Metaphore: Antibody Discovery and Molecular Biology Co-Op

Location: Somerville, 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 Metaphore Biotechnologies, Inc.

Metaphore Biotechnologies, Inc. is a privately held biotechnology company building the next generation of biological therapeutics. Inspired by nature, our mission is to transform patient lives by unlocking the power of biological therapeutics with a new mimic-discovery platform.

About Flagship Pioneering

Metaphore Biotechnologies was founded by 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 company’s 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 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

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 establis