Lead Synthetic Biologist

Cultura; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotechnology company in Cambridge, Massachusetts seeks a qualified candidate to develop expertise in gene editing technologies. The role involves performing advanced wet lab activities, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and executing independent experiments. Ideal candidates will have a Ph.D. in a relevant field with substantial research experience. This position offers a dynamic work environment, opportunities for innovation, and involvement in cutting-edge scientific research.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in relevant field with 3 years experience or equivalent.
• Skilled in molecular biology and cell culture.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop expertise with gene editing tools.
• Perform wet lab activities related to cell engineering.
• Design and test novel gene editing constructs.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Cell culture techniques

Quantitative data analysis

Flow cytometry

Analytical techniques

Gene editing technologies

Education

Ph.D. in Biological Engineering, Synthetic Biology, or related field

M.S. + 10 years experience

B.S. + 13 years experience

Job description

Develop expertise with multiple gene editing tools allowing knock-in, knock-out, silencing and other genetic manipulation activities

Perform wet lab activities related to engineering of mammalian and non-mammalian animal cells

Perform flow cytometry

Design, produce, and test novel gene editing constructs using molecular cloning and other techniques based on robust, well-controlled scientific experiments (including plasmid digestion, purification, ligation, transformation, and sequencing)

Perform In vitro transcription to produce RNA from DNA templates

Perform DNA/RNA extraction and downstream analytical assays such as qPCR and RT-qPCR

Assist in performance of primary and iPSC-derived cell culture, transfection, and cell-based assays

Execute and troubleshoot standard protocols, develop and adapt new protocols, and query literature to incorporate additional assays as needed

Independently plan and execute experiments

Document all experimental planning, progress, experimental data and genetic designs in electronic lab notebook, present research design and results to multi-disciplinary teams and leadership

Create experimental workflows and collect quantitative measurements for engineered cells including flow cytometry and multi-omics techniques

Analyze and distill insight from complex molecular data streams

Collaborate frequently with computational biologists, protein engineers and cell biologists to incorporate biological design principles and experimental datasets into the synthetic biology product development pipeline

Test and characterize molecular and cellular system targets using biochemistry, molecular biology and/or genetic approaches

Leverage knowledge of gene editing technologies to contribute scientifically to goals and strategy

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualities & qualifications:

Ph.D. in Biological Engineering, Synthetic Biology, or a related field + 3 years of experience doing research in an academic or industry lab setting, M.S. + 10 years of experience in related field , or B.S. + 13 years of experience in related field

Skilled in molecular biology and cell culture techniques

Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team environment

Quantitative data analysis expertise

Demonstrated experience in design, analysis and interpretation of in vitro and cell- based assays to assess on and off-target gene editing events using NGS methods (short and long-read) and ddPCR

Track record of scientific innovation and thinking outside-of-the-box

Ability to communicate complex scientific issues in a logical and coherent manner

Experience in flow cytometry, -omics, and analytical techniques a plus

Experience with bioproduction and GMP/GLP regulation a plus

Experience with gene editing techniques a plus