Scientist I/II, Preclinical Research

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Scientist to join our Preclinical Development team to support the validation of gene editing therapies and determine cellular and molecular activity. This position will contribute to the development of a gene-editing project focused on Hemophilia, utilizing skills in single-plex and multiplex digital droplet PCR, culturing primary cells, and purifying/isolating gDNA and mRNA from cells and animal tissue. The ideal candidate will have strong skills in cell and molecular biology and will collaborate with teams to optimize assays for groundbreaking therapies. This role is based in Emeryville, California.

• Harvest cells and tissue in preparation for various assays such as PCR for next-generation sequencing
• Design, execute, and analyze cellular and molecular assays to generate data to determine on-target and off-target activity
• Analyze tissues through molecular experiments and manage data appropriately
• Observe target penetration of therapy through methods such as FACS, ELISA, and next-gen sequencing technologies
• Transfect cells and prepare and optimize for analysis; work with computation teams to drive analysis and interpretation of activity
• Perform molecular/cellular cloning
• Collaborate with computational scientists and engineers to analyze data and present findings to the larger team
• Purify/Isolate gDNA and mRNA from cells and animal tissue
• Advanced proficiency with single-plex and multiplex digital droplet PCR
• Expertise in culturing primary cells, purifying/isolating gDNA and mRNA from cells and animal tissue, and transfections of primary cells
• Demonstrated experience working with primary cell systems and performing downstream molecular assays
• A strong track record of working with large data and applying algorithms
• Experience with ELISA and/or electrochemiluminescence (ECL) based protein detection methods (e.g., Meso Scale Discovery)
• Understanding or experience with Next-Generation Sequencing workflow
• Experience in molecular cloning, vector building, and CRISPR-based gene editing systems and knock-in strategies
• Understanding of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology and mRNA-based therapeutics
• Effective oral and written communication skills, particularly when collaborating with other teams with limited knowledge of your area of expertise
• Extremely organized and able to efficiently manage your time and workflow, including skillfully prioritizing both long-term projects and day-to-day responsibilities
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software tools (Google Suite, Slack, Geneious, CRISPR and Off-target algorithms, NGS)
• A highly collaborative and team-oriented mindset, who thrives in a fast-moving, results-oriented startup environment

• Ph.D. in biology with at least two years of industry experience or BS/MS with at least three years of highly relevant industry experience in a closely related discipline
• Advanced proficiency with single-plex and multiplex digital droplet PCR
• Expertise in culturing primary cells, purifying/isolating gDNA and mRNA from cells and animal tissue, and transfections of primary cells
• Demonstrated experience working with primary cell systems and performing downstream molecular assays
• A strong track record of working with large data and applying algorithms
• Experience with ELISA and/or electrochemiluminescence (ECL) based protein detection methods (e.g., Meso Scale Discovery)
• Understanding or experience with Next-Generation Sequencing workflow
• Experience in molecular cloning, vector building, and CRISPR-based gene editing systems and knock-in strategies
• Understanding of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology and mRNA-based therapeutics
• Effective oral and written communication skills, particularly when collaborating with other teams with limited knowledge of your area of expertise
• Extremely organized and able to efficiently manage your time and workflow, including skillfully prioritizing both long-term projects and day-to-day responsibilities
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software tools (Google Suite, Slack, Geneious, CRISPR and Off-target algorithms, NGS)
• A highly collaborative and team-oriented mindset, who thrives in a fast-moving, results-oriented startup environment

• Competitive compensation including a market-benchmarked salary
• Annual target bonus
• Equity in an early-stage startup
• Comprehensive benefits plan
• 401(k) matching
• Retirement safe harbor plan
• Catered lunches and endless snacks
• Weekly employee happy hour and events
• Open, collegial, and friendly work environment
• Opportunities for long-term career development
• Equal-opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion
• Work/life balance
• Passionate and collaborative culture
• Opportunity to work on potentially curative therapeutics
• Access to a proprietary toolbox of next-generation gene editing systems
• Ultra-small, efficient, and highly specific gene editing systems
• Decreased risk of immune response
• Revolutionizing gene editing for the benefit of patients
• Empowerment and opportunities for personal growth
• Authorized to work in the United States