Tilde Bio: Bioconjugation Chemistry Co-Op

This position is open exclusively to current Northeastern University Co-Op students. Work Period: January 2027 to June 2027. This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position with 5 days in office. About TildeTilde Bio, Inc. (FL110) is building a next-generation biological sensing platform at the intersection of synthetic biology, protein engineering, nanopore biophysics, electrophysiology, signal processing, and machine learning. Our goal is to create programmable biological measurement systems capable of extracting rich molecular information from single-molecule interactions. We believe nanopores generate a high-dimensional measurement of molecular identity and behavior that remains largely untapped. Unlocking that information requires new computational approaches — ones that don't yet exist — built by people who are comfortable working at the edge of what's known. At Tilde, you will work alongside scientists and engineers from diverse disciplines to help define how a new generation of biological sensing systems extract meaning from the physical world. Tilde is backed by Flagship Pioneering, which brings the long-term vision and resources needed to build platforms that don't fit neatly into existing categories.About Flagship Pioneering Tilde, Inc. 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. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated and fostered more than 100 scientific ventures, resulting in more than $90 billion in aggregate value. Many of the companies Flagship has founded have addressed humanity’s most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture. Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE’s “Change the World” list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies, and has been twice named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at www.flagshippioneering.com. Flagship Pioneering Co-Op Program Welcome to Flagship Pioneering Co-Op Program for the cohort dreaming big and taking courageous leaps. You'll join fellow peers across our ecosystem of companies and learning firsthand how we build first-in-category companies. You’ll have access to enrichment sessions, a dedicated professional development track, and a mentor that help guide you toward your next step. By the end, you will carry on a meaningful project outcome, a genuine network, and a front-row view of how Flagship pioneer new ventures that change the world. About the Role/Team We are seeking a motivated Master’s-level Co-Op to join our Bioconjugation Chemistry team in developing novel bioconjugation chemistries for site-selective protein modification. You will design, synthesize, and evaluate new reactive handles and conjugation strategies, and apply them directly to conjugate proteins with small molecules, linkers, payloads, and other functional moieties. You will carry synthesized reagents through protein conjugation and characterization, with the goal of expanding the toolkit for building next-generation protein conjugates. This is a hands-on laboratory role with real scientific ownership, working closely with chemists, protein engineers, and nanopore scientists. Responsibilities Design and execute experiments to discover and optimize new bioconjugation reactions on proteins and peptides, targeting native residues, termini, and/or genetically encoded or non-canonical handles Synthesize small-molecule reagents, linkers, and probes, including purification and structural characterization Screen reaction conditions under biocompatible conditions and assess kinetics, selectivity, and yield Characterize protein conjugates using intact-protein LC-MS and related methods to determine purity, conjugation efficiency, and site selectivity Evaluate conjugate stability and the impact of modification on protein structure and function Maintain accurate, detailed records in an electronic lab notebook Analyze data, summarize findings, and present results at team meetings Contribute to a culture of safe laboratory practice and scientific rigor Qualifications Currently pursuing an M.S. in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field Strong foundation in organic synthesis, including multistep synthesis, purification, and characterization Hands-on experience with analytical techniques such as NMR and LC-MS, and is able toextract structural information from spectra Working knowledge of protein chemistry, including handling, purification, and buffer considerations Previous research or industry experience in bioconjugation, chemical biology, or protein modification, and familiarity with antibody or protein conjugate modalities Ability to work independently, troubleshoot experiments, and think critically about results Strong written and verbal communication skills and a collaborative mindset What We Offer 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 a venture that is 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. Flagship Pioneering 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. The pay range for this role is $25–$35 per hour. This role is a short-term engagement that is not eligible for health and welfare benefits. Retirement benefits may be available after completing a set number of hours. Compensation and benefits information is based on Tilde’s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.Privacy Notice for Applicants: When you apply for a role at Flagship Pioneering, we collect and use personal information you provide (such as your name, contact details, work history, and application materials) to evaluate your application, communicate with you, and comply with legal obligations. Your application data is processed through Greenhouse, our applicant tracking system, and may also be reviewed using AI-assisted screening tools. We do not sell your personal information. California residents have rights under the CCPA/CPRA including to know, delete, and opt out of the sharing of their personal information. If you are located in the EU or UK, we process your data under GDPR and you have rights to access, rectify, and erase your data. To exercise your rights or for questions, contact privacy@flagshippioneering.com.