Scientist (Gene Editing)

Preventive; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Preventive is seeking a hands-on experimentalist to build and optimize next‑generation gene editing systems for reproductive genetics, focusing on prime and base editing in cell‑based and embryo‑relevant models.

You will work across molecular biology, genomics, embryology, and in vivo teams to solve technical problems, with training offered for specialized techniques and scope calibrated to experience.

Qualifications

• BS or higher in a relevant field; we value experience over formal education.
• 2+ years of industry biotech experience.
• Demonstrated gene editing experience with next‑gen platforms (prime and base editing).
• Strong molecular biology skills.
• Mammalian tissue culture with sterile technique and basic cell‑based assays.
• Clear evidence of strong work ethic, high aptitude, and ownership in previous roles or projects.

Responsibilities

• Optimize prime and base editing systems in mammalian cells and embryo‑relevant models including protein and guide engineering.
• Execute molecular biology workflows, including cloning, PCR/qPCR, amplicon prep, and sequencing‑based analysis.
• Measure editing efficiency, byproducts, mosaicism, specificity, and off‑target activity.
• Support NGS and single‑cell workflows to characterize editing outcomes and embryo‑relevant biology.
• Translate cell‑based editing results into oocyte, zygote, and embryo experiments.
• Work across molecular biology, genomics, embryology, and in vivo teams to solve technical problems.

Skills

Gene editing experience

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology

NGS workflows

Embryology knowledge

Cloning

Sequencing analysis

Ownership mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field

Tools

PCR/qPCR workflows

Sequencing platforms

Embryo-related assay methods

Job description

Preventive is a public benefit corporation developing reproductive genetics technologies aimed at preventing severe inherited disease before birth. We are testing whether the latest gene editing tools can safely and responsibly correct disease‑causing mutations in early embryos. Our goal is to build the evidence base needed to determine whether this approach can one day help families avoid devastating genetic conditions.

About the role

We are seeking a hands‑on experimentalist to help build and optimize next‑generation gene editing systems for reproductive genetics. The role will focus on prime and base editing, with work spanning cell‑based optimization, molecular biology, and embryo‑relevant assay development.

We care first and foremost that you are hard‑working, high‑aptitude, and have clearly demonstrated this through your prior work. Given the novelty of our platform, we expect that some specialized techniques will require training. What matters most is that you learn quickly, execute carefully, and take ownership of difficult experiments. Title and scope will be calibrated to experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Optimize prime and base editing systems in mammalian cells and embryo‑relevant models including protein and guide engineering
• Execute molecular biology workflows, including cloning, PCR/qPCR, amplicon prep, and sequencing‑based analysis.
• Measure editing efficiency, byproducts, mosaicism, specificity, and off‑target activity.
• Support NGS and single‑cell workflows to characterize editing outcomes and embryo‑relevant biology.
• Translate cell‑based editing results into oocyte, zygote, and embryo experiments.
• Work across molecular biology, genomics, embryology, and in vivo teams to solve technical problems.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• BS or higher in a relevant field (we care more about your experience than your formal education)
• 2+ years of industry experience in biotechnology.
• Demonstrated gene editing experience with next‑generation platforms (prime and/or base editing).
• Strong molecular biology skills.
• Proficiency in mammalian tissue culture, including sterile technique and basic cell‑based assays.
• Clear evidence of strong work ethic, high aptitude, and ownership in previous roles or projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a startup environment (comfort with fast cycles, evolving priorities, and cross‑functional collaboration)
• Depth in one or more of the following areas:
• Embryo, oocyte, zygote, IVF, ICSI, or early‑development biology experience.
• Protein engineering, including editor optimization, construct design, stability/activity improvement, or structure‑guided engineering.
• Protein purification and biochemical characterization of editing systems.
• Single‑cell genomics or transcriptomics, including sample prep, library construction, or data interpretation.
• Gene editing to generate animal models, including design, screening, and validation with in vivo teams.