Scientist, Responsive Protein Engineering and Screening

FL116, backed by Flagship Pioneering, is an early-stage biotechnology company transforming the way biomolecules are synthesized. Our innovative platform has the potential to redefine how critical research, diagnostic, and therapeutic molecules are designed and built. We are seeking passionate problem solvers ready to make a profound impact on biotechnology and therapeutic innovation. Position Summary We are seeking a creative, motivated, and technically exceptional scientist to join our Protein Science team. This role will focus on engineering and characterizing stimulus-responsive proteins, with an emphasis on light-responsive domains and allosteric control mechanisms. The scientist will contribute to the design, expression, and screening of engineered protein variants, building scalable assay systems and workflows to evaluate activity and responsiveness across diverse conditions. This role is ideal for a hands-on experimentalist excited to work at the intersection of protein engineering, high-throughput screening, and platform development in a fast-paced, highly collaborative startup environment. Key Responsibilities Design, express, and characterize engineered protein variants incorporating stimulus-responsive domains (e.g., light, voltage, temperature). Execute high-throughput protein expression workflows in bacterial and/or cell-free systems to support rapid screening of variant libraries. Develop and optimize functional assays to measure protein activity and responsiveness to external stimuli using plate-based and automated platforms. Build and refine scalable experimental workflows integrating protein production, screening, and data capture. Analyze and interpret experimental data to generate actionable insights and inform iterative design cycles. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Assay Development and Machine Learning, to integrate experimental outputs into broader platform efforts. Document experimental procedures and results rigorously; communicate findings clearly to internal stakeholders. Contribute to the growth of the Protein Science function, including lab infrastructure, best practices, and experimental strategy. Qualifications Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Protein Engineering, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, or a related discipline. 0–3 years of relevant experience in industry, biotechnology, or startup environments. Demonstrated expertise in protein engineering, including design and characterization of engineered or chimeric proteins. Hands-on experience with stimulus-responsive or allosterically regulated protein systems, particularly light-responsive domains. Proven experience developing and executing high-throughput protein expression and screening workflows. Strong background in assay development for protein activity and function. Experience with bacterial expression systems; familiarity with cell-free and/or cell-based systems is a plus. Ability to analyze and interpret complex biological datasets. Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Who You Are Innovative Pioneer: You are excited to push the boundaries of protein engineering and develop novel approaches to controlling protein function. Collaborative Contributor: You work effectively across disciplines, partnering closely with scientists in assay development, machine learning, and beyond. Inventive Problem Solver: You proactively identify challenges and rapidly develop creative, practical solutions. Mission-Driven Individual: You are motivated by the opportunity to fundamentally transform how biomolecules are designed and synthesized, with meaningful impact on human health and biotechnology. More About Flagship Pioneering Flagship Pioneering conceives, creates, resources, and develops first-in-category life sciences companies to transform human health and sustainability. Since its launch in 2000, Flags ... (truncated, view full listing at source)