Scientist, Cell Biology

Company Summary

Serif Biomedicines, Inc. is a privately held, early-stage biotechnology company developing a novel approach to gene therapy that can address currently untreatable diseases. Serif Biomedicines was founded by Flagship Pioneering, an innovation 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), Syros Pharmaceuticals (SYRS), Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ:MCRB), Generate Biomedicines, Tessera Tx, Evelo Biosciences (EVLO), and Indigo Agriculture.

The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist I to join our Cell Biology team and play a key role in our efforts to characterize nucleic acid function and responses on immune and non-immune cells. The candidate will be an active contributor to our platform, will focus on hands-on laboratory benchwork, bring scientific rigor and attention to detail to their work, and is curious and willing to learn. The individual will have the opportunity to work alongside a cross-functional team in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, troubleshoot and analyze data from nucleic acid function screening assays on primary cells and cell lines and make data-driven recommendations
• Develop and share experimental methods, communicate data effectively in both oral and written formats, and maintain excellent and timely electronic laboratory notebook record-keeping
• Work in multiple projects simultaneously and pivot on experimental priorities in alignment with company goals
• Comfortable working both as independent contributor and as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team of scientists

Qualifications and Skills

• PhD degree in Biology, Immunology, Virology, Cancer Biology or related field with 0-2 years of industry experience
• Extensive experience handling cell lines and primary cells (experience handling T cells and expertise in T cell biology is preferred)
• Expertise in experimental design, hands-on execution, and data analysis using methods to profile function of nucleic acid cargo (Incucyte-based imaging, reporter assays, qPCR)
• Deep expertise in flow cytometry, with the ability to independently perform panel design, sample preparation, acquisition, and data analysis
• Hands-on experience with non-viral nucleic acid delivery methods (lipofection, nucleofection/electroporation, LNPs)
• Deep experience executing pooled and arrayed high throughput screens
• Experience with liquid handling and automation
• Highly motivated to execute at the bench and bring exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills
• Solid communication and interpersonal skills
• Meticulous attention to detail and enthusiasm towards developing new skills
• Ability to adapt, execute and thrive in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary, and rapidly growing biotech environment

Values and Behaviors:

Flagship is an experiment in institutional, entrepreneurial, and innovation practiced in the context of a small company with an insurgent mindset. We are seeking individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit, strong communication skills, and comfort in working in and contributing to a dynamic and cross-functional team environment. The level of the role will be commensurate with the education and years of experience of the identified candidates.

At Flagship, we recognize there is no perfect candidate. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. Experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your unique background.

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.