Metaphore: Antibody Discovery and Molecular Biology 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 are seeking a highly motivated Co-op to support early-stage discovery efforts within our Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) program, a newly initiated therapeutic discovery program focused on achieving proof-of-concept (POC) by the end of the year. This position will provide hands-on experimental support for routine but mission-critical discovery and molecular biologyactivities that enable efficient advancement of the program.

The role offers meaningful exposure to foundational discovery workflows within a fast-paced, research-focused environment, with opportunities to contribute across additional programs as bandwidth allows.

This position is a unique joint effort between the Discovery and Molecular Biology teams, with opportunities to support cloning projects focused on antibody expression, contribute to high-throughput cloning pipelines, and gain exposure to laboratory automation.

Key Responsibilities

The Co-op's core responsibilities will focus on executing routine, mission-critical discovery and molecular biology experiments that support target validation, hit identification, and early characterization within the PAD program. The role will involve hands-on laboratory work using established protocols, with opportunities to contribute to:

• Molecular biology techniques supporting library preparation, cloning, and hit screening
• Antibody selection methodologies, including phage display-based biopanning on PAD-relevant targets
• ELISA-based screening and other binding and characterization assays
• Cloning projects supporting antibody expression and high-throughput cloning pipelines
• Laboratory automation workflows, as applicable
• Additional foundational assays required to advance early discovery milestones efficiently

Additional information

The Co-op will work closely with Discovery and Molecular Biology scientists to generate high-quality experimental data that supports timely decision-making and progress toward POC. As a shared resource across these teams, the role may also contribute to assay execution, cloning, and general laboratory needs for additional discovery programs as capacity allows.

Required Qualifications

• A collaborative and adaptable mindset with a positive attitude and a strong willingness to learn new skills
• Basic molecular biology and protein biochemistry skills
• Familiarity with standard wet-lab techniques
• Ability to follow established protocols accurately and reproducibly
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Willingness to work across multiple projects and teams in a dynamic environment
• Comfort contributing in a fast-paced, resource-conscious discovery setting

Preferred Qualifications

Note: These qualifications are not required. Candidates who are eager to learn and confident in their ability to acquire these skills with proper training are encouraged to apply.

• Prior laboratory experience in an academic or industry setting
• Hands-on experience with phage display, ELISAs, or related assay formats (e.g. yeast or mammalian display)
• Experience with cloning and routine molecular biology techniques such as Gibson or Golden Gate Assembly
• Basic understanding of protein or antibody biochemistry
• Experience maintaining clear and accurate experimental records

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 Metaphore Biotechnologies, Inc.'s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.