Senior Research Scientist I- CRISPR Screening

About the Role

We seek a highly motivated and specialized Senior Research Scientist to lead our high-throughput CRISPR screening efforts. This role is designed for a scientist with deep expertise in functional genomics, specializing in the design, execution, and analysis of pooled CRISPR screens across diverse cellular models, with a primary focus on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). You will bridge the gap between complex genetic engineering and large-scale screening, overseeing the entire screening lifecycle from custom library design to final readout via scRNA-seq, NGS, or imaging.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary architect for pooled CRISPR (knockout, activation, interference, base editing) screens, including target gene composition, gRNA library design, oversight of library cloning, virus production, and determining optimal transduction parameters in complex cell types (e.g., iPSCs, primary cells).
• Lead the maintenance, expansion, 3D culture, and high-efficiency differentiation of iPSC lines into biologically relevant models (e.g., neurons, cardiomyocytes, immune cells) for screening applications.
• Direct the development of screening protocols, optimizing "cell-to-data" workflows that integrate with automated liquid handling and high-throughput sequencing.
• Partner with internal and external investigators to translate biological questions into robust screening assays, providing expert guidance on library selection and phenotypic readouts.
• Work closely with computational biologists to interpret screening results, ensuring high-quality data generation and validating "hits" through secondary assays and arrayed validation.
• Lead and mentor a dedicated team of Research Associates, fostering a culture of scientific rigor, innovation, and career development.
• Oversee laboratory logistics for the screening pipeline, including reagent scaling (large-scale DNA and virus prep), equipment maintenance, and safety compliance.

Requirements

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioengineering, or a related field with 5+ years of postdoctoral or industry experience; OR a Master’s degree with 8+ years of specialized experience.
• Proven track record in pooled CRISPR screening, including hands-on experience with library cloning, lentiviral production, and screen execution.
• Deep familiarity with iPSC culture and differentiation protocols; experience with long-term cultures required for differentiation in 2D and 3D is highly preferred.
• Expert proficiency in molecular cloning (Gibson assembly, Golden Gate, etc.), NGS library preparation, and qPCR/ddPCR for library quantification.
• Comfortable with basic bioinformatics tools for gRNA design and initial screening data QC; ability to collaborate with data scientists for complex hits analysis.
• Familiarity with liquid handling platforms (e.g., Hamilton, Beckman, Agilent) and their integration into high-throughput screening workflows is a plus.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple screening projects simultaneously without compromising quality.
• Exceptional ability to present complex functional genomics data to stakeholders and contribute to high-impact scientific publications.

Pay

$115,000.00/yr - $161,667.00/yr (based on a 40-hour per week schedule). Actual compensation will vary based on relevant skills, experience, education, and other factors.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
• At least 13 paid holidays and winter closure.
• Paid time off.
• Parental and family care leave.
• Employee assistance program.