Research Associate, In Vivo

About the role

Company Summary: FL106 Inc. is a privately held, early-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel drug delivery modalities. FL106 Inc. is backed by Flagship Pioneering, which provides the strategic vision and resources to advance FL106 from platform validation to clinical impact.

Position Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate with broad expertise conducting in vivo studies, histology preparation and analysis, and molecular biology. This individual will play an important role in generating high-quality data on the biodistribution, target engagement, and biological response of our molecules in animal models. The candidate must be independent, goal-oriented, have excellent communication skills, and be willing to work in a highly dynamic and fast-paced entrepreneurial environment. This is a unique opportunity to drive the growth of an early-stage biotechnology company where you can contribute to the next frontier of genetic medicines. We are looking for collaborative, enthusiastic problem-solvers to join our team, driven by a shared goal of making a practical impact.

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 generation of over 500 patents, initiation of over 50 clinical trials for novel therapeutic agents and an aggregate value of more than $90 billion. 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.

Responsibilities

• In Vivo Pharmacology: Conduct in vivo studies in rodent models including experience with peripheral administration (IV, IP, SC) and stereotactic surgeries for direct to CNS administration.
• Conduct terminal procedures, including animal takedowns, blood collection, and necropsies.
• Perform tissue harvesting and dissection as appropriate for downstream bioanalytical and histological applications.
• Histology & Imaging: Prepare, embed, and section a variety of mammalian tissues using microtome, vibratome, or cryostat techniques (FFPE or fresh-frozen samples).
• Perform immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) on tissue sections.
• Acquire high-quality images using epifluorescence and/or confocal microscopy.
• Perform in vivo and ex vivo fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging using IVIS or equivalent small-animal imaging systems, including organ collection, image acquisition, and quantitative analysis of signal intensity and tissue distribution.
• Conduct quantitative image analysis (cell counts, regional MFI, colocalization analysis, morphometric quantification) using software such as ImageJ, QuPath, Halo, or equivalent platforms.
• Molecular Biology: Perform measurement of gene and protein expression analyses using qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and ELISA methodologies and interpret data.
• Report results clearly to the scientific team.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in