---
title: 'Senior Research Associate / Associate Scientist, Molecular Biology – High Throughput Platform at Flagship Pioneering, Inc.'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-research-associate-associate-scientist-molecular-biology-high-throughput-ddj5fyra4qd7'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-18'
---

# Senior Research Associate / Associate Scientist, Molecular Biology – High Throughput Platform at Flagship Pioneering, Inc.

- **Company:** Flagship Pioneering, Inc.
- **Location:** Cambridge, MA
- **Posted:** 2026-09-17
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-18
- **Apply:** https://boards.greenhouse.io/flagshippioneeringinc/jobs/8805460002?gh_jid=8805460002

## Job description

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Senior Research Associate / Associate Scientist to join our Molecular Biology platform within the High Throughput Laboratory.

Reporting to the Scientific Manager, this role will be responsible for delivering high-quality molecular biology workflows that underpin Quotient's somatic genomics platform. Working closely with Histology, Flow Cytometry, Assay Development, Automation and Data Science, you will support the processing of human tissue-derived samples from nucleic acid extraction through to sequencing-ready libraries.

The successful candidate will combine excellent technical expertise with a passion for continuous improvement, working collaboratively across scientific teams to optimise workflows, troubleshoot technical challenges and help implement new technologies into routine laboratory operations.

This role is ideally suited to someone who enjoys operating in a fast-paced biotechnology environment, is passionate about molecular biology, and is excited by the opportunity to contribute to a growing high-throughput genomics platform.

Responsibilities:

- Execute high-quality molecular biology workflows including DNA and RNA extraction from human tissues and isolated cells/nuclei.
- Perform nucleic acid quantification, quality assessment and fragmentation to support downstream sequencing applications.
- Prepare high-quality NGS libraries using a variety of library preparation methodologies.
- Support implementation, optimisation and routine operation of automated molecular biology workflows.
- Troubleshoot molecular biology workflows, identifying opportunities to improve quality, reproducibility and throughput.
- Work closely with Histology and Flow Cytometry teams to ensure seamless progression of samples through the High Throughput Laboratory.
- Support implementation of new technologies and molecular biology methods developed by Assay Development into routine laboratory operations.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records using Benchling and associated laboratory information systems.
- Ensure compliance with laboratory quality systems, the Human Tissue Act, COSHH and all relevant laboratory procedures.
- Contribute to SOP development, protocol optimisation and continuous improvement initiatives across the Molecular Biology platform.
- Support training and mentoring of junior Research Associates where appropriate.

Qualifications:

Essential

- BSc, MSc or equivalent experience in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry or a related life science discipline.
- Significant hands-on experience working within a molecular biology laboratory (typically 3–5+ years in industry or equivalent).
- Demonstrated experience extracting high-quality DNA and RNA from a variety of biological sample types.
- Hands-on experience performing nucleic acid fragmentation and quality assessment.
- Experience preparing Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) libraries.
- Experience operating within a high-throughput laboratory environment.
- Experience using laboratory automation or supporting automated molecular biology workflows.
- Excellent laboratory organisation, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Experience working under the Human Tissue Act and associated quality systems.
- Experience using ELN/LIMS platforms (Benchling preferred).
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary scientific teams.

Desirable

- Experience with NanoSeq or similar ultra-sensitive sequencing assays.
- Knowledge of somatic genomics, mutation detection and cancer genomics workflows.
- Experience working with Fixed and fresh frozen tissue.
- Experience preparing sequencing libraries for low-input or challenging biological samples.
- Experience supporting implementation of automated liquid handling systems.
- Experience working collaboratively with Assay Development and Automation teams.
- Experience within a rapidly growing biotechnology organisation.
- Knowledge of laboratory process optimisation and Operational Excellence methodologies.

Values and Behaviors:

- Encourage respectful disagreement and cultivate open-minded, ego-free interactions to continuously push each other towards excellence
- Seek out diverse perspectives; practice active listening and genuine curiosity to ensure all contributions are valued, regardless of source
- Recognize the impact of your behavior, language and attitudes, and strive for balanced, meaningful exchanges that enhance mutual growth and understanding in all interactions
- Use a company-first mindset to guide decision-making; prioritize team over individual success
- Take calculated risks and challenge convention in the quest for exceptional outcomes

About Quotient:

Quotient Therapeutics is a privately-held, early stage company developing breakthrough medicines informed by natural somatic genetic diversity present in patients. Through our work in somatic genomics, we are forging a new status quo for biopharma research and development across a broad pipeline of internal and partnered programs.

The company was founded by Flagship Pioneering, an innovative enterprise that conceives, creates, resources, and grows first-in-category life sciences companies. Flagship Pioneering has created over 100 groundbreaking companies over the past twenty years, all of which are pioneering novel and proprietary biological, industrial, and engineering approaches to solve major needs in human health and sustainability. These companies include Moderna (MRNA), Generate Biomedicines, Sana Biotechnology (SANA), Tessera Therapeutics, Evelo Biosciences (EVLO), Indigo Agriculture, Seres Therapeutics (MCRB), and Syros Pharmaceuticals (SYRS).

