Flagship Labs 116: Protein Chemistry Co-Op

About the role

This position is open exclusively to current Northeastern University Co-Op students.

Work Period: January 2027 to June 2027. This is a full - time, 40 hours per week position with 5 days in office.

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.

About the Role

We're looking for a curious, motivated coop student to join our Chemical Biology team and contribute directly to our core polymer-synthesis platform.

In this role, you'll learn about the chemistry of biomolecules and proteins while developing your skills as a professional scientist. This position is ideal for biologists eager to deepen their understanding of the chemistry of life-or chemists excited to see their work come alive in biological systems.

Responsibilities

• Characterize the behavior of novel proteins that synthesize polymers
• Get hands-on with our prototype device to synthesize new biological materials
• Design and execute statistically guided experiments to improve our polymer synthesis cycle
• Analyze and purify biological molecules with liquid chromatography systems
• Share results and insights with a closeknit startup team
• Draft and maintain protocols, SOPs, and Benchling documentation

Why This Role Matters

FL116's Chemical Biology team helps drive the company's foundational research and process development. A successful co-op will contribute to one or both work streams depending on their interests and background. As a coop, you'll contribute to experiments that directly enable the synthesis of larger and more complex biomolecules-opening new routes and capabilities for the platform.

Because we're an early stage startup, your work won't disappear into a black box. You'll see the real impact of your contributions and gain firsthand exposure to how scientific decisions shape company direction.

Team & Collaboration

We're a small, collaborative group, and coops work closely with scientists across functions. You'll have ownership, mentorship, and visibility, all while seeing your work directly influence our progress.

Required Skillset

• Currently pursuing a degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field
• Strong curiosity and a desire learn. You aren't satisfied to know that biology works without understanding why it works.
• Critical thinking and proactive problem solving skills
• Prior wet-lab experience (pipetting, gels) is preferred
• Strong organization and attention to detail

Additional information

Your exact academic background (e.g. chemist, biologist) matters less than your enthusiasm to learn and help develop new science.

What We Offer

• 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.

• The pay range for this role is $25 - $35 per hour.
• This role is a short-term engagement that is not eligible for health and welfare benefits.
• Retirement benefits may be available after completing a set number of hours.
• Compensation and benefits information is based on FL116's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.