Senior Scientist, Therapeutic Discovery

Company Description

FL121 is a privately held biotechnology company engineering nature to build next generation peptide therapeutics. By harnessing naturally occurring chemistry and pairing it with sophisticated high-throughput screening technology, we will unlock the future of de novo drug design via curated data creation and model training.

Role Overview

We are building a therapeutic discovery platform that integrates AI/ML, biosynthetic enzyme discovery, advanced analytical readouts (with a strong emphasis on LC‑MS), and innovative screening technologies. This role will own hybrid Design–Build–Test–Learn cycles—spanning computational prioritization, hands-on experimental execution, and multimodal data integration—to drive rapid, data-grounded decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Prioritize biosynthetic pathways computationally; translate into build hypotheses.

• Execute wet-lab workflows to build and interrogate genetic designs and run screening/selection assays tied to therapeutic-relevant readouts.

• Build reproducible pipelines to integrate with multi-modal data structures that drive therapeutic candidate prioritization strategies.

• Partner cross-functionally with analytical chemistry and AI-enabled discovery workflows to deliver platform proof of concept data.

Required Skills and Experience

• PhD in a relevant field; strong record of independent technical ownership with 5+ years of experience.

• True hybrid skillset: Python/R (stats, reproducibility, version control) + strong bench execution (molecular biology/expression, enzyme assays, library-oriented experimentation).

• Demonstrated expertise in enzyme discovery and characterization; ML/representation or structure-informed approaches a plus.

• Working knowledge of LC‑MS(/MS) in molecular discovery and proficiency with sequencing-enabled measurements (e.g., NGS-based readouts).

• Experience designing/running screening or selection workflows and translating outcomes into follow-on experimental plans; strong cross-audience communication.

Important skills and capabilities include

• Comfort in ambiguity; can move between strategy and execution.

• Creative and rigorous in experimental design, documentation, and data interpretation.

• Collaborative communicator; gives/receives feedback effectively.

• Grit and agility in fast-moving environments.

Values and Behaviors

We are seeking individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit, strong communication skills, and comfort working in and contributing to a dynamic and cross-functional team environment. The level of the role will be commensurate with the education and years of experience of the identified candidate.

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.

The salary range for this role is $126,000 - $181,500. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. FL121 currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on FL121's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.