Research Associate II, CRISPR-X - LNP

CRISPR Therapeutics; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

CRISPR Therapeutics is seeking a motivated Research Associate II to aid in developing novel lipid nanoparticle formulations for genome editing therapies. The candidate will optimize LNP designs and work on cross-functional projects.

Located in Boston, this role involves analytical characterization and collaboration with various teams, aiming for breakthrough solutions in gene-based medicine.

Base pay ranges from $85,000 to $92,000, with additional bonuses and equity.

Qualifications

• 2-5+ years experience for BS or 0-2+ for MS in scientific research.
• Hands-on experience in LNP formulation and drug delivery.
• Strong understanding of gene editing therapeutics.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize lipid nanoparticle formulations.
• Generate high-quality datasets and maintain documentation.
• Collaborate with teams to support manufacturing processes.

Skills

Lipid nanoparticle formulation

Analytical characterization

Problem-solving skills

Drug delivery systems

Molecular biology methods

Education

BS or MS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry

Tools

HPLC

Mammalian cell culture

RiboGreen assays

ELISA

PCR

Job description

Overview

CRISPR Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing transformative gene-based medicines for serious human diseases. The Company has evolved from a pioneering research-stage organization into an industry leader, with approvals including CASGEVY® (exagamglogene autotemcel [exa-cel]), the world’s first CRISPR-based therapy, for eligible patients with sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia. CRISPR Therapeutics is advancing a broad pipeline across hemoglobinopathies, cardiovascular, autoimmune, oncology, regenerative medicine and rare diseases. The Company is advancing gene editing through SyNTase™ editing and collaborates with leading biopharmaceutical partners. CRISPR Therapeutics AG is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, with a U.S. subsidiary in the United States, and R&D operations in Boston, MA and San Francisco, CA.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate II to support the design, development, and optimization of novel lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations to advance our non-viral delivery platform for hepatic and extra-hepatic tissues, enabling next-generation genome editing therapies from discovery through clinical translation. The ideal candidate will bring hands-on expertise in LNP formulation development, scale-up, analytical characterization, chemistry, and process development, with a strong passion for innovation in nucleic acid delivery technologies. This individual will join the CRISPR-X division to contribute to platform technology innovation and preclinical therapeutic programs. In this role, the candidate will work cross-functionally to develop and characterize advanced delivery systems for emerging editing modalities, helping drive transformative gene editing therapies toward patients with unmet medical needs.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, characterize, and execute lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations across a diverse range of lipid compositions and therapeutic payloads with minimal supervision.
• Apply hands-on expertise in LNP analytical characterization techniques, including RiboGreen assays, DLS, NanoFCM, NTA, TFF, endotoxin testing, and HPLC, as well as molecular biology methods such as DNA/RNA extraction, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, PCR, and Western blotting.
• Generate high-quality, reproducible datasets and maintain accurate, detailed experimental documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs).
• Perform mammalian cell culture and support in vitro studies, including transient transfection and electroporation in established cell lines. Collaborate cross-functionally with process development, analytical, and in vivo teams to support reproducible manufacturing processes and advance programs toward clinical development.
• Contribute to platform innovation by investigating LNP mechanisms of action to improve delivery efficiency, therapeutic potency, and formulation stability.
• Present experimental results, technical findings, and project updates to cross-functional teams and broader organizational audiences.
• Effectively manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced, highly collaborative research environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS or MS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Relevant industry or academic research experience:
  • Research Associate II: 2-5+ years with a bachelor’s degree or 0-2+ years of relevant experience with a master’s degree
• Hands-on experience in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation and analytical characterization for nucleic acid and targeted delivery applications.
• Strong understanding of drug delivery systems and gene editing therapeutics.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a fast-paced, results-driven, and collaborative research environment.
• Highly organized with strong scientific rigor, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-throughput formulation screening and knowledge of microfluidic mixing process.
• Prior experience of ionizable lipid design, bioconjugation, and process development preferred.
• Prior experience with scale-up and large-scale manufacturability development of LNPs.
• Understanding of RNA engineering, molecular biology, and hands-on experience of maintaining cells and performing in vitro transfection.

Competencies

• Collaborative – Openness, One Team
• Undaunted – Fearless, Can-do attitude
• Results Orientation – Delivering progress toward our mission. Sense of urgency in solving problems.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit – Proactive. Ownership mindset.

Due to the nature of their work, our manufacturing and lab-based positions are located fully on-site.

Research Associate II: Base pay range of $85,000 to $92,000 + discretionary bonus, equity and benefits.

The range provided is CRISPR Therapeutics’ reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount will be based on job-related and non-discriminatory factors such as experience, training, skills, and abilities.

CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person’s race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any characteristic protected under applicable law.

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