Scientist I, Next Generation Sequencing - Contract
About The Position
Editas Medicine’s Genomics and Bioinformatics team is seeking a motivated, collaborative Senior Associate Scientist / Scientist I to support development and application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies for CRISPR gene-editing programs. This hands-on laboratory role contributes to development, optimization, execution, and transition of NGS assays for research, preclinical-stage, and clinical-stage programs. The role applies experience in NGS library preparation, sequencing platforms, assay quality control, and data interpretation to produce high-quality sequencing data and advance analytical capabilities. The successful candidate will execute and optimize existing Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) workflows and contribute to new sequencing methods. Work may include targeted amplicon sequencing, off-target verification, long-read sequencing, and RNA sequencing. The role requires strong molecular biology skills, an understanding of NGS workflows, and the ability to troubleshoot complex assays. The individual will collaborate with Research, Translational Sciences, Process Development, and other functions; communicate results clearly; maintain high-quality documentation; and contribute scientifically to project strategy and assay development.
Requirements
- B.S. or M.S. in molecular biology, genetics, genomics, biochemistry, bioengineering, or a related scientific discipline.
- 5–8 years of relevant industry or academic laboratory experience.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with NGS library preparation and sequencing workflows.
- Experience operating Illumina sequencing platforms and interpreting sequencing run and library QC metrics.
- Experience designing primers for targeted or amplicon-based sequencing assays.
- Experience with laboratory automation platforms or automated liquid handling.
- Demonstrated experience troubleshooting molecular biology or NGS workflows and using experimental data to identify and resolve technical issues.
- Experience developing, optimizing, scaling, or transferring laboratory protocols into routine production workflows.
- Strong experimental documentation and organizational skills, including experience with electronic laboratory notebooks such as Benchling.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary, and time-line-driven environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with Oxford Nanopore sequencing, including library construction and operation of ONT sequencing systems.
- Developing or programming automated workflows.
- Experience applying NGS to CRISPR or other gene-editing applications, including characterization of on-target editing, off-target editing, structural variants, or other editing outcomes.
- Experience with high-throughput targeted sequencing and multiplexed amplicon assays.
- Experience with long-read sequencing assay development and optimization.
- Familiarity with basic NGS data analysis, sequencing file formats, and commonly used sequencing quality metrics.
- Experience using laboratory automation platforms and automated liquid handlers.
- Experience supporting assay development in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical environment.
Responsibilities
- Independently execute NGS workflows, including sample preparation, library construction, library quality control, sequencing, and initial assessment of sequencing performance and data quality.
- Perform and optimize Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing workflows supporting gene-editing programs.
- Analyze sequencing run metrics and assay controls to identify technical issues, determine potential root causes, and recommend experimental next steps.
- Contribute to the development, optimization, and transition of NGS assays into routine production workflows, including implementation of automated and semi-automated library preparation methods.
- Generate and maintain high-quality protocols, experimental records, and technical documentation using systems such as Benchling.
- Summarize and communicate experimental results through technical reports, presentations, and cross-functional meetings.
- Maintain awareness of emerging NGS technologies and identify opportunities to improve assay quality, throughput, robustness, or efficiency.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
