Flagship Labs 116: Protein Science - Production and Characterization Co-Op

This position is open exclusively to current Northeastern University Co-Op students.Work Period: January 2027 to June 2027. This is a full - time, 40 hours per week position with 5 days in office.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.

About Flagship PioneeringFlagship Labs 116 is a product of Flagship Pioneering's venture creation engine 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 company’s 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 Co-Op Program

Welcome toFlagship Pioneering Co-Op Program for the cohort dreaming big and taking courageous leaps. You'll join fellow peers across our ecosystem of companies and learning firsthand how we build first-in-category companies. You’ll have access to enrichment sessions, a dedicated professional development track, and a mentor that help guide you toward your next step. By the end, you will carry on a meaningful project outcome, a genuine network, and a front-row view of how Flagship pioneer new ventures that change the world.

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.

What We Offer

• Build alongside founders. You’ll work inside the same hypothesis-driven process Flagship uses to conceive and launch first-in-category companies.
• This can be the start of a longer story. Strong co-ops are considered for future opportunities across Flagship and its portfolio companies, not just for this one role.
• Work alongside people who left the safe path. Your colleagues are scientists, engineers, and operators who chose to build something new rather than join something already established.
• Take on real ownership. You're contributing to ventures that are still being defined. Your work can shape real decisions, not just support them.
• Be paid like the contributor you are. Compensation reflects the real work you take on.

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.

Privacy Notice for Applicants: When you apply for a role at Flagship Pioneering, we collect and use personal information you provide (such as your name, contact details, work history, and application materials) to evaluate your application, communicate with you, and comply with legal obligations. Your application data is processed through Greenhouse, our applicant tracking system, and may also be reviewed using AI-assisted screening tools. We do not sell your personal information. California residents have rights under the CCPA/CPRA including to know, delete, and opt out of the sharing of their personal information. If you are located in the EU or UK, we process your data under GDPR and you have rights to access, rectify, and erase your data. To exercise your rights or for questions, contact privacy@flagshippioneering.com.