Research Scientist, Gene Editing Core

The General Hospital Corporation; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Mass General Brigham in Boston is seeking a highly skilled Research Scientist to drive genome editing and CRISPR perturbation projects within the Gene Editing Core. You will develop and execute workflows, perform off-target analyses, and support pooled and arrayed CRISPR screens.

The role offers collaboration with world-class scientists, exposure to iPSCs and primary cells, mentoring of junior staff, and opportunities to contribute to scientific publications and conferences.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Genomics, or related field.
• Strong molecular biology skills including PCR, cloning, qPCR, ddPCR, and library prep.
• Extensive CRISPR genome editing and perturbation screening experience.
• Experience with Gibson Assembly and Golden Gate cloning for CRISPR libraries.
• Familiarity with off-target analysis and NGS.
• Ability to analyze sequencing data and interpret editing efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize CRISPR genome editing techniques across cell types including iPSCs and primary cells.
• Perform molecular biology assays (PCR, cloning, qPCR, ddPCR, NGS prep) and quality control.
• Conduct off-target analysis using NGS-based methods.
• Lead and execute genetic perturbation studies (pooled and arrayed CRISPR screens).
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to design and troubleshoot experiments.
• Maintain detailed experimental records in ELNs.
• Stay current with genome editing innovations and publish findings.

Skills

CRISPR perturbation

PCR & qPCR

NGS library prep

Molecular cloning

iPSC experience

Data analysis

Documentation

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology / Genomics / related field

Tools

Gibson Assembly

Golden Gate cloning

CRISPR libraries

NGS data analysis tools

Job description

Site: Mass General Brigham Incorporated

Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

Job Summary

The Gene and Cell Therapy Institute (GCTI) is a newly created system-wide Institute under Mass General Brigham. The Institute will foster a world-class gene and cell therapy program that will leverage ongoing, groundbreaking scientific research efforts across the MGB system. The mission of GCTI is to bring together the community of MGB investigators, which can utilize gene and cell therapy platforms to achieve their scientific and clinical goals and improve the health of patients. The Institute will differentiate itself by harnessing the exceptional strengths of clinician scientists, the large and unique patient population, and major discoveries throughout the hospital system to propel MGB as the leader in Gene & Cell therapies.

The Gene Editing Core (GEC) serves as a catalyst in the gene therapy revolution, providing comprehensive support to transform promising genetic discoveries into therapeutic realities. We partner with academic and industry pioneers at every stage of the development pipeline, from initial concept to final validation. Our expert team offers end-to-end support, including strategic consulting, experimental design, cutting-edge assay development, and high-throughput screening capabilities. We aren't just a core facility; we're accelerators of innovation, working to bring life-changing gene editing therapeutics to patients faster and more efficiently than ever before.

We are seeking a highly skilled Research Scientist to support and drive genome editing and CRISPR perturbation projects. The successful candidate will develop and execute advanced gene editing workflows, CRISPR perturbation screening assays, and off-target analysis methods. Expertise in molecular biology techniques, gene editing, and functional genomics is essential. Experience working with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is a plus. By joining our team, the successful candidate will become an integral part of a state-of-the-art gene editing core, contributing to a transformative mission at the forefront of genetic medicine. This individual will work alongside world-class scientists and utilize cutting-edge technologies to help advance the next generation of genetic therapies for patients in need. The position offers exposure to high-impact collaborations with academic and industry partners, along with access to professional development opportunities, including conference participation and networking.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and optimize CRISPR-based genome editing techniques for various cell types, including iPSCs and primary cells.
• Perform molecular biology assays, including molecular cloning, PCR, ddPCR, RT-qPCR, NGS library preparation, and quality control assessments.
• Conduct off-target analysis using next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based methods to assess genome editing outcomes.
• Lead and execute experiments for genetic perturbation studies, including pooled and arrayed CRISPR screens.
• Work closely with internal and external collaborators to design, troubleshoot, and optimize gene editing experiments.
• Maintain detailed and well-organized experimental records in electronic lab notebooks (ELNs).
• Stay current with emerging technologies in genome editing, CRISPR perturbation, and functional genomics.
• Train and mentor junior staff and research technicians in gene editing workflows and molecular biology techniques.
• Contribute to scientific publications and presentations at internal and external meetings.
• All other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genomics, Bioengineering, or a related field
• Strong expertise in molecular biology techniques, including PCR, cloning, qPCR, ddPCR, and NGS library preparation.
• Extensive experience with CRISPR-based genome editing and perturbation screening technologies.
• Hands-on experience with molecular cloning methods, including Gibson Assembly and Golden Gate cloning, particularly for CRISPR library generation.
• Familiarity with off-target analysis techniques and NGS.
• Ability to analyze sequencing data and interpret gene editing efficiency and specificity.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

PREFERRED COMPETENCIES:

• Experience with prime editing and base editing workflows.
• Expertise in CRISPR screening approaches, including CRISPR KO, CRISPRi, and CRISPRa.
• Exp