Scientist II/Senior Scientist, Plant Viroids

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Terrana Biosciences is one of the latest companies founded through Flagship Pioneering’s venture creation engine, where companies such as Moderna Therapeutics and Evelo Therapeutics were conceived and created. Since Flagship’s founding in 2000, the firm has originated and fostered the development of nearly 100 scientific ventures resulting in $19+ billion in aggregate value, 500+ issued patents, and more than 50 clinical trials for novel therapeutic agents. Terrana Biosciences is integrating the latest developments in molecular biology and plant biology to create a new platform technology that enables adaptive, targeted and sustainable solutions in agriculture.

THE ROLE

Are you a highly motivated and driven researcher who wants to contribute to developing products for sustainable agriculture? We are seeking a determined, impact-driven, full-time Scientist II or Senior Scientist specializing in Plant Viroids with an eagerness for continued innovation. The successful candidate will be highly organized and comfortable working as an integral member of a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary team in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, record-keeping, and teamwork skills will be critical.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Use RNA secondary structure and computational predictions to design a suite of engineered plant viroids

• Screen engineered viroids in plants

• Deliver clear, data-driven recommendations that identify field-ready vectors for Terrana's product pipeline

• Build and use end-to-end viroid protocols (e.g., cloning, inoculation, titering, phenotyping, expression analysis, and data capture) that can be run reproducibly

• Hand off optimized vectors and supporting data packages for greenhouse and small-plot field trials, positioning them for regulatory engagement and commercialization

• Serve as a key internal and external expert on plant viroids, shaping internal platform strategy and forging key collaborations

• Coach and mentor research associates

• Contribute to a dynamic, exciting culture that embraces teamwork and innovation

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Virology, Plant Pathology, Plant Science, Molecular Biology, or a related field plus 2-5+ years of postdoc and/or industry experience or M.S. plus 10-12+ years relevant industry/lab experience; education may count towards years of experience

• Deep knowledge of viroid genome structure/function, replication, movement, and host interactions

• Proficiency in molecular cloning, RNA biology techniques, and gene expression analysis in plants

• Experience in RNA secondary structure modeling or prediction

• Experience scaling vector production or running greenhouse/field infection studies

• Experience in transitioning from product concept to successful commercialization

• Familiarity with small RNA pathways, RNA interference (RNAi), or epigenetic regulation in plants a plus

• Experience using viroids as synthetic chassis or vectors for plant biotechnology a plus

• Prior patent filings or technology-transfer experience a plus

• Clear, concise scientific writing and presentation skills

• Comfort working in a startup or other fast-moving, resource-constrained environment

LOCATION: Durham, NC

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.

The salary range for this role is $107,350 - $151,525. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Terrana Biosciences, Inc. currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on Terrana Biosciences, Inc.'s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.