Senior Research Associate (CONTRACT CAMBRIDGE BASED)

Company Summary: 

Ring Therapeutics Inc. is a privately held, early-stage biotechnology company pioneering a completely novel form of self-assembly nanostructures by exploiting a family of naturally occurring commensal viruses to create the first re-doseable and targetable medicines utilizing a variety of payloads, such as oligos, small molecules, and DNA. This approach enables a powerful new class of tropic, persistent, non-integrating vectors that overcome the immunogenicity, and limited tropism of existing gene therapy vectors. Ring Therapeutics is leveraging this versatile technology to develop a broad pipeline of novel, targeted medicines for disease with high unmet medical need.

Ring Therapeutics was founded by Flagship Pioneering, focused on launching breakthrough companies based on internally conceived innovations and insights. Flagship Pioneering has created over 40 groundbreaking companies over the past fifteen 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), Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ:MCRB), , , and Indigo Agriculture.

Position Summary:

Ring Therapeutics is seeking a Senior Research Associate or Associate Scientist to join the Analytical Development and Testing team.

This is a hands-on, execution-focused role supporting analytical testing and characterization of gene therapy vectors and related biologic materials. The successful candidate will bring strong fundamentals in protein- and nucleic acid–based assays, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative and fast-changing development environment.

This role is ideal for an experimentalist who enjoys working at the intersection of established analytical techniques and evolving platforms, and who is comfortable contributing to both routine testing and method refinement.

Key Responsibilities:

Analytical Execution

• Perform analytical assays to support characterization, process development, and QC-related activities
• Execute and interpret data from Western blot, ELISA, and qPCR, including:
• Sample preparation, assay setup, and data analysis
• Support additional protein and nucleic acid characterization assays as needed
• Troubleshoot routine technical issues and contribute to assay optimization efforts with guidance

Data Analysis & Documentation

• Analyze experimental data and generate clear, concise data summaries
• Maintain accurate and timely experimental records in accordance with internal documentation practices
• Contribute to the preparation and improvement of Work Instructions, Test methods, protocols, and technical reports

Collaboration & Communication

• Present experimental results and project updates at team and departmental meetings
• Collaborate cross-functionally with research, upstream, and downstream teams to support project timelines
• Participate in discussions around evolving analytical strategies and assay selection

Laboratory Operations

• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment within scope of experience
• Manage reagents, consumables, and inventories related to assigned assays
• Maintain laboratory organization, cleanliness, and safety standards

Nice-to-Have (Preferred but Not Required)

• ddPCR experience for absolute nucleic acid quantification
• CE-SDS experience
• Automated Western blot (Jess™, ProteinSimple)
• Automated ELISA (Ella™, ProteinSimple)
• Exposure to biologics analytical development, particularly in environments where analytical strategies and methods are evolving
• Background or exposure to ADC (Antibody–Drug Conjugates) and related analytical concepts

Basic Qualifications:

• BS with 4–6 years, or MS with 2–4 years of relevant laboratory experience in a related scientific discipline
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

Leveling Considerations

The final title (Senior Research Associate or Associate Scientist) will be determined based on experience, technical depth, and demonstrated ownership.

• Senior Research Associate

Reliable execution of established assays with guidance, ability to troubleshoot routine issues, and contribution to assay optimization and documentation

• Associate Scientist

Deeper technical ownership, method development or qualification experience, and contribution to cross-functional technical discussions

Flagship Pioneering and our ecosystem companies are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, “FSP”) do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.