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.

The Company is seeking a Senior Scientist/Director/Senior Director who will participate in directing and planning research focusing on CRISPR technology development. This lead role will have an impact on advancing and expanding the company's genome-editing technologies for cell therapy product development. The candidate will have a strong background in CRISPR science and a proven record of pioneering technology and developing methods. In addition to proposing and implementing research projects in a team environment, the candidate will make critical go/no-go decisions regarding these projects. This is an exciting and fast-paced position that will lead to new patents, journal publications, and scientific presentations to internal and external groups. Most importantly these new technology developments will be shared with the Caribou team and used to improve our cell therapy products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a team of researchers to develop novel CRISPR technologies and methodologies
• Propose, compare, and decide amongst innovative approaches to develop CRISPR-based tools based on the needs of the company and gene editing field
• Design, implement, and functionally characterize CRISPR-based tools for mammalian genome editing
• Deploy developed technologies to researchers throughout the company
• Collaborate with other Caribou scientists to perform and analyze mammalian genome editing experiments
• Communicate results clearly and concisely, internally and externally
• Keep accurate records of experiments and results
• Work with our legal group to develop patent applications
• Mentor junior group members

Candidate must possess:

• PhD in biology, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a closely related field
• Minimum 2 years of relevant industry experience or other experience after postdoc; potentially MS or BS with significant knowledge and experience
• Extensive experience with CRISPR genome-editing tools and method development
• Excellent molecular biology skills and knowledge
• Strong background in protein and DNA structure and function
• Strong background in cell-based genome editing
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Strong desire to work on early-stage technology development, implementing creative thinking to expand Caribou’s genome-editing toolkit and patent portfolio

Additional positives:

• Experience with Design of Experiment (DOE) methodologies
• Experience performing protein mutagenesis and evolution
• Experience with multiple modes of vector delivery (e.g., Lipid nanoparticle, AAV, nucleofection, etc.)
• Familiarity with molecular visualization software (e.g., Pymol, CCP4, Chimera, etc.)
• Experience with Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies
• Experience with cell culture of iPSCs and primary T cells
• Work in academic, pharmaceutical or biotechnology company focused on genome editing tool development

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.