Scientist I, Next Generation Sequencing - Contract

Editas Medicine • Cambridge, MA

3d • $61 - $65

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 is a hands-on laboratory role contributing to the development, optimization, execution, and transition of NGS assays for research, preclinical-stage, and clinical-stage programs.

The role executes and optimizes Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) workflows and contributes to new sequencing methods. Potential work areas include targeted amplicon sequencing, off-target verification, long-read sequencing, and RNA sequencing. The successful candidate will use molecular biology and NGS expertise to troubleshoot assays, generate high-quality sequencing data, and advance analytical capabilities.

The individual will collaborate with scientists across Research, Translational Sciences, Process Development, and other functions. They will communicate results clearly, maintain thorough documentation, and contribute scientific input to project strategy and assay development. This contract role is not eligible for benefits. The stated pay range is $61–$65 per hour.

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.
• 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.
• Experience with laboratory automation platforms or automated liquid handling; developing or programming automated workflows is a plus.
• 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 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.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level