Cell Biology Lead - CRISPR Cures Technology Core

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Departmental Overview The Innovative Genomics Institute is a joint effort between the Bay Area's leading scientific research institutions, UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco, with affiliates at UC Davis, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Gladstone Institutes, and other institutions. The IGI’s diverse group of leading scientists conduct world‑class research, driving the real possibility of using genome engineering to treat human diseases, end hunger, and respond to climate change.

In addition to our scientific efforts, the IGI is committed to advancing public understanding of genome engineering, providing resources for the broader community, and guiding the ethical use of these technologies.

Position Summary Reporting to the Director of the Biohub‑IGI Center for Pediatric CRISPR Cures, the SRA3 performs experimental work that advances CRISPR‑based approaches to treat inborn errors of immunity toward first‑in‑human clinical trials. The SRA3 is responsible for the design, prosecution, and analysis of experiments assessing the potency, specificity, and biological activity of candidate therapeutic gene‑editor compositions.

Application Review Date 5/29/2026

• Perform experiments in primary and transformed human cells to assess gene editor efficacy, optimal cell husbandry, and downstream analytics.
• Perform experiments to assess gene editor safety, including optimization of dose–response conditions and deployment of phenotyping assays.
• Assess gene editing outcomes using established cell‑ and nucleic‑acid‑based analytical pipelines such as NGS, ddPCR, and RT‑qPCR.
• Design, develop, and prosecute novel analytical procedures to address agency feedback and reduce assays to operational practice.
• Supervise junior personnel in prosecution of efficacy/safety/analytical studies and provide operational guidance on wet‑lab and analytical procedures.
• Prepare and present summaries of experiments performed and resulting data at project team meetings.
• Act as the lead technical writer on study reports for regulatory submissions to the FDA CBER.

• Extensive hands‑on experience with mammalian tissue culture, including primary/stem cells.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with nucleic‑acid‑based assays in the gene editing space (qPCR, NGS, ddPCR).
• Robust experience with cell phenotyping assays in the gene editing space (FACS, microscopy).
• Extensive experience with visualization, analysis, and presentation of results in the gene editing space.
• Bachelor of Science in Biology, MCB, BioE, or equivalent experience/training.

• Direct experience working in a cross‑functional team setting developing a gene‑editing‑based therapeutic for a Mendelian disease, cancer, or infectious disease indication.
• Experience with de novo development and optimization of analytical assays in the cell/gene therapy space.
• Experience with laboratory automation for high‑throughput execution of cell/molecular biological assays.

This is an exempt monthly‑paid position. This is a full‑time (40 hours/week) career position eligible for full UC benefits.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

To apply, submit your resume and cover letter.