Scientist, Genome Engineering

Colossal; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a talented Scientist to spearhead ambitious synthetic biology projects aimed at species conservation and de-extinction. This role involves developing cutting-edge tools and methodologies for genome engineering, particularly focusing on CRISPR-guided precision genome editing. You will be responsible for designing and optimizing DNA assembly techniques, analyzing data, and presenting your findings. If you are passionate about making a significant impact in the field of genetics and enjoy working in a collaborative environment, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to advancing science for a better future.

Benefits

Relocation assistance

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of precision editing techniques with CRISPR-Cas9.
• Experience with recombinant DNA cloning and molecular assays.
• Self-motivated and detail-oriented with strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize DNA assembly and editing techniques.
• Quantify genome editing events and present findings.
• Maintain a clean and organized laboratory space.

Skills

CRISPR-Cas9

DNA cloning techniques

PCR

gel electrophoresis

protein characterization methods

flow-cytometry

cell culture

creative problem-solving

data analysis

communication skills

Education

MS/PhD in synthetic biology

3+ years hands-on expertise in genetics

Tools

crisprVerse

CRIS.py

PrimeDesign

DeepCRISPR

CRISPRpred

PRIDICT

Job description

Colossal is looking for a talent Scientist that will take on ambitious synthetic biology projects and large-scale genome engineering for species conservation and de-extinction. The Scientist will be building tools and methodologies for engineering various cell types and will develop workflows to manipulate large DNA fragments and genomes. This position reports to the Head of Large Mammals.

This position is based on-site in Dallas, TX. Relocation assistance is available.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design, innovate and iterate: DNA assembly, integration, editing and screening
• Build enabling molecular and cellular tools
• Optimize gene-editing cargo delivery
• Quantify genome editing events using various molecular assays
• Improve the state of the art in CRISPR-guided precision genome editing
• Data analysis, figure generation and timely reporting of results
• Present findings at small forums and R&D meetings
• Maintain a thorough and detailed electronic lab notebook
• Maintain a clean and organized laboratory space

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Solid understanding and hands-on experience with precision editing techniques, covering the design, optimization and verification of edits made with CRISPR-Cas9, HDR, Base Editors, Prime Editors and large construct integration methods
• Experience with recombinant DNA cloning techniques, bacterial purification, primer design and PCR, gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid purification and characterization
• Comfortable with protein characterization methods and flow-cytometry
• Experience with cell culture and delivery of DNA/RNA/RNP for gene-editing
• Self-motivated, proactive, works well under pressure and deadlines, detail-oriented
• Enthusiasm for learning new skills and taking on new responsibilities
• Creative problem-solving skills
• Communicate clearly both written and orally, so others can understand.

Preferred Experience:

• High throughput screening or automation methods, especially in designing and constructing libraries and/or arrays to perform multiplexed screening experiments, such as massively parallel reporter assays (MPRA) or CRISPR interference (CRISPRi)
• Comfortable in handling large data sets and using bioinformatic tools in standard data formats (e.g., FASTA, FASTQ, BAM, VCF, GTF/GFF)
• Experience with precision editing include software and tools design (e.g., crisprVerse, CRIS.py, PrimeDesign) or predictive machine learning models for optimizing editing constructs (e.g., DeepCRISPR, CRISPRpred, PRIDICT)
• Bulk and single-cell RNA prep and sequence analyses
• Stem cell derivation, culture and characterization

Required Education and Experience:

• MS/PhD in synthetic biology, bioengineering, molecular biology, genetics or related field such as developmental biology or immunology
• 3+ years hands-on expertise in genetics and genomic manipulation