Scientist II, Delivery & Transformation

@ Flagship Pioneering, Inc.

Company Summary

Founded through Flagship Pioneering’s venture creation engine, Terrana Biosciences is a cutting-edge agricultural biotechnology company developing innovative RNA-based products to address global agricultural challenges. The company is committed to advancing sustainable farming solutions through precision technologies that ensure environmental safety and regulatory compliance.

Position Summary

Are you a highly motivated and driven researcher who wants to contribute to developing products for sustainable agriculture? Join Flagship Pioneering as a full-time Scientist II, Delivery & Transformation. This role requires excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, record-keeping, and teamwork skills in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a team to innovate and execute plant RNA delivery methods.
• Lead projects enhancing RNA-based delivery of platform technologies.
• Develop novel approaches and methods to evaluate delivery success.
• Utilize Agrobacterium, nanoparticle, and viral techniques in plant systems.
• Scale RNA delivery methods to field-level applications.
• Identify automation opportunities within the delivery platform.
• Collaborate across molecular biology, virology, trait science, data science, and regulatory teams.
• Document research by writing protocols, reports, and maintaining electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Mentor research associates in routine deliveries and assays.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Plant Pathology, Molecular Biology, Genetics with 2+ years experience or M.S. with 10+ years experience.
• Experience with Agrobacterium, biolistic, nanoparticle, and viral delivery techniques.
• Background in transient gene expression, gene silencing (VIGS, RNAi) or CRISPR delivery via RNA vectors.
• Expertise in molecular biology techniques such as in vitro transcription, qPCR, ELISA, and Western blot.
• Experience with protein, DNA, and RNA isolation; familiarity with RNA encapsulation and nanotechnology is preferred.
• Prior work on sprayable or soil-applied biologics is a plus.
• Knowledge of regulatory considerations for RNA-based agricultural products is beneficial.

About Flagship Pioneering

Flagship Pioneering is a bioplatform innovation company that invents and builds platform companies, creating multiple products that transform human health and sustainability. With over 100 scientific ventures and more than $90 billion in aggregate value, Flagship has been recognized on FORTUNE’s "Change the World" list and Fast Company’s list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Flagship is committed to equal opportunity without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. Diverse and inclusive candidates are encouraged to apply.

Recruitment Note

Flagship Pioneering does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment or staffing agencies unless contacted directly by the internal Talent Acquisition team.

Key skills/competency

• RNA delivery
• Plant transformation
• Agrobacterium
• Nanoparticle techniques
• Viral vectors
• Molecular biology
• Gene silencing
• CRISPR
• Data documentation
• Team collaboration