Research Associate, Genome Engineering

About the role

An affiliate of Colossal is seeking a Research Associate with expertise in synthetic biology, large-scale genome engineering, and species conservation/de-extinction. The ideal candidate will contribute to the development of innovative tools and methodologies for engineering various cell types and manipulating large DNA fragments and genomes.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, development, and testing of multiplex genome engineering tools in mammalian cells
• Perform routine molecular biology workflows, including plasmid DNA preparation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and gel analysis
• Generate high-throughput assays for the buildout of gene editing workflows
• Assist with general lab operations, such as inventory management, preparation of common stocks, and basic equipment maintenance
• Assess efficiency of genome editing through Sanger/NGS sequencing approaches
• Attend lab meetings, prepare progress reports, and presentations

Requirements

• Hands-on experience in molecular biology (nucleic acid and protein extraction, gel electrophoresis) and cloning techniques (restriction enzyme-based cloning, Gibson assembly)
• Preferred experience with PCR and flow cytometry
• Preferred experience with sequence analysis software (e.g., SnapGene, Geneious)
• Strong written and oral communication skills, as well as creative problem-solving skills
• Preferred familiarity with electronic lab notebooks (ELN) and laboratory inventory management systems
• Preferred experience with mammalian cell culture

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biological sciences, bioengineering, molecular biology, genetics, or any science-related field
• Prior hands-on research experience in academia or industry is highly desirable

Skills

• Hands-on experience in molecular biology (nucleic acid and protein extraction, gel electrophoresis) and cloning techniques (restriction enzyme-based cloning, Gibson assembly)
• Preferred experience with PCR and flow cytometry
• Preferred experience with sequence analysis software (e.g., SnapGene, Geneious)
• Strong written and oral communication skills, as well as creative problem-solving skills
• Preferred familiarity with electronic lab notebooks (ELN) and laboratory inventory management systems

Benefits

• Full-time employees receive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Excellent paid time off and company holidays
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Company matched 401k retirement plan
• Paid parental leave at 100% salary for up to 12 weeks
• Opportunity to help return the Earth to a healthier state

What Colossal Offers

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Excellent paid time off and company holidays
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Company matched 401k retirement plan
• Paid parental leave at 100% salary for up to 12 weeks
• Opportunity to help return the Earth to a healthier state

Colossal Culture

• A positive, hopeful, and happy work environment
• A commitment to diversity and inclusion
• A focus on mutual respect and equality
• A supportive and collaborative team

Colossal Values

• Positive
• Hopeful
• Happy
• Belief in making a big difference

Colossal Commitment

• To provide an inclusive environment
• To maintain a culture of positivity, hope, happiness, and belief in our mission

Colossal Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to providing an inclusive environment of mutual respect and equality. We welcome people from all backgrounds and celebrate and support diversity.

Search Firm Representatives

Colossal does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms. No fees will be paid for a hired candidate where no pre-existing agreement is in place. We handle most recruitment in-house.

Colossal Recognition

• Nominated as a Best Place to Work by BuiltIn for 4 years in a row across multiple categories in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026
• #1 on the 50 Best Startups to Work For in Dallas in 2023!
• 100 Best Midsize Places to Work in Dallas in 2024 & 2025
• 100 Best Places to Work in Dallas, TX (All Size Employers) in 2024, 2025, and 2026
• Newsweek's Most Loved Workplaces 2024 Award List