Sr./Scientist, Genomics & Genotoxicity

Be Biopharma is looking to hire a (Senior) Scientist with a focus on Genomics and Genotoxicity. We are looking for highly motivated, experienced, and innovative thinkers to join our growing team of passionate researchers to leverage B cells as a novel class of cellular medicine.

Role & Responsibilities:

• Assess the safety of genome engineering strategies in primary human B cells
• Characterize the on- and off-target editing profiles of CRISPR sgRNAs using in silico, cellular, and biochemical NGS-based discovery and validation assays, and nominate candidate molecules for clinical use
• Profile genome translocations using unidirectional sequencing and ddPCR
• Evaluate editing outcomes using long-read sequencing
• Work collaboratively with members of the Cell Engineering and Program Teams to define appropriate program-specific engineering strategies and reagents
• Robustly characterize the genome integrity of engineered B cell products and compile data package for regulatory filings
• The position involves hands-on molecular biology work, and will require the applicant to draw on diverse knowledge and experience to design and execute experiments in the laboratory
• Coordinate sample production and shipments, and oversee assays conducted externally at CROs

Minimum Experience, Education, and Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

Must thrive in a fast-paced, growing, and innovative environment where flexibility, resourcefulness, resiliency, and communication skills are key. Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to develop important relationships with your stakeholders, and being an all around good company citizen are essential.

• PhD in Genomics, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering or a related field
• 3+ years of directly applicable experience in the pharma or biotech industry desired, or an academic group focused on genome engineering of primary immune cells (title commensurate with experience)
• Demonstrated record of scientific achievement (strong publication and/or patent record)
• Extensive hands-on experience with all aspects of NGS-based assays from library preparation to data analysis
• Expert knowledge of Illumina NGS technology; ability to operate Illumina MiSeq instrument desired
• Expertise in targeted amplicon sequencing, rhAmpSeq, long range PCR, and ddPCR
• Familiarity with Oxford Nanopore sequencing
• Computational biology skills strongly preferred
• Solid understanding of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology
• Experience in the detection and quantification of on-target and off-target gene editing as well as translocation events using NGS-based approaches is desired (for example via GUIDE-Seq, DISCOVER-Seq, SITE-Seq, CIRCLE- or CHANGE-Seq, Digenome-Seq, and unidirectional seqeuncing)
• Proven ability to independently establish and troubleshoot in vitro assays and molecular biology techniques
• Ability to work productively with external partners and CROs
• Scientific creativity, critical thinking, and ability to innovate
• Enthusiastic and motivated with a positive can-do attitude and demonstrated problem-solving skills
• Enjoys working collaboratively in a team with excellent communication and presentation skills