Research Associate/Research Associate II, Analytical Development

Company: CRISPR Therapeutics
Location: Cambridge
Posted on: January 12, 2022

Job Description:

Company Overview

CRISPR Therapeutics is a leading gene editing company focused on developing transformative gene-based medicines for serious diseases using its proprietary CRISPR/Cas9 platform. CRISPR/Cas9 is a revolutionary gene editing technology that allows for precise, directed changes to genomic DNA. CRISPR Therapeutics has established a portfolio of therapeutic programs across a broad range of disease areas including hemoglobinopathies, oncology, regenerative medicine, and rare diseases. To accelerate and expand its efforts, CRISPR Therapeutics has established strategic collaborations with leading companies including Bayer, Vertex Pharmaceuticals and ViaCyte, Inc. CRISPR Therapeutics AG is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, with its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc., and R&D operations based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and business offices in San Francisco, California and London, United Kingdom.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Research Associate I/II to join an exciting, fast-growing and well-financed company to develop novel gene editing therapies for serious diseases. The successful candidate will join the Technical Operations (Tech Ops) group at CRISPR Therapeutics, focusing on development of analytical methods for ex vivo genetically modified cells to support the development of gene editing programs. The individual will develop quantitative assays measuring gene editing in target and non-target cells, cell-based assays measuring the expression and the biological functions of specific genes. The successful candidate will design, perform, and analyze experiments for multiple preclinical and clinical programs, and will work to support process development, product characterization, and technical transfer to CMOs and GMP test labs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and qualify cell-based assays for cell and gene therapy products and vector using techniques like flow cytometry, MSD, ELISA, qPCR, etc.
• Develop and qualify quantitative residual assays to measure process-related impurities.
• Perform analytical assays to support product characterization.
• Provide analytical support for Process Development team to develop an understanding of cellular product critical quality attributes (CQA's) to guide testing and process control strategies.
• Support the characterization and qualification of cell banks for use in analytical assays.
• Analyze and present experimental data in team meetings, cross-functional meetings, and conferences.
• Author technical reports and protocols.
• Participate in tech transfer activities to vendors.
• Participate in day-to-day lab operations, and routine maintenance of lab equipment.
  Minimum Qualifications
  
  • RA: BS 0-3 years of experience
  • RA II: BS 3-5 years of experience, MS 0-3 years of experience
  • Hands-on experience in aseptic techniques, mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays.
  • Critical thinking skills, ability to attend to details, and strong organizational skills.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to work in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment is a must.
    Preferred Qualifications
    
    • Hands-on experience in apheresis, or handling T-cells, or primary human cells.
    • Hands-on experience in techniques like flow cytometry, ELISA, MSD, or qPCR.
    • Experience in working with cell and gene therapy products and viral/non-viral vectors.
    • Understanding of assay development and qualification per FDA or ICH guidelines.
    • Experience in tech transfer of methods to GMP labs.
    • Understanding or knowledge of statistical tools like JMP, PLA, Excel, Prism etc.
      Competencies
      
      • Collaborative - Openness, One Team
      • Undaunted - Fearless, Can-do attitude
      • Results Orientation - Delivering progress toward our mission. Sense of urgency in solving problems.
      • Entrepreneurial Spirit - Proactive. Ownership mindset.
        CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any characteristic protected under applicable law.
        
        To view our Privacy Statement, please click the following link: http://www.crisprtx.com/about-us/privacy-policy

Keywords: CRISPR Therapeutics, Cambridge , Research Associate/Research Associate II, Analytical Development, Other , Cambridge, Massachusetts