Senior Scientist, Analytical Sciences & Structural Biology - 2393

At Editas Medicine, we are focused on translating the power and potential of the CRISPR/Cas9 and CRISPR/Cas12a genome editing systems into transformative, durable, precision medicines. We are looking for talented, dedicated, passionate people to join our team and help us deliver on the promise of therapeutic gene editing. We place a strong emphasis on working as a team to apply innovative approaches to solve challenging problems.

The Editas Analytical Sciences & Structural Biology team in Boulder, Colorado focuses on three key areas. The first is fundamental research aimed at driving the design of the next generation of therapies. The second is process development on declared lead guide RNAs (gRNAs) to enable a streamlined path to manufacturing. The third is the manufacture of high-quality gRNAs to support internal clinical programs and those of our collaborators.

This new role on the Analytical Sciences & Structural Biology team in Boulder provides a unique opportunity to contribute to Editas’ efforts through developing methodologies to characterize structure/function relationships in CRISPR nucleases, including how chemical changes to the guide RNAs affect efficacy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Refine and improve methods for in vitro transcription, purification, and characterization of mRNA
• Develop biochemical and biophysical approaches to understand the structure/function relationships for gRNAs in CRISPR nucleases, including affinity and off-rates, specificity, enzyme kinetics, conformation and dynamics
• Interact closely with key Research and CMC Teams at Editas to develop analytical characterization methods and solve key technical problems related to gRNA, ribonucleoprotein (RNP) and mRNA

• Author and review technical protocols and reports and maintain an ELN

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related field, 3+ years of experience in the pharma/biotechnology industry
• Experience with in vitro transcription, purification, and characterization of mRNA or similar technologies
• Significant experience with biophysical characterization of macromolecules, and extensive knowledge of electrophoretic, spectroscopic and chromatographic methodologies
• Track record of scientific publications
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task, problem-solve, prioritize assignments, and adjust priorities to meet goals in a fast-paced environment
• Strong verbal, written and communication skills, including scientific presentations

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience with measurement of macromolecular affinities, thermodynamics, kinetics, and specificity
• Experience with macromolecular separations

• Experience with in vitro transcription

• Knowledge of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technologies

• Experience with gel electrophoresis and imaging techniques as a method of macromolecular characterization

• Experience with spectroscopic characterization techniques: crystallography, fluorescence, mass spectrometry, NMR, etc.

Benefits

Benefits Summary:

Editas provides a comprehensive array of benefits to all employees, including a Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO Medical Plan, a company-funded Health Savings Account, Dental and Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Dependent Care Account, Tuition Reimbursement, 401(k) plan with company match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Employee Assistance Plan, Wellness Programs, and a flexible Paid Time Off policy.