Associate Director/Director, Platform Development

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Company Summary:

FL70, Inc is one of the latest companies founded through Flagship Pioneering’s venture creation engine, where companies such as Moderna Therapeutics, Rubius Therapeutics, and Evelo Therapeutics were conceived and created. Since Flagship’s founding in 2000, the firm has originated and fostered the development of nearly 100 scientific ventures resulting in $19+ billion in aggregate value, 500+ issued patents, and more than 50 clinical trials for novel therapeutic agents. FL70 is integrating the latest developments in molecular biology and plant biology to create a new platform technology that enables adaptive, targeted and sustainable solutions in agriculture.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated and accomplished Director, Platform Development to join our team. You will have the unique opportunity to take an active role in establishing core competencies and building our proprietary technology platform. The position requires broad technical experience that spans entomology, molecular biology, virology, microbiology, and plant biology, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, multitasking and the ability to learn new techniques and a new domain of knowledge. The successful candidate is scientifically motivated self-starters, able to thrive in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment, a leader and an integral part of a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary team. 


Key responsibilities include:

  • Build and manage a team of scientists and RAs to support and manage multidisciplinary R&D projects
  • Design, execute and troubleshoot of assays to evaluate RNA vector design and functionality in plants, microbes and insects 
  • Develop new, innovative tools/assays for higher-throughput readouts on plant associated microorganism replication and/or pathogenicity and toxicity to plant pests
  • Work closely with an entrepreneurial, highly-collaborative, interdisciplinary team and actively contribute to creating, shaping and executing the scientific and strategic vision of the company
  • Maintain scientific and technical expertise through familiarity with scientific literature, attending conferences, and developing relationships with thought leaders


Required Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Entomology, Molecular Biology, Plant Biology, Plant Virology or related field
  • Strong expertise in engineering DNA or RNA for agricultural applications
  • Extensive experience in characterization of plant-insect and plant-microorganism interactions
  • Experience with reporter detection assays and molecular biology techniques
  • Knowledge and understanding of agricultural cropping systems, pests, and practices
  • Demonstrated industry experience in project management and team building
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of conveying technical information in a clear and thorough manner
  • Confident execution focused, team-oriented with an ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial environment

Preferred Qualifications

  • Proficiency in assay development and optimization of RNA design and characterization
  • Familiarity with high-throughput experimental design and analysis