Metaphore Biotechnologies: Analytical Characterization / Protein Science Co-Op

Metaphore Biotechnologies was founded by Flagship Pioneering's venture creation engine, which has also given rise to companies such as Moderna Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MRNA), Editas Medicine (NASDAQ: EDIT), Omega Therapeutics (NASDAQ: OMGA), Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MCRB), and Indigo Agriculture. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has applied its unique hypothesis-driven innovation process to originate and foster more than 100 scientific ventures. In 2021, Flagship Pioneering was ranked 12th globally 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.

Flagship Pioneering Co-Op Program

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 are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Co-op student to join our Protein Science team. This opportunity will allow the Co-op to engage in hands-on experimental work and gain valuable experience in protein analytics, contributing directly to our Pipeline, Partner, and Platform Development programs. The Co-op will support the development and optimization of analytical assays, execute routine analyses, and synthesize large data sets to support scientific decision-making.

• →Develop and optimize analytical assays to support multiple company programs.
• →Execute and analyze data from a suite of analytical assays, including QC (purity, sizing, thermostability by SEC, DLS, nanoDSF) and kinetics/affinity assessments using Octet BLI.
• →Contribute to the development and implementation of UPLC-based separation methods, including Reversed Phase, Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography, and Ion-Exchange Chromatography.
• →Draft and update protocols, SOPs, and Benchling templates.
• →Research and develop additional methods as needed for developability assessments such as AC-SINS, ELISA, and Poly-reactivity.

The Co-op will play a vital role in the ongoing Developability Program, supporting the scaling of upstream functions through increased analytical assay bandwidth, as well as supporting all other projects at Metaphore. The Co-op's contributions will be instrumental in ensuring the quality control of reagents and informing decision-making on viable drug products.

The Co-op will work closely with various teams, contributing to quality control and process improvement strategies across the company. This highly collaborative role involves interaction with all functional groups, reinforcing the importance of analytical assays in company-wide decision-making.

• Pursuing a degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and proactive problem-solving skills.
• Interest in protein science with the ability to think both deeply and broadly about proteins.
• Curiosity-driven with a strong desire to learn and ask questions.
• Attention to details and strong organizational skills for careful documentation and tracking of experiments.
• Data-oriented with the ability to analyze large data sets, identify patterns, and draw conclusions.

• Experience with analytical techniques such as HPLC/UPLC separation (SEC, Reversed Phase, HIC, Ion Exchange), thermal stability assessment (DLS, DSF - Prometheus Panta), and binding/affinity assessment (BLI or SPR).
• Familiarity with SDS-PAGE and plate-based assays (ELISA).
• Experience in wet lab techniques (e.g., pipetting) is preferred.