Role Description

We’re looking for a highly dynamic Scientist to lead projects focused on mammalian cell engineering at Prolific Machines. The Synthetic Biology group is rapidly expanding its capabilities and looking for a motivated Scientist with strong expertise in engineering mammalian cells with targeted integration of large DNA payloads. You will be instrumental in designing, executing, and refining innovative molecular engineering approaches, including the use of landing pads and CRISPR-based editing. Your expertise will enable rapid and scalable generation of precisely engineered cell lines for downstream biomanufacturing applications. You’ll work cross collaboratively with team members in high throughput assay development, hardware engineering, bioprocessing, and data science disciplines to spearhead large-scale genetic engineering projects that produce high performance cell products. This is a unique position and opportunity to leverage quantitative biology in an industrial setting. You’ll be provided with tons of room for technical growth and professional development towards either research management or deep individual contributor tracks with opportunities to mentor and manage early career professionals and interface with company strategy and decision making. 

Some things about you  

• Self-starter who’s committed to team science while excited to drive innovation and build infrastructure independently
• Have strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Enjoy project planning and execution 
• Very well versed on research and literature related to large knock-in cell engineering
• Eager to work in a high-growth, fast-paced startup environment

What you’ll need to succeed 

• Have a Ph.D. in Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, or in a related field and 0-3 years of research experience or 7+ years of relevant research experience
• Proficient in mammalian cell engineering methods (some examples include CRISPR, integrases (Bxb1, PhiC31), Piggybac, and Sleeping Beauty)
• Proficient  in engineering cell lines with targeted large knock-ins using landing pads or functionally similar methods (for example: prime editing)
• Strong experience with driving large scale experiments with aggressive milestones 
• Proficient in standard molecular biology techniques including cloning, NGS library preparation, and ddPCR
• Experience with fluorescence assays, flow cytometry, and microscopy 

This position description likely contains skills you already have as well as skills you would learn in the role. These skills are not requirements, so if you think you would do a great job at this role then you should apply regardless of whether you fit the above criteria.

Start Date: We are looking for the right candidate for this role and would  like to have them start within Q2.

Compensation: Competitive salary ($100,000 - $145,000; bi-weekly payments)
- Equity in the form of common stock (subject to vesting)
- Annual performance-based bonus