Skip to main content

Assistant Project Scientist - Therapeutic Delivery - Innovative Genomics Institute

We are no longer accepting applications for this recruitment. Browse open recruitments

Position description

The Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) is a multidisciplinary research institution focused on genome engineering and potential applications in agriculture, microbiology, and biomedicine. It is a joint venture between UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco, with the administrative operations located on the Berkeley campus.

The IGI is seeking a highly motivated Assistant Project Scientist to perform research on molecular systems enabling the therapeutic delivery of genome editing reagents. This interdisciplinary work will be performed as part of a team at UC Berkeley, centered in the laboratory of Ross Wilson, IGI Director of Therapeutic Delivery. The IGI is seeking an Assistant Project Scientist with the ability to learn quickly, work independently, problem-solve with little oversight, to be innovative and harbor the capacity to synergize various ideas and approaches, while exercising sound judgment to evaluate and take acceptable risks.

Specific research activities will involve medium- and high-throughput genome editing assays in clinically-relevant cell lines and primary cells, validation of tissue culture conditions for said cells, analysis via flow cytometry and/or amplicon-based next-generation sequencing (NGS), generation and characterization of fluorescence-based reporter cell lines, as well as design and synthesis of guide RNAs for targeted endonucleases (e.g. CRISPR-Cas9).

The Assistant Project Scientist will also collaborate with IGI investigators at UCB, UCSF, and other IGI-affiliated universities in the effort to advance the delivery of genome editing for therapeutic use. The Assistant Project Scientist will assist in the training of genome editing efforts of one or more research technicians and/or postdoctoral scholars.

The IGI is seeking a candidate who can obtain consistent and reliable data, manage multiple projects and tasks while meeting program-based milestones, train other researchers, collaborate with various levels of staff, as well as partner universities to provide relevant input. The ideal candidate would be one who can design and develop useful and practical intellectual property, contribute to high-quality, high-impact publications in peer-reviewed journals, and travel occasionally to attend scientific and technical conferences to discuss accomplishments at the IGI and establish relationships with other leaders in the field. A highly qualified candidate for this position would be one with the ability to effectively communicate, work efficiently, and to maintain strong external collaborations with diverse groups of researchers.

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
• Ph.D. or equivalent international degree

Additional Qualifications (required at time of start)
• The candidate must have a minimum of 4 years of post-doctoral and/or industry experience

Preferred Qualification
• Ph.D. or equivalent international degree in Molecular Genetics, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or related discipline.
• Experience with genetic manipulation of mammalian cells using site-specific endonucleases.
• Experience with tissue culture of mammalian cell lines, iPSC-derived cultures, and primary cells relevant to genetic therapeutic development (e.g. primary hepatocytes, hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, etc.).
• Experience using high-throughput screening of reagents for genome editing efficiency.
• Experience with generation, characterization, validation, and/or use of reporter cell lines (e.g. cells bearing a fluorescent reporter cassette)
• Experience using flow cytometry analysis to detect results of genome editing assays in specific cellular sub-populations
• Experience using microscopy to assess sub-cellular localization of fluorescent reagents
• Experience with synthesis of guide RNA via in vitro transcription
• Experience with the selection and validation of guide RNA sequences for CRISPR-based genome editing
• Experience with next generation sequencing (NGS), including genomic DNA extraction, primer design for amplicon synthesis, library preparation, and sample submission
• Experience with non-viral delivery of genome editing enzymes (specifically cell-type targeted delivery of engineered CRISPR enzymes)
• Experience with analytical biochemistry of macromolecules (e.g. dynamic light scattering, analytical and preparative liquid chromatography, biolayer interferometry, etc.)

Appointment:
• This position reports directly to Professor Ross Wilson.
• The initial appointment will be at 100% time for one year with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

Salary and Benefits:
• This position provides full benefits.
• Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• This position is represented by UAW Local 5810 and covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

To Apply:

Visit: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/apply/JPF02895

Specific questions regarding the recruitment can be directed to Professor Wilson, at rosswilson@berkeley.edu

This recruitment will remain open until filled.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter - Please ensure you answer the following questions in your Cover Letter.

    Please describe your experience with genetic manipulation of mammalian cells using site-specific endonucleases. Be specific regarding the type of technology used, your role in experimental design, and how the enzyme was delivered to the cells.

    Please describe your experience with tissue culture of mammalian cell lines, iPSC-derived cultures, and/or primary cells associated with genetic therapeutic development (e.g. primary hepatocytes, hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, etc.).

    Please describe your experience with high-throughput screening of conditions, especially in a tissue-culture context. Be specific regarding the assay(s) employed (e.g. deep sequencing, flow cytometry, detection of fluorescence, viability, etc.).

    Please describe your experience with generation, characterization, validation, and/or use of reporter cell lines (e.g. cells bearing a fluorescent reporter cassette).

  • Statement on Contributions to Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Statement on your contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including information about your understanding of these topics, your record of activities to date, and your specific plans and goals for advancing equity and inclusion if hired at Berkeley (for additional information go to https://ofew.berkeley.edu/recruitment/contributions-diversity).
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 2 required (contact information only)

Job location

Berkeley, CA