Senior – Scientist

Company Summary:

Ampersand Biomedicines is an innovative, privately held biotechnology company leading the way in developing multi-specific medicines that direct a wide range of therapeutic molecules to specific cells and biological contexts (www.Ampersand.bio).  Ampersand was founded in Flagship Pioneering’s venture creation engine, where companies such as Moderna Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MRNA) and Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MCRB) were conceived and created.  With a strong emphasis on innovation, Ampersand cultivates a highly dynamic and entrepreneurial environment. 

Position Summary:

Ampersand is currently seeking a highly motivated team member in spatial biology or cell membrane proteomics to further extend our platform, targeting drug activity to specific cells and/or tissues. Working in a cross-functional environment, the position will involve developing and implementing technologies that yield data for the identification and validation of tissue and cell-specific drug targets. Other responsibilities will include the generation of assays to support the development of therapeutic antibody molecules through pre-clinical development to IND. The grade for this position will be determined based on the candidate’s level of experience. 

You will be expected to design and execute experiments to demonstrate cell and tissue specific expression patterns of candidate antigens and validate tissue and cell specific binding and activity of in-house developed biologics. This role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, where you will have the chance to work independently and collaboratively within a highly integrated team. This is an on-site role in South Boston.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, plan, and execute transcriptomic or proteomic screen data to select targets of multi-specific antibodies that build on Ampersand’s platform to target specific cells and tissues.
• Perform spatial analyses of protein or RNA expression patterns.
• Develop tissue assays to assess binding and drug activity patterns of therapeutic antibodies and multi-specific molecules across portfolio projects, particularly in the fields of inflammation and immunology.
• Collaborate with our Protein Sciences team to optimize the developability profiles of candidate molecules, and with the In Vivo Pharmacology team to evaluate tissue specific PK/PD, efficacy, and toxicity.
• Collaborate with and oversee research activities conducted by Contract Research Organizations (CROs).
• Contribute to preparing and writing INDs for therapeutic candidates.
• Maintain scientific and technical expertise through familiarity with scientific literature.
• Contribute to building a positive, team-oriented biotech culture.

Qualifications:

• PhD or equivalent experience in cell biology, spatial biology or proteomics with 3 years additional experience, pharmaceutical experience preferred.
• Experience developing and implementing screens for comparing antigen expression on cell surfaces and different tissue types.
• Experience in characterizing epitope accessibility on cell surfaces
• Excellent skills with cell culture such as primary cell culture, stable and transient protein expression.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct original research utilizing cell systems to investigate disease biology or biological therapeutics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively present results and scientific data to team leaders, cross-functional teams, academic collaborators, or partners.
• Enthusiastic about playing a pivotal role in the dynamic and multidisciplinary environment of a small biotech, specifically within the realm of in vivo sciences.

What We Will Offer you:

• Comprehensive, competitive healthcare and dental coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield, vision coverage through VSP, family leave, paid time off, 401k retirement plan, disability and life insurance, and fully covered parking/commuter benefits.
• A dynamic early-stage work environment and highly interdisciplinary, talented, and collaborative team.
• Participation in an unprecedented opportunity to significantly impact the quality of life of patients by developing a targeted approach to delivering therapeutic molecules.
• Professional growth opportunities through mentoring, training, immersion in cross-functional projects, and opportunities to learn and try new things.

About Flagship

Flagship Pioneering is a bioplatform innovation company that invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health or sustainability. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated and fostered more than 100 scientific ventures, resulting in more than $90 billion in aggregate value. 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. Learn more about Flagship at www.flagshippioneering.com.

Flagship Pioneering is 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: 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.