Analytical Characterization/Protein Science Co-Op

Metaphore Bio, a generative AI drug design company focused on creating a new class of functional antibodies, is seeking a leader with strong scientific and technical skills to enable the delivery of high-quality therapeutic proteins.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Co-op student to join our Protein Science team. This opportunity will allow the Co-op to engage in hands-on experimental work and gain valuable experience in protein analytics, contributing directly to our Pipeline, Partner, and Platform Development programs. The Co-op will support the development and optimization of analytical assays, execute routine analyses, and synthesize large data sets to support scientific decision-making.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and optimize analytical assays to support multiple company programs.
• Execute and analyze data from a suite of analytical assays, including QC (purity, sizing, thermostability by SEC, DLS, nanoDSF) and kinetics/affinity assessments using Octet BLI.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of UPLC-based separation methods, including Reversed Phase, Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography, and Ion-Exchange Chromatography.
• Draft and update protocols, SOPs, and Benchling templates.
• Research and develop additional methods as needed for developability assessments such as AC-SINS, ELISA, and Poly-reactivity.

How This Role Supports Metaphore:

The Co-op will play a vital role in the ongoing Developability Program, supporting the scaling of upstream functions through increased analytical assay bandwidth, as well as supporting all other projects at Metaphore. The Co-op's contributions will be instrumental in ensuring the quality control of reagents and informing decision-making on viable drug products.

Collaborative Opportunities:

The Co-op will work closely with various teams, contributing to quality control and process improvement strategies across the company. This highly collaborative role involves interaction with all functional groups, reinforcing the importance of analytical assays in company-wide decision-making.

Required Skillset:

• Pursuing a degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and proactive problem-solving skills.
• Interest in protein science with the ability to think both deeply and broadly about proteins.
• Curiosity-driven with a strong desire to learn and ask questions.
• Attention to details and strong organizational skills for careful documentation and tracking of experiments.
• Data-oriented with the ability to analyze large data sets, identify patterns, and draw conclusions.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with analytical techniques such as HPLC/UPLC separation (SEC, Reversed Phase, HIC, Ion Exchange), thermal stability assessment (DLS, DSF - Prometheus Panta), and binding/affinity assessment (BLI or SPR).
• Familiarity with SDS-PAGE and plate-based assays (ELISA).
• Experience in wet lab techniques (e.g., pipetting) is preferred.

  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.

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 Metaphore Biotechnologies, Inc.'s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.