Sr. Research Associate/(Sr.) Associate Scientist, Synthetic Biology

ShapeTX is pioneering the field of programmable RNA medicines to repair the genetic causes of diseases. By merging innovations in AI and RNA technology to generate and analyze hundreds of billions of therapeutic possibilities, ShapeTX is developing breakthroughs in RNA editing, next-generation AAVs, and disruptive gene therapy manufacturing. The ShapeTX platform enables pharma innovators to design treatments across a wide range of diseases, including rare genetic disorders as well as debilitating conditions, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and many more. You can find us at shapetx.com and on LinkedIn and Twitter.

At ShapeTX, we are a dynamic team of professionals who are dedicated and passionate about making cures a reality. Through diversity of thought, scientific knowledge, professional rigor and focus we are merging cutting-edge science with extensive drug development expertise to unlock cures to many debilitating diseases.

Shape Therapeutics is headquartered in Seattle, Washington with a satellite site in Boston, Massachusetts.

Position Overview

Shape Therapeutics is looking for a Senior Research Associate / Associate Scientist / Senior Associate Scientist with a background in molecular biology and mammalian cell culture to join our Technology Development team at our satellite lab in Boston, MA (Seaport district). In this position, the successful candidate will advance technology development across multiple gene therapy platforms, including our revolutionary TruStableTM cell line for AAV production. This role will employ a synthetic biology approach along with laboratory automation and gene pathway analysis to further enhance AAV manufacturing. At a minimum, the candidate must have experience in plasmid cloning and culturing cell lines. The ideal candidate will have experience in cell line engineering (CRISPR / Cas9 and beyond), AAV production, and next-generation sequencing. Attention to detail and interest in learning new cutting-edge techniques is essential.

ShapeTX has developed a suite of technology platforms that broadly enable programmable RNA medicine for diseases with high unmet need. However, one current limitation shared by many gene therapy endeavors is the efficient manufacture of large-scale clinical doses of potent purified AAV. Our TruStableTM cell line platform aims to overcome industry manufacturing challenges by making the AAV production process faster and more cost-effective. Come join the team and have a tangible impact on the development of novel gene therapy platforms and products for treating human disease!

Shape Therapeutics to Showcase RNA Editing in the Brain and Validation of their Stable AAV Producer Cell Line at ASGCT 2024

What You'll Do

• Genetically engineer immortalized mammalian cell lines and characterize quantitative and qualitative improvements to AAV production, including: gene synthesis and plasmid cloning; genome engineering; mammalian cell culture and transfection; monitor cell growth and viability; flow cytometry; viral titration; next-generation sequencing.

• Design and plan well-controlled experiments. Seek opportunities to innovate and improve our current protocols and workflows. Troubleshoot as needed to find creative solutions.

• Assist with lab operations as needed (setting up new lab space, consumables ordering, equipment maintenance) and generally being a good lab citizen.

• Support and collaborate on multiple projects in a fast-paced startup environment, working across teams at ShapeTx.

• Interpret and communicate results to team members to drive key decisions and future experiments.

What you Bring

• B.S. degree in a relevant scientific discipline with 4+ years of experience in a laboratory setting, or an M.S. with 2+ years experience in a laboratory setting.

• Experience with molecular biology techniques: DNA / RNA purification; PCR amplification and sequencing; plasmid design and cloning.

• Experience with mammalian cell culture and transfection, particularly cell line engineering using CRISPR/Cas9 nucleases, base editors, integrases, transposons, or viral transduction.

• Preferred experience in production of Adeno-Associated Virus vectors for gene therapy.

• Preferred experience in next-generation sequencing, droplet digital PCR, automated liquid handling, flow cytometry staining, and/or single-cell cloning.

• Attention to detail, meticulous sterile technique, diligent record-keeping, organization, and time management

• An interest in technology development, learning new techniques, and inventing novel methods.

Compensation & Benefits

ShapeTX offers a robust benefits package, including but not limited to: Medical, Dental and Vision coverage for employees and their eligible dependents. We provide eligible employees with 12 paid Holidays plus a one week winter break at year end. We are proud to offer a competitive paid parental leave benefit, an annual employee stipend for employees to use however they choose, a Flex Paid Time Off program (allowing flexible PTO for vacation, sick leave, and other purposes) and Company paid Long Term Disability. Employees are eligible to enroll in our Company's voluntary 401k plan, voluntary Life/AD&D and Voluntary FSA's.

The salary ranges are as follows:

Senior Research Associate: $72,000-$98,000

Associate Scientist: $82,000-$110,000

Sr. Associate Scientist: $92,000-$124,000

The hired applicant's placement within the range is based on qualifications and professional experience. Additional compensation may include annual target bonus and/or sign-on bonus, equity grant, and relocation bonus.

We aspire to Shape Life! not only through our science, but also through our commitment to foster an inclusive environment that supports diverse perspectives and experiences.

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