(Senior) Scientist, Chemistry & Materials Science

Flagship Pioneering Inc
Cambridge, MA USA$100k – $165kPosted 12 March 2026

Job Description

Company Overview Flagship Labs 123 Inc. (FL123) is developing a novel platform at the intersection of chemistry, biology, and device engineering aimed at transforming how molecular information is measured in living systems. Our goal is to move beyond current approaches toward a new paradigm of real-time physiological insight. The Role We are seeking an exceptional PhD-level scientist to join our small, highly-focused Flagship Pioneering startup as an early team member. This is an early, hands-on role for a (Senior) Research Scientist who is excited to build from first principles, work across disciplines, and help define both the technology and the company. This is an on-site, full-time position based in Cambridge, MA. What You'll Do Lead experimental design and prototype development for a next-generation molecular sensing platform Optimize surface chemistry and conjugation of biomaterials onto substrates using a variety of biomolecular approaches Develop and test molecular recognition and signal transduction strategies Build and iterate benchtop systems in complex biological environments Synthesize experimental results into mechanistic insights based on fundamental materials chemistry Translate insights into performance metrics for med tech device development Contribute to IP strategy and long-term technical roadmap Work closely with colleagues to shape scientific direction and execution Qualifications PhD in Chemistry, Bioengineering, Materials Science, Biophysics, or a related field Nice-to-have: Post-doc or industry experience (1-5 years) Deep expertise in one or more of the following: Biosensor development. Surface functionalization and interface chemistry. Nanomaterials chemistry and application. Spectroscopy for materials science. Strong experimentalist with a track record of independent problem solving Demonstrated ability to independently drive projects from concept to data. Interest in translational science and early-stage company building. Professional skills Strong problem-solving skills and critical thinking ability Excellent written and verbal communication of complex results Ability to balance multiple complex projects simultaneously Collaborative mindset with strong sense of scientific ownership and camaraderie 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 Staffin ... (truncated, view full listing at source)