FL116: Chemical Biology Protein Chemistry Co-op

Chemical Biology Co‑op

Chemical Biology – Protein Chemistry Co-op

Position Summary

What if you could synthesize custom biomolecules on a benchtop, at the push of a button?
FL116 is an early‑stage stealth biotechnology company developing breakthrough biochemistry to design and build custom biological molecules. We’re looking for a curious, motivated co‑op student to join our Chemical Biology team and contribute directly to our core polymer‑synthesis platform.

In this role, you’ll learn about the chemistry of biomolecules and proteins while developing your skills as a professional scientist. This position is ideal for biologists eager to deepen their understanding of the chemistry of life—or chemists excited to see their work come alive in biological systems.

Responsibilities

• Characterize the behavior of novel proteins that synthesize biological polymers


• Perform chemical reactions to control protein and biomolecule activity


• Design and execute statistically guided experiments to improve our polymer synthesis cycle


• Share results and insights with a close‑knit startup team


• Draft and maintain protocols, SOPs, and Benchling documentation

Why This Role Matters

FL116’s Chemical Biology team helps drive the company’s foundational research and process development. A successful co-op will contribute to one or both workstreams depending on their interests and background. As a co‑op, you’ll contribute to experiments that directly enable the synthesis of larger and more complex biomolecules—opening new routes and capabilities for the platform.

Because we’re an early‑stage startup, you’ll see the real impact of your contributions and gain firsthand exposure to how scientific decisions shape company direction.

Team & Collaboration

We’re a small, collaborative group, and co‑ops work closely with scientists across functions. You’ll have ownership, mentorship, and visibility, all while seeing your work directly influence our progress.

Required Skillset:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field


• Strong curiosity and a desire to learn. You aren’t satisfied to know that biology works without understanding why it works.


• Critical thinking and proactive problem‑solving skills


• Prior wet‑lab experience (pipetting, gels) is preferred


• Strong organization and attention to detail

Your exact academic background (e.g. chemist, biologist) matters less than your enthusiasm to learn and help develop new science.

The salary range for this role is $23 - $35. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. FL116 currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on FL116's good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.