Job Description:

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented Research Associate II to grow our diverse, innovation-focused CRISPR-X team that pioneers novel gene editing therapies for human disease. As part of CRISPR Therapeutics, a leading gene editing company, the candidate will be exposed to a broad clinical portfolio.

This role sits at the intersection of immunology and next-generation gene editing. The successful candidate will work hands-on with primary human T cells, and in-vivo models, to build and characterize CAR T cells generated by in-vivo gene insertion approaches, supporting construct evaluation, delivery optimization, and functional assessment across a range of modalities including targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNP). The position requires enthusiasm, passion, excellent primary cell culture and flow cytometry skills, attention to detail, and a desire to create new medicines for patients.

Responsibilities

• Isolate, activate, engineer, and expand primary human T cells, and execute in-vitro studies to evaluate gene insertion, CAR expression/function, and cell phenotype.
• Perform CAR T cell design and engineering, including transgene delivery into primary human T cells by nucleofection/electroporation, viral transduction, and targeted lipid nanoparticle (tLNP) treatment.
• Execute molecular biology workflows supporting the conceive-build-assess cycle, including cloning, plasmid and RNA preparation, DNA/RNA extraction, and PCR.
• Design and execute ddPCR assays to quantify transgene integration efficiency and copy number.
• Design and execute T cell phenotyping assays such as multicolor flow cytometry panels, and run functional assays including cytotoxicity, proliferation, and cytokine release.
• Work cross-functionally to support in-vivo studies, including sample processing, cell isolation from blood and tissues, and downstream assessment of editing and CAR T cell outcomes.
• Generate high-quality, reproducible datasets and maintain lab notebooks and data in a highly organized manner within electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs).
• Analyze and present experimental data within the CRISPR-X team and cross-functionally.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS/MS in Immunology, Biology, Bioengineering, Genetics, or a related discipline
• Research Associate II – 2 to 4+ years of relevant research experience, or 0 to 2+ years with an advanced degree
• Hands-on experience culturing primary human T cells, including isolation, activation, expansion, and cryopreservation
• Hands-on experience with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell engineering, including transgene delivery into primary human T cells and functional characterization of the resulting CAR T cells
• Strong immunology background, with a working understanding of T cell biology, activation, and effector function
• Excellent technical skills in multicolor flow cytometry, including panel design, instrument operation, and data analysis
• Working knowledge of core molecular biology techniques, including cloning, PCR, and qPCR/ddPCR
• Highly organized with strong scientific rigor, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and careful record keeping
• Collaborative mindset and ability to partner well with team members cross-functionally

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with gene editing in primary immune cells, including CRISPR-based knockout/knock-in and next-generation insertion technologies such as recombinases or retrotransposons
• Knowledge and experience with in-vivo delivery modalities such as tLNP, AAV, VLP, and others
• Experience developing ddPCR assays for transgene copy number or integration site quantification
• Familiarity with CAR construct design and synthetic immunology
• Experience with cell-based potency and cytotoxicity assays and cytokine quantification (e.g., ELISA, MSD, Luminex)
• Experience supporting in-vivo studies, including tissue processing and immunophenotyping of animal-derived samples

Competencies

• Collaborative – Openness, One Team
• Undaunted – Fearless, Can-do attitude
• Results Orientation – Delivering progress toward our mission. Sense of urgency in solving problems.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit – Proactive. Ownership mindset.

​Due to the nature of their work, our manufacturing and lab-based positions are located fully on-site.  

Research Associate II: Base pay range of $85,000 to $92,000+ bonus, equity and benefits

The range provided is CRISPR Therapeutics’ reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount will be based on job-related and non-discriminatory factors such as experience, training, skills, and abilities.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.