Quotient Therapeutics and Flagship Pioneering are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies:

Quotient Therapeutics (“Quotient”) and Flagship Pioneering (“FSP”) do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Quotient, FSP or their 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.

Privacy Notice for Applicants: When you apply for a role at Flagship Pioneering or one of its portfolio companies, we collect and use personal information you provide (such as your name, contact details, work history, and application materials) to evaluate your application, communicate with you, and comply with legal obligations. Your application data is processed through Greenhouse, our applicant tracking system, and may also be reviewed using AI-assisted screening tools. We do not sell your personal information. California residents have rights under the CCPA/CPRA including to know, delete, and opt out of the sharing of their personal information. If you are located in the EU or UK, we process your data under GDPR and you have rights to access, rectify, and erase your data. To exercise your rights or for questions, contact privacy@flagshippioneering.com.

## About Flagship Pioneering, Inc.

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Flagship Pioneering is a life sciences venture creation firm that conceives, creates, and capitalizes breakthrough bioplatform companies in biotechnology, health, and sustainability.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Venture Creation Firm)
- **Headquarters**: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
- **Founded**: 2000
- **Founders**: Noubar Afeyan (Co-Founder & CEO)

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: Biotechnology Research, Life Sciences Venture Creation, Company Incubation
- **Target customers**: B2B / B2G – partners with academic institutions, pharma companies, and investors; also acts as an employer for scientists, entrepreneurs, and corporate builders
- **Mission or purpose statement**: “To harness the 21st century's most powerful technological forces for good to deliver a better future for all.”

## Products & Services
Flagship does not sell products directly; its offerings are the companies it creates and the innovation platform it operates.
- **Innovation Platform**: A systematic, institutionalized process to identify “unreasonable” scientific questions, test them rigorously, and spin out independent companies that develop therapeutics, diagnostics, agricultural technologies, and more.
- **Portfolio Companies**: Over 120 companies founded, including Moderna, Generate:Biomedicines, Inari Agriculture, Tessera Therapeutics, Lila Sciences, and others. Each is a separate enterprise with its own products (e.g., mRNA vaccines, gene-editing tools, AI-driven drug discovery).

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed (privately held)
- **Key Metric**: Annual revenue of approximately $800 million (2025/2026 estimate) and 620 employees (+9.7% YoY growth)
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Flagship is itself an investor and partner; key collaborations include AWS (to accelerate drug discovery), Harvard Medical School, Broad Institute, and multiple top-tier biopharma companies. Portfolio company Moderna is a publicly traded giant.
- **Growth Signals**: 78 active job postings (+50% quarterly), recent formation of Terion (digital agriculture infrastructure) and Serif Biomedicines (modified DNA platform), and expanded presence in Europe and Asia.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Unique Model**: Combines scientific exploration, company creation, and capital investment under one roof – “a way that is largely without precedent”
- **Deep Talent Pool**: Exceptional network of scientist-entrepreneurs and company builders; top hires from MIT, Harvard, Biogen, Novartis, and Pfizer
- **Track Record**: Over two decades of founding transformational companies (e.g., Moderna’s COVID‑19 vaccine), demonstrating repeatable innovation
- **Process-Driven**: Systematic methodology for turning “what‑if” questions into patentable bioplatforms, reducing risk compared to ad‑hoc startup creation

## Strategic Focus
- **Current priorities**: Expanding AI/machine learning integration across drug discovery and life sciences (highlighted by AWS collaboration); entering preemptive health and medicine; advancing sustainable agriculture and climate solutions; growing international operations (UK, Singapore, Canada, Switzerland, Japan)
- **Direction for growth**: Launching new platform companies at a steady cadence (e.g., Terion, Serif in 2026); deepening expertise in computational protein design, modified DNA, and gene editing

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: “Brave and bold organization of creative-thinkers with insurgent mindsets” – emphasis on fearlessness, mentorship, and teamwork across science and business
- **Work Environment**: Headquarters in Cambridge, MA with 5 US offices; roles span research, strategy, finance, and operations; hybrid/remote flexibility varies by role
- **Notable Perks**: Opportunity to work on world-changing science (e.g., COVID‑19 vaccine, gene editing) alongside top scientists and company builders; strong compensation (salary range example: Sr. Associate ~$68K, ML Engineer ~$122K; overall comp rating 3.7/5)
- **Engineering/Science Culture**: Heavy investment in R&D (15% of workforce in research), cutting-edge tools (Cryo‑EM, AI/ML), and a process that encourages bold leaps

## Sources
1. [flagshippioneering.com](https://www.flagshippioneering.com/)
2. [flagshippioneering.com/about](https://www.flagshippioneering.com/about)
3. [flagshippioneering.com/join](https://www.flagshippioneering.com/join)
4. [flagshippioneering.com/join/roles](https://www.flagshippioneering.com/join/roles)
5. [linkedin.com/company/flagship-pioneering](https://www.linkedin.com/company/flagship-pioneering)

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