Scientist (Gene Editing)

Preventive; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Preventive in South San Francisco is seeking a hands-on experimentalist to help build and optimize next-generation gene editing systems for reproductive genetics. The role focuses on prime and base editing, spanning cell-based optimization, molecular biology, and embryo-relevant assay development.

You will learn quickly, execute carefully, and take ownership of difficult experiments. Title and scope will align with experience, with collaboration across molecular biology, genomics, embryology,

Qualifications

• BS or higher in a relevant field; 2+ years in biotechnology.
• Demonstrated gene editing experience with prime and/or base editing.
• Strong molecular biology skills and mammalian tissue culture proficiency.
• Proven ability to execute cell-based experiments with ownership and high work ethic.
• Experience with cloning, PCR/qPCR, amplicon prep, and sequencing analysis is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Optimize prime and base editing in mammalian cells and embryo models.
• Perform cloning, PCR/qPCR, amplicon prep, and sequencing analyses.
• Assess editing efficiency, byproducts, mosaicism, specificity, and off-targets.
• Support NGS and single-cell workflows to characterize editing outcomes.
• Collaborate across molecular biology, genomics, embryology, and in vivo teams.
• Translate cell-based results into oocyte, zygote, and embryo experiments.

Skills

Gene editing experience

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology

Ownership

Work ethic

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field

Tools

Prime editing

Base editing

NGS sequencing

Mammalian tissue culture

Job description

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

• 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.
• Previous experience in a startup environment (comfort with fast cycles, evolving priorities, and cross‑functional collaboration)