. 

Position Summary:

Ampersand Biomedicines, Inc. is looking for a highly motivated, goal-driven and collaborative Senior Research Associate with expertise in molecular cloning, protein / antibody engineering, expression, purification, and biophysical analysis to join our dynamic Protein Sciences team.  This is a unique opportunity to help drive the development of a rapidly growing early-stage science and technology company within a well-resourced environment.  The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in advancing our research and development efforts by applying their specialized knowledge in protein sciences.  The candidate will report to a highly experienced Scientist in the Protein Sciences department and will enjoy working in a pioneering and fast-paced start-up environment.  This is a full-time on-site, laboratory-based position in South Boston.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and clone constructs for recombinant protein expression
• Execute antibody and protein engineering strategies to generate novel and stable AND-Body molecules
• Express antibodies and recombinant proteins in mammalian cells and purify them using various chromatographic methods (affinity, SEC, IEX, etc.) and instrumentation (FPLC, HPLC)
• Characterize purified antibodies and proteins using various analytical techniques such as SDS-PAGE, HPLC, western blotting, ELISA and biophysical methods such as BLI and SPR.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and effectively communicate delivery timelines to different stakeholders (in vitro biology, in vivo pharmacology) to ensure efficient transfer of materials
• Maintain accurate experimental records in electronic lab notebook and generate summary presentations for cross-functional team meetings
• Regularly present results to colleagues in project meetings, department meetings, and company-wide lab meetings

Key Qualifications:

• Master’s with 3+ years or Bachelor’s with 5+ years of relevant laboratory experience beyond undergraduate work, with preference given to industry experience. Title and compensation will be commensurate with experience level.
• Proven experience in protein purification methods such as SEC and FPLC instrumentation is required.
• Working experience in mammalian cell culture and sterile technique including transfections is required.
• Hands-on experience in construct design and molecular cloning (Gibson assembly, sequence analysis, etc.) is highly preferred.
• Meticulous attention to detail, good organizational skills, and strength in problem-solving.
• Aptitude and enthusiasm toward learning new techniques, improving upon existing processes, and understanding the “why” behind experimental protocols.
• Ability to thrive and prioritize in a fast-moving environment to meet multiple deliverables.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

What We Will Offer You:

• Comprehensive, competitive healthcare and dental coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield, vision coverage through VSP, family leave, paid time off, 401k retirement plan, disability and life insurance, and fully covered parking/commuter benefits.
• A dynamic early-stage work environment and highly interdisciplinary, talented, and collaborative team.
• Participation in an unprecedented opportunity to significantly impact the quality of life of patients by developing a targeted approach to delivering therapeutic molecules.
• Professional growth opportunities through mentoring, training, immersion in cross-functional projects, and opportunities to learn and try new things.

About Flagship

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.

At Flagship, we recognize there is no perfect candidate. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. Experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your unique background.

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.