Caribou Biosciences

Caribou Biosciences, Inc. is a leading clinical-stage CRISPR genome editing biotechnology company located in Berkeley, CA. Caribou's tools and technologies provide transformative capabilities to therapeutic development and the company is advancing an internal pipeline of genome-edited cell therapies for various oncology indications. Caribou was founded in 2011 by CRISPR pioneers including Nobel Prize winner Jennifer Doudna, PhD, Martin Jinek, PhD, and Rachel Haurwitz, PhD, our President and CEO. The company has developed a next-generation CRISPR genome editing technology platform and has a leading intellectual property position.

 

At Caribou, every employee is valued for their unique perspective, background, and diversity. Every person on the Caribou team contributes to problem solving and innovation. The Company’s vision is to advance agile genome editing innovations for the benefit of our communities

 

We are seeking a Scientist/Senior Scientist to join our Stem Cell Therapeutics Group.  As part of a highly collaborative, supportive, and friendly team, you will interact closely with other Scientists and Research Associates to drive discovery and development of Caribou’s first iPSC derived NK cell therapy product. You’ll apply your expertise in stem cell biology and immunology to solve the challenge of evaluating how closely iPSC derived NK cells resemble primary NK cells in both phenotype and function, and how to manipulate the differentiation process to produce desirable phenotypes in our NK cell product. You will do this by evaluating CAR construct designs in an NK cell line, as a quick assessment of function, later assessing CAR function into a more complex iPSC derived model.  This is a wonderful opportunity to develop next-generation therapies and advance them into the clinic while growing with a team who are generous with their time, always willing to give advice to help with challenging experiments, and who are there to celebrate your wins.

 

Responsibilities:

• hiPSC/hESC culture, handling and gene editing
• Differentiation of pluripotent stem cells to NK cells
• Analysis, characterization and functional assessment of differentiated NK cells and their intermediates
• Primary NK cell culture and expansion
• Immune cell-based functional assays
• Development of solid tumor models
• Manage Research Associate(s) within the team
• Coordinate experiments with other Scientists and RAs across functional groups, compile data and present results and stay current on relevant primary literature

 

Qualifications: 

• PhD or equivalent experience in (Stem) Cell biology, Immunology, Biomedical Sciences
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in a biotech or pharmaceutical company
• Experience working with iPSCs
• Understanding of NK cell differentiation/development
• Hands on experience with immune cell assays
• Broad expertise in mammalian cell culture techniques
• Competency in flow cytometry / fluorescence activated cell sorting
• Proficiency in basic molecular biology techniques
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability to work independently, as well as to collaborate with peers and work effectively in a fast-paced team-oriented environment
• Strong organizational, time management, communication and interpersonal skills

 

Nice-to-have (but not required):

• Experience with hematopoietic differentiation of pluripotent stem cells
• Application of genome editing technologies
• Generation of clonal iPSC lines
• Experience with lab automation

Caribou Biosciences, Inc. is a dynamic start-up biotechnology company, and the successful candidate should have a passion for science and a desire to work in a collaborative environment. Caribou promotes a culture in which employees are respected and valued for hard work, innovation, personal initiative, and teamwork.  

 

Caribou compensation and benefits:

• Comprehensive compensation package including stock options
• Generous paid vacation time in addition to Company-observed holidays
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan including matching employer contributions
• Tuition reimbursement program

 

Caribou is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other basis protected by law. In addition, Caribou prohibits the harassment of any individual on any of the bases listed above or any other characteristics protected under federal, state, or local laws.  Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. 

 

Caribou is on Twitter. Follow the Company @CaribouBio.