Serif Biomedicines: Protein Engineering Co-Op

What you'd do

• Highly motivated and enthusiastic co-op students eager to dive into fast-paced, impactful science.
• Curious problem solvers who learn new techniques quickly and think creatively.
• Individuals with a strong foundation at the bench who are keen to apply computational approaches to accelerate research.
• Apply state-of-the-art ML models of protein sequence and structure to engineer novel proteins with desired functions.
• Construct DNA libraries and transform them into yeast for functional analysis with FACS and flow cytometry.
• Perform recombinant protein expression and purification in mammalian systems.
• Coordinate biophysical characterization of protein binders with third party vendors.
• Analyze and clearly communicate experimental results; iterate protocols in collaboration with experienced scientists.

What they want

• Pursuing a MS in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with core wet-lab techniques: PCR, molecular cloning, flow cytometry, mammalian protein expression and purification (strongly preferred)
• Basic proficiency in a programming language used for data analysis (e.g., Python, R), and comfort working in command-line environments. Experience with DNA sequence analysis.
• Familiarity with ML architectures for protein engineering and common models (e.g., AlphaFold, RFDiffusion) a plus.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and clear written/verbal communication

What you get

• Be part of an inspiring mission to develop therapeutic solutions for autoimmune and cancer patients.
• Collaborate with a tight-knit, multidisciplinary team that values mentorship and scientific rigor.
• Build a diverse toolkit spanning ML- and -physics-based in silico protein design, wet-lab protein characterization, and complex data analysis.
• 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.

About Flagship Pioneering · Co-Ops & Internships

Serif Biomedicines, Inc. is a privately held, early-stage biotechnology company developing a novel approach to gene therapy that can address currently untreatable diseases. Serif Biomedicines 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.