Research Associate II, CRISPR-X

Job Description:

Company Overview

Founded over a decade ago, CRISPR Therapeutics is a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on developing transformative gene-based medicines for serious human diseases. The Company has evolved from a pioneering research-stage organization into an industry leader, marking a historic milestone with the approval of CASGEVY® (exagamglogene autotemcel [exa-cel]), the world’s first CRISPR-based therapy, approved for eligible patients with sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia. CRISPR Therapeutics is advancing a broad and diversified pipeline across hemoglobinopathies, cardiovascular, autoimmune, oncology, regenerative medicine and rare diseases. The Company continues to expand its leadership in gene editing through the development of SyNTase™ editing, a novel and proprietary gene-editing platform designed to enable precise, efficient, and scalable gene correction. To accelerate and expand its impact, CRISPR Therapeutics has established strategic collaborations with leading biopharmaceutical partners, including Vertex Pharmaceuticals. CRISPR Therapeutics AG is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, with its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc., and R&D operations based in Boston, Massachusetts and San Francisco, California.

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.

CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any characteristic protected under applicable law.

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