Flagship Labs 103: Proteomics Co-Op

Location: Cambridge, MA USA Department: Co-Ops & Internships

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.

About Flagship Labs 103

What if… you could help build a platform that reveals the biological state of any cell in the human body from a simple blood draw?

Flagship Labs 103 (FL103), a Flagship Pioneering-backed biotechnology company, is developing a novel diagnostic platform to decode cellular dynamics through extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs carry rich molecular information from their cells of origin and circulate throughout the body, offering an unprecedented opportunity to non-invasively monitor tissue biology and connect individuals to the most effective interventions to prevent and manage disease.

About Flagship Pioneering

Flagship Labs 103 is a product of Flagship Pioneering’s venture creation engine 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 more than $90 billion in aggregate value. 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. Learn more about Flagship at www.flagshippioneering.com.

Flagship Pioneering Co-Op Program

Welcome to the 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 learn 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 pioneers new ventures that change the world.

The Role

FL103 is seeking a Co-Op to join our small, hands-on Proteomics team, working directly alongside a scientist and the team lead. You’ll help develop and run mass spectrometry–based proteomics assays that support our diagnostic platform, and help analyze the resulting data.

Depending on project needs and the direction the team takes, work may involve materials derived from cell culture and/or materials derived from human plasma; you’ll get exposure to both as potential sample sources as our assays and platform evolve.

Key Responsibilities

Help develop, execute, and troubleshoot proteomics assays under the guidance of the team’s scientist and team lead.

Prepare and process samples derived from cell culture and/or human plasma, following established and evolving protocols.

Support mass spectrometry–based proteomics sample preparation workflows, including protein extraction, digestion, and clean-up.

Assist with LC-MS/MS sample handling and instrument runs alongside the team.

Support analysis of MS-based proteomics data — for example, organizing and processing datasets and helping summarize results.

Maintain clear, complete records in an electronic lab notebook (ELN) — conditions, calculations, raw data, and observations.

Help document and refine protocols so they’re easy for others on the team to follow.

Present progress and results in team meetings; flag questions, unexpected results, and ideas early.

Qualifications

Required

Pursuing a BS or MS in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology, Bioengineering, Analytical Chemistry, or a related field.

Hands-on experience with common molecular biology or biochemistry lab techniques (e.g., pipetting, buffer/solution prep, protein or nucleic acid handling, basic assay execution) from coursework, research, or prior lab work.

Comfort following and adapting written protocols, with strong attention to detail and good documentation habits.

Ability to work well in a small, collaborative team and communicate clearly about progress, questions, and problems.

Genuine interest in proteomics, protein biochemistry, or diagnostics.

Preferred

Hands-on experience with proteomics techniques, mass spectrometry sample prep, or protein biochemistry — for example, through a research role, prior co-op/internship, or extended independent lab work (not just coursework).

Prior exposure to mammalian cell culture and/or handling of human plasma or other biological samples.

Prior industry or academic research experience in a proteomics, protein biochemistry, or diagnostics-focused lab.

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 a venture that is 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.

Flagship Pioneering is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, cit