Research Associate II, Protein Sciences

Ampersand Biomedicines is a Flagship Pioneering company on a mission to transform patients' lives with programmed medicines that work precisely where needed, and nowhere else. We're building a collaborative, mission-driven team that thrives in a fast-paced environment and shares a genuine desire to make a difference. We ACT our values by working with Agility to adapt and deliver impact, leading with Compassion to put people first, and practicing Transparency to build trust through openness, clarity, and integrity. At Ampersand, employees are encouraged to explore breakthrough science, take chances, support one another, and contribute ideas and perspectives openly.

The Role

Ampersand Biomedicines, Inc. is looking for a highly motivated, goal-driven and collaborative Research Associate II with expertise in molecular cloning, protein/antibody engineering, expression, purification, and biophysical analysis to join our dynamic Protein Sciences team. This is a unique opportunity to help drive the growth of a rapidly growing early-stage science and technology company within a well-resourced environment. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in advancing our research and development efforts by applying their specialized knowledge in protein sciences. The candidate will report to a highly experienced Scientist in the Protein Sciences department and will enjoy working in a pioneering and fast-paced start-up environment. This is a full-time on-site, laboratory-based position based in South Boston. Ampersand will be moving to a new office in Watertown in late summer of 2026.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute antibody and protein engineering strategies to generate novel AND-Body molecules.
• Express antibodies and recombinant proteins in mammalian cells and purify them using various chromatographic methods (affinity, SEC, IEX, etc.) and instrumentation (FPLC, HPLC).
• Characterize purified antibodies and proteins using various analytical techniques such as SDS-PAGE, HPLC, western blotting, ELISA and biophysical methods such as BLI and SPR.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and effectively communicate delivery timelines to different stakeholders (in vitro biology, in vivo pharmacology) to ensure efficient transfer of materials.
• Maintain accurate records in the Electronic Lab Notebook and prepare summaries for internal and external stakeholders.
• Regularly present research findings to colleagues in project team, departmental, and company-wide meetings.

Required Professional Experience & Qualifications

• Master's degree with 1-3 years or Bachelor's with 2-4 years of relevant laboratory experience beyond undergraduate work, with preference given to industry experience.
• Proven experience in protein purification methods such as SEC and FPLC instrumentation is required.
• Working experience in mammalian cell culture and sterile technique including transfections is required.
• Strong skills in molecular biology techniques, including PCR and plasmid DNA design and preparation.
• Meticulous attention to detail, good organizational skills, and strength in problem-solving.
• Aptitude and enthusiasm toward learning new techniques, improving upon existing processes, and understanding the "why" behind experimental protocols.
• Ability to thrive and prioritize in a fast-moving environment to meet multiple deliverables.

Preferred Professional Experience & Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in advanced chromatographic (HIC, IEX, etc.) and biophysical characterization (SPR, DSF, etc.) techniques is highly preferred.

Ampersand Biomedicines is 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: Ampersand Biomedicines does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Ampersand and/or Flagship Pioneering or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Ampersand or 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 Ampersand and FSP, and Ampersand/FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.

The salary range for this role is $74,000 - $93,500. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Ampersand currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on Ampersand's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.