Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary: Salary Range $90,000 - $120,000 per year
Senior Research Associate, In Vivo Discovery
Location: Boston, MA
Reports to: Principal Scientist
Job Type: Full-Time, Onsite
About Us
We are an innovative, stealth-mode biotech company developing in vivo gene editing therapeutics with a focus on targeted delivery of CRISPR machinery to therapeutically relevant cell types.
Job Summary
The Translational Research team is hiring a Senior Research Associate to lead the cellular and molecular characterization of delivery and editing platforms supporting our preclinical programs. This is a hands-on bench role with significant ownership of experimental design, execution, and data interpretation. The location for this position is onsite, 5 days per week, in our Boston lab.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and qualify molecular assays to measure CRISPR editing outcomes in vitro and in vivo, including amplicon NGS for indel quantification, TIDE/ICE, ddPCR, and orthogonal confirmation methods.
- Lead cell-based pharmacology assays evaluating delivery efficiency, editing efficiency, and on-target activity of LNP- and antibody-based delivery platforms.
- Plan and execute in vivo studies in mice evaluating biodistribution, editing efficiency, and pharmacodynamic activity; analyze tissues for nucleic acid and protein endpoints.
- Extract and purify RNA, DNA, and protein from cultured cells and animal tissues; run downstream analytical workflows (qPCR, RT-qPCR, Sanger and NGS sequencing, ddPCR, Western blot or Jess, ELISA, flow cytometry).
- Maintain primary and immortalized mammalian cell lines using aseptic technique; perform transfection and electroporation of CRISPR reagents.
- Analyze experimental data, interpret results in the context of program goals, and present findings in team meetings and written reports.
- Contribute to study design, protocol development, and SOPs. Mentor junior research associates and support cross-functional collaboration with Delivery, Editing, and Translational teams.
- Maintain rigorous electronic and paper lab records consistent with reproducibility and data integrity standards.
Qualifications
- BS with 6+ years or MS with 4+ years of hands-on research experience in molecular and cell biology in industry or academia.
- Direct experience with CRISPR gene editing, including assay readouts for editing efficiency (amplicon NGS, TIDE/ICE, or equivalent).
- Demonstrated expertise in mammalian cell culture and design, execution, and troubleshooting of cell-based assays.
- Strong working knowledge of core molecular and analytical methods: PCR, RT-qPCR, Sanger and NGS sequencing, SDS-PAGE / Western blot (or Jess capillary electrophoresis), ELISA, and flow cytometry.
- Mammalian cell culture, cell transfection, and sterile techniques.
- Experience designing and executing in vivo rodent studies, including tissue collection and downstream analysis.
- Ability to independently scope, plan, and execute experiments with minimal supervision; track record of contributing to project decisions based on data.
- Clear written and verbal communication; comfortable presenting data to a scientific audience.
- Authorization to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on experience with hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs / HSPCs), including isolation, ex vivo expansion, and multilineage differentiation assays (CFU, erythroid, myeloid).
- Experience with LNP-based delivery of nucleic acids, including formulation handling, dose preparation, and in vivo administration.
- Experience with antibody-based or receptor-targeted delivery strategies.
- Familiarity with bioinformatics tools for amplicon sequencing analysis (e.g., CRISPResso, CRISPRessoBatch).
- Prior experience supporting IND-enabling or GLP studies.
Benefits
- Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
- Fast-paced, collaborative, and innovative work environment.
- We offer an exceptional benefits package to include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, a 401k Match of 4%, Paid Time Off and Equity.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing relevant experience. To be considered for the role, applicants must be:
- Eligible to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship.
- Able to work onsite in the lab located in San Diego.
- A direct candidate and not from a third party, i.e., staffing agency.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
Salary Range
$90,000 - $120,000