Associate/Senior Associate, Pioneering Intelligence

Flagship Pioneering is looking to launch and build platform companies that leverage AI/ML and other emerging technologies to innovate beyond therapeutics. We strive to be at the forefront of both technological innovations led by AI/ML, and company origination that translates technology into value-creating platforms. Our current non-therapeutic portfolio spans physical health, mental health, biosensors, devices, product innovation, and tech-enabled workflows of the future.

Position Summary: 

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative individual to join our team as an interdisciplinary AI/ML-focused Associate. This entrepreneurial professional will ideate, research and refine novel venture hypotheses, develop business cases and technical roadmaps, and co-lead a new company origination to launch. Successful candidates will demonstrate deep understanding of the latest developments across technical disciplines (including cutting-edge AI/ML), coupled with strategic acumen on value creation and a willingness to embrace uncertainty to advance our mission.

Key Responsibilities:

Venture Hypothesis Ideation and Validation:

• Lead explorations to rapidly ideate around innovation utilizing AI/ML and computation to create outsized impact, and develop novel, actionable and high value venture hypotheses
• Perform computational proof-of-concept experiments to de-risk and refine venture hypotheses
• Research the competitive landscape, formulate an initial value creation strategy and operational plan, and develop a pitch for the new venture creation working alongside a Partner/Principal on the venture creation team

New Company Origination and Operation:

• Lead development team (internal or external) on daily research and platform building
• Work closely with Flagship operations team (Finance, IP, IT, HR, etc.) to oversee day-to-day company operation, and manage across development team and stakeholders
• Manage operational and strategic risks proactively, including: identifying proof-of-concept strategy, anticipating potential technical hurdles, pre-emptively seeking support and planning for alternative options
• Define and evolve value-creation opportunity, including interacting with internal and external stakeholders to develop product-market fit, alongside a Principal or Partner
• Clearly communicate progress and risks to Flagship leadership on a regular basis

Capability Building and Team Building:

• Stay up to date on the latest technology developments and novel applications of AI/ML and other technologies across domains of interest
• Contribute to team building efforts, including: mentoring summer fellows, contributing to overall business unit strategy, and collaborating with our internal Center of Excellence on AI/ML knowledge sharing and research

Qualifications: 

• PhD or Master’s in technical fields (Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics)
• Experience working in an entrepreneurial environment and demonstrated passion for entrepreneurship
• Hands-on experience developing and building technically challenging projects (software and/or physical products)
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills, across verbal, written and PowerPoint presentation
• Ability to navigate complex information, relentlessly prioritize, and thoughtfully handle ambiguity
• A passion for innovation and a willingness to explore uncharted territories

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. with 2+ years of experience in post-doc, tech, or a related tech-centered industry preferred.
• Experience with cutting-edge algorithms (e.g., LLM, diffusion model), reinforcement learning, causal inference
• Prior experience as a Founder/Co-Founder

What We Offer: 

• Make an impact as part of a Fortune “Change the World” company
• Surround yourself with inspirational colleagues and leaders
• A dynamic and innovative work environment, with an exciting startup culture as well as the full support and expertise from Flagship ecosystem
• A platform to grow, learn, and lead

Location:  Cambridge, MA