Research Associate, Genome Engineering (New York, USA)
BlueRock Therapeutics, United States
Job Description
Who is BlueRock?
BlueRock Therapeutics, a wholly-owned and independently operated subsidiary of Bayer AG, is a leading engineered cell therapy company using its unique cell+gene platform to direct cellular differentiation and genetically engineer cells to create a new generation of cellular medicines that address large patient populations suffering from neurological, cardiovascular, and immunology diseases.
The convergence of cell biology and genetic engineering is creating fundamental new ways to impact disease. Founded in 2016 to capitalize on these technological breakthroughs, we are advancing our novel cell+gene platform to develop, manufacture, and deliver an entirely new generation of authentic and engineered cell therapies across three therapeutic areas: neurology, cardiology, and immunology.
What Are We Doing?
Our foundational science harnesses the ability to create and then direct the differentiation of universal pluripotent stem cells into authentic, functional cells that can be used as allogeneic cellular therapies to treat a broad array of diseases. We can also further engineer these cells, enabling them to produce enzymes, antibodies, and other proteins for additional therapeutic benefit.
We are passionate about delivering on the promise of cellular and gene therapy, shaping the future of cellular medicine, and delivering new therapies to millions of patients with treatment options.
We are seeking individuals who are collaborative, thrive in a fun and dynamic culture, and are steadfast in the commitment to advance cutting-edge cellular therapies to impact patients’ lives.
Description of Position:
The New York, USA site is seeking a Research Associate for the Genome Engineering pipeline that will be reporting to the Senior Scientist of the team.
The incumbent will be a technical contributor in a dynamic and progressive team pioneering the generation of genome-modified therapeutic cells from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Together with technical staff and direction from the Senior Scientist, the individual will contribute to the design and execution of a variety of genetic modifications that enhance cellular properties. This will include the employment of gene editing technologies including homologous recombination and CRISPR/Cas to establish cell lines for BlueRock’s research pipeline that are altered in their genome to provide novel morphology or function.
Responsibilities:
- Execute in vitro experiments to characterize and cultivate hPSCs and their derivatives.
- Assist in the design and construction of plasmids for genetic modification.
- Apply gene editing technologies including CRISPR/Cas in hPSCs.
- Perform DNA/RNA-based, cell-based, flow cytometric, immunofluorescence and other analytical assays as required.
- Interact with other functional areas to complete characterization of generated cell lines.
- Analyze and document experimental data in electronic laboratory notebooks in a timely and accurate manner in accordance with the company quality management system.
- Be responsible for data generation, collection, interpretation and communication of results.
- Prepare and follow standard operating procedures, batch records and other process documentation.
- Attend and present scientific data to colleagues at internal meetings.
Requirements
- B.Sc. or M.Sc. in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics or related discipline
- A minimum of 2+ years (B.Sc.) or 0+ years (M.Sc) experience in laboratory research or industry experience
- Experience with human pluripotent stem cell or mammalian cell culture.
- Experience with molecular cloning and knowledge of gene editing technologies.
- Experience with cell characterization technologies including PCR, DNA sequencing, qPCR, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence.
- Experience with hPSC transfection techniques is a plus.
- Knowledge of lineage-specific differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells is advantageous.
- Experience with DNA design software is preferred.
- Excellent analytical, problem solving and organizational skills.
- Strong written and verbal communications skills.