Principal Scientist/Associate Director, Synthetic Biology

Company Summary:

Tessera Therapeutics is pioneering Gene Writing™— a new biotechnology designed to offer scientists and clinicians the ability to write small and large therapeutic messages into the genome, thereby curing diseases at their source. Gene Writing holds the potential to become a new category in genetic medicine, building upon recent breakthroughs in gene therapy and gene editing while eliminating important limitations in their reach, utilization, and efficacy. Tessera Therapeutics was founded by Flagship Pioneering, a life sciences innovation enterprise that conceives, resources, and develops first-in-category companies to transform human health and sustainability.

Position Summary:

The Synthetic Biology group is seeking a Principal Scientist/Associate Director. The role will help to lead and execute the engineering and development of novel gene editing technologies using systems biology tools in mammalian cells, directly furthering gene writers and rewriters for therapeutic deployment.  This individual will join a collaborative team and have high growth potential.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and engineering of novel gene writing systems and collaboration in the direct translation of new tools to the clinic
• Design, execute, and validate pooled screening of gene writing technologies
• Analysis, modelling, and presentation of large screening datasets
• Creative use of synthetic biology techniques to solve biological problems
• Development and implementation of complex cellular readouts and directed evolution systems
• Cross-functional collaboration and bridging, including between synthetic biology, machine learning, and computational biology
• Leading a team with multiple direct reports
• Make detailed observations, analyze, and interpret data
• Scientific presentation to diverse audiences

Basic  Qualifications:

• PhD in biological sciences or relevant field with at least 8 years of experience post-graduation
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, transfection, and transduction
• Cell biology techniques (including flow cytometry and/or immunofluorescence)
• Experience with DNA, virus, or protein library technologies
• Advanced molecular biology techniques and next generation sequencing experience
• Attention to detail, critical analysis of data, and good troubleshooting ability are required
• Strong written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills and ability to effectively work as part of a team
• Must be flexible and willing to work across multiple projects
• Quick learner and team player

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in gene editing or gene therapy technology, preferred but not limited to CRISPR
• Experience with RNA folding and/or engineering
• Experience with directed evolution techniques
• Bioinformatics
• Prior experience with automation and/or high-throughput screening

More About Flagship Pioneering

Flagship Pioneering has conceived of and created companies such as Moderna Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MRNA), Editas Medicine (NASDAQ: EDIT), Omega Therapeutics (NASDAQ: OMGA), Seres Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MCRB), and Indigo Agriculture. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has applied its unique hypothesis-driven innovation process to originate and foster more than 100 scientific ventures. In 2021, Flagship Pioneering was ranked 12th globally on Fortune’s “Change the World” list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies.

Flagship Pioneering and our ecosystem companies are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

 

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies:  Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, “FSP”) do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates.  The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering’s internal Talent Acquisition team.   Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.