Research Associate, Technical Operations

About this role

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Flagship Pioneering is a platform innovation company that invents and builds companies that change the world. We bring together the greatest scientific minds with entrepreneurial company builders and assemble the capital to allow them to take courageous leaps. Those big leaps in human health, sustainability and beyond exponentially accelerate scientific progress in areas ranging from disease detection and treatment and nature-positive agriculture to novel applications of AI that are driving the creation of new technologies.

What sets Flagship apart is our ability to advance science and technology by uniting innovation, company creation, and capital investment under one roof in a way that is largely without precedent. Our scientific founders, entrepreneurial leaders, and professional capital managers are each aligned around an institutionalized process that enables us to innovate and transform for the benefit of people and planet.

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.

THE ROLE

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Associate I to join our Technical Operations team. This role will provide laboratory and experimental support across multiple R&D functions, including Discovery, Strain Development, Bioprocess Development, and Formulation Development. The ideal candidate is excited to work in a fast-paced biotechnology environment and enjoys contributing to a variety of scientific programs through high-quality laboratory execution, data collection, and operational support.

This position offers an opportunity to develop broad technical skills across microbial engineering, fermentation, analytical testing, and formulation sciences while supporting the advancement of innovative biological products.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Laboratory Operations & Support

• Prepare media, buffers, reagents, and solutions according to established protocols.

• Pour and prepare agar plates and maintain laboratory consumables inventory.

• Support routine laboratory organization, cleanliness, and equipment maintenance.

• Assist with sample tracking, labeling, storage, and inventory management.

• Follow laboratory safety procedures and maintain accurate documentation.

Experimental Execution

• Execute routine laboratory experiments under the guidance of scientists and engineers.

• Support various research activities, including:

• microbial culture preparation, colony screening, and sample processing

• shake flask, bench-scale fermentation, and downstream processing activities

• formulation sample preparation, processing, and characterization experiments

• Accurately record experimental observations, data, and deviations.

Assay & Analytical Support

• Perform routine analytical and biological assays following established methods.

• Collect, organize, and report experimental data in a timely manner.

• Support assay development, validation, and troubleshooting efforts.

• Maintain laboratory records and electronic data files according to company standards.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with scientists and engineers across multiple technical functions.

• Contribute to project execution through reliable laboratory support and attention to detail.

• Participate in team meetings and communicate experimental progress and observations.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives that increase laboratory efficiency and data quality.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.

• 0–3 years of laboratory experience in an academic, industrial, or internship setting, level commensurate with education and experience

• Familiarity with basic microbiology, molecular biology, or biochemical laboratory techniques.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to follow protocols and maintain accurate records.

• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

Preferred

• Experience with microbial culture techniques and aseptic laboratory practices.

• Experience preparing media, buffers, and laboratory reagents.

• Familiarity with fermentation, analytical assays, or formulation development.

• Experience using electronic laboratory notebooks or laboratory data management systems.

• Experience working in a biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or industrial research environment.

Key Competencies

• Laboratory execution

• Attention to detail

• Data collection and documentation

• Scientific curiosity

• Teamwork and communication

• Time management and organization

• Adaptability and willingness to learn

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work safely in a laboratory environment.

• Ability to lift and transport laboratory materials up to 25 pounds.

• Ability to stand for extended periods while conducting laboratory work.

Career Development

This role is designed as an entry point into biotechnology research and development and provides opportunities for growth into specialized roles within strain engineering, bioprocess development, formulation development, analytical sciences, and technical operations.

LOCATION: Cambridge, MA

ABOUT FLAGSHIP PIONEERING:

Flagship Pioneering invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health, sustainability and beyond. Si

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