Scientist, Cell Engineering

colossalbiosciences; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Excellent paid time off and holidays

Flexible spending accounts (FSA)

Company matched 401k retirement plan

Paid parental leave at 100% salary for

Education reimbursement

Opportunity to contribute to improving

Job summary

Colossal is hiring a Scientist to derive primary cell lines from non-model organisms, perform CRISPR edits, and deliver edited lines for downstream SCNT. Based in Dallas, TX, the role involves developing assays, validating lines, and supporting the cell core team in gene editing workflows.

You will work with a multidisciplinary team, maintain rigorous records, and communicate progress through reports and presentations.

Qualifications

• PhD in biological sciences, stem cell biology, genetics or related field; BS/MS with significant relevant experience also considered.
• 4+ years hands-on mammalian cell culture experience in a research/production setting.
• Expert knowledge of primary cell derivation, culture, propagation and biobanking.
• Proficiency with multiple gene delivery methods (chemical transfection, electroporation, LNP).
• Strong written and oral communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Isolate, expand, and maintain high-quality primary cell cultures from diverse tissues.
• Develop and execute experiments to generate and characterize primary cells from non-model organisms.
• Develop functional assays, assess workflows, and interpret results.
• Screen, validate, and create cell lines for SCNT in collaboration with genome engineers.
• Meet project milestones and present progress at lab meetings and reports.

Skills

Primary cell derivation

CRISPR gene editing

Transfection methods

Flow cytometry

Immunostaining

Confocal microscopy

Aseptic technique

Scientific communication

Team collaboration

Data interpretation

Education

PhD in biological sciences

BS/MS with significant relevant experience

Tools

CRISPR delivery methods

Flow cytometry tools

Confocal microscopy hardware

Job description

An affiliate of Colossal is hiring a Scientist that will derive non-model organism primary cell lines, conduct assays corresponding to cell health, characterize lines, perform transfections, and deliver edited lines for downstream SCNT. The candidate will be part of a core team responsible for optimizing and characterizing for lines derived in house and supporting other parts of the cell core team in gene editing workflows. This position reports to the Manager of Primary Cell and Production sub-team within the Cell Engineering and Production (CEP) core team.

This position is based out of Dallas, TX. Relocation assistance is available.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Isolate, expand, and maintain high-quality primary cell cultures from diverse non-model animal tissues.
• Innovate then execute experiments to generate and characterize primary cells from non-model mammalian organisms, develop functional assays, assess and interpret experimental workflows
• Work with team members to assess efficiency of workflows through cellular assays and NGS sequencing approaches
• Work closely with genome engineers to screen, validate, and make cell lines that will undergo SCNT
• Work on project milestones
• Attend lab meetings, prepare reports and presentations on the progress of projects
• Great organizational skills and excellent laboratory record maintenance

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of primary cell derivation, culture, propagation, and biobanking
• Expert knowledge and hands‑on experience in CRISPR gene editing, including proficiency with multiple gene delivery methods such as chemical transfection, electroporation, and LNP delivery.
• Experience with flow cytometry, immunostaining, confocal microscopy
• Microdissection experience
• Strong Aseptic Technique and ability to work with antibiotic free culture
• Strong written and oral communication skills, as well as creative problem‑solving skills
• Enjoys the fast‑paced startup environment and teamwork
• Exceptional organizational skills, multitasking, and attention to detail.
• Strong emotional intelligence and passion for building relationships across all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to function well in a growth‑oriented, nimble environment.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with automated cell culture workflows.
• Previous work with mESC editing pipelines

Required Education and Experience:

• PhD in biological sciences, stem cell biology, genetics or related field. BS/MS with significant relevant experience will also be considered
• 4+ years hands‑on expertise in mammalian cell culture systems

What Colossal Offers Full-Time Employees:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Excellent paid time off and company holidays so you can rest and recharge
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Company matched 401k retirement plan
• Paid parental leave at 100% salary for up to 12 weeks
• Education reimbursement
• An opportunity to help us return the Earth to a healthier state

The team at Colossal is committed, colorful, passionate, intelligent, collaborative, creative, experienced, scientific and world‑class. That sounds like a lot to fit into one building. That's why we are spread out in several locations that include laboratories, test facilities, academic institutions, libraries and offices.

Through it all, however, we maintain a culture of positivity, hope, happiness and belief that we're doing something big. Something Colossal.

Colossal is proud to be an equal employment opportunity workplace. We welcome people from all backgrounds as well as celebrate and support diversity. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment of mutual respect that is free from discrimination and harassment so everyone can thrive.

EEO is the Law

Colossal is proud to be named a Best Place to Work by BuiltIn for 4 years in a row across multiple categories in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026:

• #1 on the 50 Best Startups to Work For in Dallas in 2023!
• 100 Best Midsize Places to Work in Dallas in 2024 & 2025
• 100 Best Places to Work in Dallas, TX (All Size Employers) in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
• Built In 2026 Award Lists
• Great Place to Work Certification Page
• Most Loved Workplace Certification Page - Proud to be certified as a most loved workplace including: most loved CEO, most loved workplaces for LGBTQ+, most loved workplaces for women, and most loved workplaces for young professionals.
• Newsweek's Most Loved Workplaces 2024 Award List - Excited to be amongst the winners of Newsweek's 2024 Most Loved Workplaces!