Flagship Labs 111: Small Molecule Drug Discovery Co-Op

United Kingdom·Cambridgemid

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Quick Summary

Key Responsibilities

Reliable, well-documented cell culture technique applied to routine maintenance and assay setup. Accurately prepared compound plates (reconstitution, serial dilution) ready for screening.

Technical Tools

Other

Welcome to Flagship Pioneering Co-Op Program for the cohort dreaming big and taking courageous leaps. You'll join fellow peers across our ecosystem of companies and learning firsthand how we build first-in-category companies. You’ll have access to enrichment sessions, a dedicated professional development track, and a mentor that help guide you toward your next step. By the end, you will carry on a meaningful project outcome, a genuine network, and a front-row view of how Flagship pioneer new ventures that change the world.

We're looking for an enthusiastic co-op student eager to learn the laboratory skills used in small molecule drug discovery. You will set up, run, and analyze biochemical and cell-based assays for the screening and characterization of small molecules in cancer biology.

Responsibilities

~1 min read

→Culture and maintain cancer cell lines for assay use.
→Prepare compound plates via reconstitution and serial dilution.
→Run luminescence and fluorescence assays on plate readers.
→Perform Western blot analysis for protein detection.
→Analyze and present data using Excel, GraphPad Prism, and PowerPoint.
→Maintain accurate, complete records in an electronic lab notebook (ELN).
→Communicate results within the FL111 team and collaborate with other Flagship companies as needed.

By the end of the co-op, you will have built foundational lab competency and contributed usable assay data, including:

Reliable, well-documented cell culture technique applied to routine maintenance and assay setup.
Accurately prepared compound plates (reconstitution, serial dilution) ready for screening.
Plate reader assay data (luminescence/fluorescence) generated and recorded correctly.
Western blot results produced and interpreted with guidance.
Clean, organized ELN records that let others follow your work from setup to result.
Data summarized clearly in Excel/Prism and communicated to the team in a Powerpoint or verbal update.
Growing comfort working independently at the bench, with regular, proactive communication on progress and questions.

Requirements

~1 min read

Required

Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
No prior co-op or industry lab experience required — this role is designed to build foundational skills.
Willingness and enthusiasm to learn hands-on laboratory technique.
Basic familiarity with lab safety practices and general chemistry/biology coursework.
Strong attention to detail and willingness to follow written protocols precisely.
Good organizational habits and clear written/verbal communication.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team lab environment.

Preferred

Coursework or lab exposure to cell culture, biochemistry, or molecular biology techniques.
Familiarity with Excel; exposure to GraphPad Prism a plus.
Interest in oncology or small molecule drug discovery.

What We Offer

~2 min read

✓Build alongside founders. You’ll work inside the same hypothesis-driven process Flagship uses to conceive and launch first-in-category companies.

✓This can be the start of a longer story. Strong co-ops are considered for future opportunities across Flagship and its portfolio companies, not just for this one role.

✓Work alongside people who left the safe path. Your colleagues are scientists, engineers, and operators who chose to build something new rather than join something already established.

✓Take on real ownership. You're contributing to ventures that are still being defined. Your work can shape real decisions, not just support them.

✓Be paid like the contributor you are. Compensation reflects the real work you take on.