(Senior) Scientist, Optical Technologies

About the role

Innovating Biological Observation at the Frontier of Optics

Flagship Pioneering's innovation engine, Flagship Labs, establishes ventures grounded in transformative scientific concepts. Within this structure, we are assembling a multidisciplinary team at Flagship Labs 120 dedicated to inventing and testing technologies for observing biological systems. We seek a (Senior) Scientist, Optical Technologies to join this founding team, focusing on translating experimental potential into robust measurement capabilities. This position demands an engineering-minded scientist who derives satisfaction from converting nascent ideas into tangible experimental progress.

The individual in this role will design and coordinate experiments that address fundamental biological questions using advanced optical measurement platforms. Responsibilities include constructing prototypes for vibrational spectroscopy, aligning complex optical paths, and integrating instrumentation with wet-lab biological workflows. The position requires close collaboration with biology experts, external collaborators, and core facilities to extend experimental reach and validate findings. You will be responsible for documenting detailed workflows, maintaining rigorous data traceability, and defining standard operating procedures that ensure measurement integrity and reproducibility.

A core function is troubleshooting unexpected instrument behavior, diagnosing sources of variability, and implementing corrective actions to protect data quality. You will critically review acquired datasets, distinguishing meaningful biological signals from technical artifacts, and guide necessary experimental adjustments to maintain project momentum. This role involves evaluating emerging techniques and selecting those best suited to test the founding hypothesis, thereby directly shaping the scientific and technical roadmap of a new venture. You will partner with contract research organizations, university core facilities, and academic teams to solve technical challenges and extend experimental capabilities.

Qualifications

*Required Qualifications:*

You hold a doctorate or possess equivalent experience in a discipline such as physics, biophysics, chemistry, engineering, or bioengineering. You bring deep hands-on expertise in developing and applying methods that combine optical microscopy with vibrational spectroscopy, including techniques like Raman microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, or photothermal variants. A strong experimental foundation enables you to work independently, managing complex setups and ensuring high levels of reproducibility. You possess a practical understanding of the physics and engineering principles underlying optical instrumentation. also, you demonstrate superior scientific judgment, consistently making informed distinctions between genuine biological phenomena and technical anomalies.

*Preferred Qualifications:*

Experience in developing, optimizing, or applying advanced Raman spectroscopy methods, such as coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering or stimulated Raman scattering, is highly valued. Similarly, expertise in photothermal infrared spectroscopy is advantageous. Prior hands-on work with biological samples, including primary cells or tissue models, provides a significant edge; familiarity with cell culture maintenance or live-cell imaging assays is beneficial.

An ability to quickly learn new experimental protocols by reading molecular or cell biology literature is essential. Programming or scripting competence in languages such as Python or MATLAB enables automation of instrument control and enhances data analysis workflows. Previous engagement in startup, translational, or highly interdisciplinary research settings is a distinct advantage. Collaboration experience within environments involving university core facilities or contract research organizations is also expected.

Why Join This Initiative

This is a founding-level opportunity to explore a completely new experimental platform from the ground up. Success requires intellectual curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to bridge traditional disciplinary boundaries. You will play a pivotal role in establishing new experimental capabilities and defining the scientific direction of a company during its earliest stages. As the venture scales, this position will directly influence the evolution of our platform and broader strategic vision. We encourage applications from seasoned scientists and exceptional advanced graduate students who are interested in full-time or part-time opportunities.

Compensation

This role offers a competitive compensation package. The base salary for this position is $130,000.00, with a higher band available at $150,000.00, commensurate with experience.

Location and Engagement

This role is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, and is a full-time position.

Application Details

Please confirm specific application instructions on the official roles page.

What you'll do

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