Scientist – Gene Editing & CRISPR Technologies

Scientist – Gene Editing & CRISPR Technologies

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Title: Scientist – Gene Editing & CRISPR Technologies
FLSA Status: Full-Time/Exempt
Department: Discovery
Date: April 22, 2022
Manager: SVP, R&D
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Job Code: BIO-22-009

BlueSphere Bio was founded to deploy its novel TCXpress™ technology to unlock the potential of personalized T cell therapy for the treatment of cancer by harnessing the unique specificity of each patient’s T cells for the molecular fingerprint of each patient’s cancer.

Our trailblazing, proprietary TCXpress platform is an elegant, rapid approach that exploits the patient’s immune defenses to attack their cancer specifically and is designed to leave normal tissues untouched, thereby reducing harmful side effects.

The TCXpress™ platform and its implementation will allow us to deliver rapid, personalized T cell treatments for various cancer indications.

Purpose
We are seeking an exceptionally talented and highly motivated Scientist with deep knowledge in molecular Biology, Gene-Specific knock-down, and knock-in via Homologous Directed Repair (HDR) using CRISPR/Cas9 and sister technologies to join a growing team in the Research and Discovery Team at Bluesphere Bio. This position aims to develop an effective process and technology to express TCR-T gene products via a non-viral approach in autologous and allogeneic primary T cells. The ideal candidate will have an extensive and proven track record in molecular biology in CRISPR/Cas9 and related technology to target and express cargo from endogenous loci in primary cells. Candidates from academia and industry with proven records of advancing projects in this field will be considered. The position involves the supervision of an associate and one lab tech commensurate with experience level. Excellent communication and leadership skills are required. The candidate is expected to report regularly to their supervisor and other colleagues within the BSB Research and Discovery team, meet fast-paced deadlines, and mentor junior colleagues.

Duties and Responsibilities
• Design and conduct experiments to evaluate non-viral targeting of gene loci in primary T cells and other cells using various gene editing technologies and methods of delivery to enhance recombination and expression.
• Develop non-viral TCR-T gene product candidates for personalized T cell immunotherapies against cancer and other diseases.
• Perform PCR, qPCR, Sanger Sequencing, and other routine molecular biology methods.
• Collaborate with other BSB scientists to advance new technologies and participate in patent writing.
• Clearly communicate, present, and defend critical activities to upper management for successful program progression.
• Define critical path activities to complete essential projects required to meet key corporate objectives in a timeline fashion.
• Manage and mentor current and future scientists.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Work Experience
• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Immunology, Oncology, or related field with 0-2+ years of postgraduate experience. Ph.D. graduates with strong publication records and skillsets will be considered and strongly encouraged to apply.
• In depth knowledge in gene-editing technology, including CRISPR/Cas9, and other technologies, including Talens/Zinc-Finger, with an emphasis on non-viral methods of gene delivery as well as other advanced molecular biology techniques, including cloning and gene expression systems in eukaryotic and bacterial cells with a strong publication in a record in the field is required.
• Previous experience with animals transgenics will be considered.
• Basic bioinformatic analysis and high-throughput screens are a plus.
• Proven skills in primary mammalian cell culture, including T cells and other hemopoietic and non-hemopoietic cells, is highly desired.
• Basic flow cytometry and activated fluorescence cell sorting are a plus but not required.
• Cell based assay development, cell culture of cell lines, and assay development.
• Excellent verbal and writing skills.
• Management experience is desired but not required.

Physical and Mental Requirements
• You will be expected to occasionally (1% to 20% of the time):
– Climb stairs, ramps, ladders. Etc.
– Stoop/crouch by bending your legs or bending down/forward at the waist
– Reach by extending the hands/arms
– Stand on your feet
– Lift objects from one level to another (30 lbs. or less)
– Carry objects (30 lbs. or less)
– Travel (negligible)
• You will be expected to frequently (21% to 50% of the time):
– Walk around the facility on foot
• You will be expected to constantly (at least 51% of the time):
– Sit in a normal seated position

BlueSphere Bio is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and offers employment opportunities to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability (except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement), veteran status, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, HIV-positive status, possession of the sickle cell trait, genetic characteristics, political views, and any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.

Please send a cover letter to apply for this position (including job code) and CV/Resume. Internal candidates interested in this opportunity should submit their CV/Resume within 2-weeks of the posting date above and explain why you are interested in this position.