Principal Scientist, Target Discovery
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Position Overview & Specifications
What if⦠you could join an organization that creates, resources, and builds life sciences companies that invent breakthrough technologies to transform human health and sustainability?
Company Summary:
FL86, Inc. is a privately held, early-stage company developing a novel genomics platform and therapeutics for diseases with a large unmet need.
FL86 was founded by Flagship Pioneering, an innovative enterprise that conceives, creates, resources, and grows first-in-category life sciences companies. Flagship Pioneering has created over 100 groundbreaking companies over the past twenty years, all of which are pioneering novel and proprietary biological, industrial, and engineering approaches to solve major needs in human health and sustainability. These companies include Moderna (MRNA) Generate Biomedicines, Sana Biotechnology (SANA), Tessera Therapeutics, Evelo Biosciences (EVLO), Indigo Agriculture, Seres Therapeutics (MCRB), and Syros Pharmaceuticals (SYRS). We are an equal opportunity employer.
Position Summary:
We are seeking an experienced scientist to lead the design, implementation, and interpretation of target discovery projects in a wide range of therapeutic areas using FL86' unique technology platform. The role involves understanding the biology of various chronic and acute diseases, forming innovative hypotheses and testing these using genomics methods applied to human tissue. The candidate brings scientific leadership experience, enthusiasm, intellectual curiosity, scientific rigor, scientific team management and experience in coordinating complex research projects. Subject matter expertise in immunology and/or oncology preferred.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead scientific research teams and projects, take intellectual leadership in multiple disease areas including immunology and oncology, coordinate internal and external project resources, deliver rigorous insights within defined timelines
- Lead the experimental design of key target discovery projects, leveraging FL86' technology and data science platform and addressing challenging research questions by exploring, testing and implementing novel experimental methods
- Rapidly grasp the biology of a wide range of diseases with a focus on immunology and oncology to make the best experimental design choices and act as the intellectual leader within the organization
- Provide supervision and training for more junior lab members and/or technicians
- Communicate key findings to stakeholders across the company, both in written and presentation formats
- Collaborate closely with other team members across the organization
Requirements:
- PhD, or equivalent work-experience, in molecular biology, cell biology, or a similar field of biology, physiology, or medicine
- 8+ years post-Ph.D. experience in scientific research in an industry setting
- 5+ years of experience working in target discovery role (in industry or post-PhD), studying the biology of acute and chronic disease, in particular in the areas of immunology and oncology
- 2+ years leading scientific research teams in a matrix environment, prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously, integrate cross-functional issues and balance competing priorities effectively
- Ability to work both quickly and diligently, creating high-quality work products on schedule
- Excellent verbal and written communication.
- A high degree of energy, accuracy and attention to detail, and a passion for creating transformative medicines for patients with serious diseases
- Candidates with experience in (a) Exploring new disease biology, (b) Leading target discovery projects, (c) Working with human tissues, (d) Sequencing or genetics-based techniques
Candidate Selection & Onboarding Process
Application & Resume Screening
Submit your tailored CV/Resume directly to the talent acquisition portal.
Technical & Competency Interviews
Virtual interviews with the hiring manager and multidisciplinary team.
Formal Offer & Benefits Negotiation
Written agreement outlining compensation, equity, retirement vesting, and relocation allowances.
Onboarding & Corporate Integration
Equipment provisioning, team orientation, and commencement of duties.
United Kingdom Right to Work & Skilled Worker Visa Guide
Employment in the United Kingdom requires legal Right to Work verified under the Home Office Points-Based Immigration System:
Sponsoring employers must hold an active Home Office A-rated Sponsor License and assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Role must meet the general minimum salary threshold (Β£38,700) or occupation going rate.
Continuous employment under Skilled Worker status establishes eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 continuous years, leading to British Citizenship.
Candidate Preparation Blueprint: Biotech & Pharmaceuticals
Based on transatlantic hiring benchmarks for Principal Scientist, Target Discovery roles across Flagship Pioneering, Inc.'s corporate sector, successful applicants typically excel across three core dimensions:
Demonstrated portfolio evidence, architecture/system design case studies, or validated professional certifications directly applicable to Biotech & Pharmaceuticals.
STAR method competency responses highlighting cross-functional leadership, conflict resolution, and delivering measurable enterprise ROI under tight timelines.
Total compensation expectation aligned within the benchmarked Salary Disclosed on Application bracket, including retirement vesting and health parity.
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