Senior Engineer II, mRNA Process Development

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, optimization, and scale-up of upstream and downstream unit operations for mRNA drug substance.
• Apply Design of Experiments (DoE) and statistical analysis to systematically evaluate process parameters, improve yields, and ensure consistent product quality attributes.
• Drive the tech transfer of developed processes to internal clinical manufacturing teams or external CDMOs.
• Author clear, comprehensive technical reports, Standard Operating Procedures, batch records, and tech transfer documentation.
• Provide on-the-floor technical support and troubleshooting during scale-up and GMP manufacturing runs.
• Partner with analytical development to correlate process changes with mRNA quality attributes.
• Mentor, coach, and guide research associates and engineers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing laboratory culture.
• Represent the technical development function in cross-functional project teams and present data to senior leadership.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, or a related discipline with 2-4.5+ years of industry experience; OR Non PhD and 10-12 years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on, deep expertise in in vitro transcription (IVT) kinetics, plasmid DNA linearization.
• Extensive experience with purification techniques including Tangential Flow Filtration and various chromatography modes (e.g., Affinity, IEX, RP-HPLC).
• Experience operating automated chromatography systems (e.g., ÄKTA Avant/Pure) and filtration skids.
• Proficiency with statistical software (e.g., JMP, Minitab) for DoE design and data analysis.

Qualifications

• Core mRNA Expertise: Hands-on, deep expertise in in vitro transcription (IVT) kinetics, plasmid DNA linearization.
• Downstream Purification: Extensive experience with purification techniques including Tangential Flow Filtration and various chromatography modes (e.g., Affinity, IEX, RP-HPLC).
• Equipment Proficiency: Experience operating automated chromatography systems (e.g., ÄKTA Avant/Pure) and filtration skids.
• Data Analysis: Proficiency with statistical software (e.g., JMP, Minitab) for DoE design and data analysis.

Skills

• 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.

Benefits

The range provided is CRISPR Therapeutics’ reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount will be based on job-related and non-discriminatory factors such as experience, training, skills, and abilities.

Pay

Senior Engineer II: Base pay range of $140,000 to $150,000+ bonus, equity and benefits

Schedule

Manufacturing and lab-based positions are located fully on-site.