Research Associate II, CRISPR-X

CRISPR Therapeutics•San Francisco, CA

6d•$85,000 - $92,000•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

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.