Scientist/Senior Scientist, Technology Development

Caribou Biosciences is a leading clinical-stage CRISPR genome-editing biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing transformative therapies for patients with devastating diseases. Our next-generation genome-editing technology enables superior precision to develop cell therapies that are armored to potentially improve activity against diseases. We believe the future of cell therapy is off-the-shelf, and we are advancing our pipeline of off-the-shelf, or allogeneic, cell therapies from our CAR-T cell therapy platform as readily available treatments for patients with hematologic malignancies and autoimmune diseases.

Members of the Caribou herd open their minds to new ideas and welcome diverse perspectives. We proudly assert that teams do their best work when their members are personally engaged, their ideas are taken seriously, and contributions are recognized. Members of the herd work from our headquarters in Berkeley, California, or remotely.

As a result of exciting developments both with Caribou’s internal pipeline programs and with the addition of a significant new external partnership, we have multiple early-stage projects focused on the preclinical discovery and development of CAR-T cell therapy candidates and in vivo CRISPR therapeutics. We are seeking a Scientist/Senior Scientist to join our Technology Development group. Working in a collaborative and dynamic environment, you will lead research efforts to develop and optimize in vivo CRISPR platforms for therapeutic applications. This is an opportunity for a talented scientist to drive discovery and Caribou’s next-generation CRISPR therapy programs.

Responsibilities include:

• Design and Develop Genome Editing Strategies: Lead the design and optimization of CRISPR-based genome editing tools for in vivo applications, focusing on precision, efficiency, and safety
• In Vivo Model Development: Establish and utilize relevant animal models to evaluate the performance of CRISPR systems in various tissues and disease contexts
• Delivery System Optimization: Develop and test innovative delivery systems, such as lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) or viral vectors, to ensure effective and targeted delivery of CRISPR components to desired tissues
• Data Analysis and Interpretation: Perform genomic and transcriptomic analyses (e.g., NGS, qPCR, ddPCR) to assess on-target and off-target editing outcomes, integration events, and gene expression changes
• Collaboration and Leadership: Provide scientific guidance to junior team members, foster collaboration across interdisciplinary teams, and manage external research partnerships as needed
• Project Management: Drive projects from conceptualization through execution, ensuring alignment with company timelines and goals

Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Neuroscience or a related field
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience (postdoctoral or industry)
• Hands-on experience with in vivo models (e.g., mouse, rat, or non-human primates), including study design, execution, and analysis
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including cloning, PCR, and NGS library preparation
• Experience in planning and executing in vitro functional assays
• Proven track record of problem solving and the ability to adapt and integrate new technologies into existing projects
• Highly organized with excellent communication and critical thinking skills. Self-motivated with a strong collaborative mindset
• Ability to develop and mentor a team of researchers
• Comfort in a fast-paced environment and ability to adjust workload based upon changing priorities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a detail-oriented mindset
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work both independently and in a team-oriented environment
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for conveying complex scientific concepts
• Innovative mindset with a passion for advancing genome editing technologies

Desired experience:

• Familiarity with delivery technologies such as AAV and LNP in animal models
• Mouse genetics and transgenic animal model generation
• Experience with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) platforms
• Experience in multi-parameter flow cytometry and data analysis
• Familiarity with immune cell signaling pathways governing immune response, proliferation, differentiation, and metabolism
• Experience designing and performing genetic engineering on cultured mammalian cells
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and preclinical study design for therapeutic development

Caribou compensation and benefits include:

• Comprehensive compensation package, which includes competitive salary, bonus, and equity for all employees
• Salary Range: $135,000 to $165,000 - This represents the present low and high end of the Company’s pay range for this position. Actual pay will vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location, skill, experience, and performance.
• Generous paid vacation time, in addition to company-observed holidays and floating holidays
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan, which includes matching employer contributions
• Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)
• Tuition reimbursement program

The benefits and stock purchase described above are subject to the terms and conditions of any governing plans, policies, practices, agreements, or other materials or documents as in effect from time to time, including but not limited to terms and conditions regarding eligibility.

Caribou is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other basis protected by law. In addition, Caribou prohibits the harassment of any individual on any of the bases listed above or any other characteristics protected under federal, state, or local laws.

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

We do not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from staffing agencies. All agencies must have a valid written agreement with Caribou Biosciences, Inc.for service in place. Any resume or candidate submitted by a staffing agency without such an agreement in place will be considered unsolicited, and Caribou Biosciences, Inc.  will not be obligated to pay any referral or placement fee.

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