Caribou Biosciences is a leading clinical-stage CRISPR genome-editing biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing transformative therapies for patients with devastating diseases. Our next-generation genome-editing technology enables superior precision to develop cell therapies that are armored to potentially improve antitumor activity. We believe the future of cell therapy is off-the-shelf, and we are advancing our pipeline of off-the-shelf, or allogeneic, cell therapies from our CAR-T and CAR-NK platforms as readily available treatments for patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. 

Members of the Caribou herd open their minds to new ideas and welcome diverse perspectives. We proudly assert that teams do their best work when their members are personally engaged, their ideas are taken seriously, and contributions are recognized. Members of the herd work from our headquarters in Berkeley, California, or remotely. 

We are seeking a goal-oriented Research Associate to help us propel the preclinical discovery and development of CAR-T cell therapy candidates. Using collaborative teamwork and your winning spirit, you will work closely and cross-functionally with other researchers on cutting-edge technologies to deliver on impactful research projects that we believe will ultimately positively impact the lives of patients. This role will be based in our laboratories in Berkeley, CA.   

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: 

  • Maintain and expand various cell lines including media preparation, passaging, and cryopreservation  
  • Engineer cell lines using techniques such as CRISPR systems or lentiviral transduction, including clonal dilutions and characterization of the cell lines engineered by flow cytometry or other appropriate techniques  
  • Perform isolation, activation, and expansion of primary human T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells  
  • Gene editing and manipulation of primary cells using nucleofection and viral transduction  
  • Execute various functional assays to assess T cell activity, including cytotoxicity assays, proliferation assays, and cytokine production assays  
  • Design and implement multi-color flow cytometry panels for cell phenotyping  
  • Proficiently operate flow cytometry instrumentation and perform data analysis using Forecyt and FlowJo software  
  • Ensure proper planning and execution of experiments, adhering to timelines and project objectives  
  • Analyze assay results, interpret findings accurately, and effectively present them in internal lab meetings and one-on-one discussions  
  • Maintain precise documentation of experimental procedures and outcomes and maintain an up-to-date electronic laboratory notebook 
  • Contribute to routine lab maintenance activities, including reagent inventory management/purchase, and lab organization  
  • Ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols and procedures 

 

Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, or equivalent experience in Cell Biology, Immunology or related discipline  
  • 2-5 years of experience working in industry research operations performing cell-based assays  
  • Experience in mammalian (primary) cell culture techniques and competency in multi-color flow cytometry 
  • Strong understanding of basic laboratory techniques relevant to cell culture and T cell product assessment, and other applicable methodologies  
  • Familiarity with cell biology and immunology concepts  
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment, with excellent organizational and time management skills  
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to troubleshoot experimental procedures  
  • Proficiency in data analysis software such as FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, and Microsoft Office suite, along with familiarity with laboratory safety procedures and practices 
  • Must be able to work on site in Berkeley, and start work by 9:15am Monday - Friday 
  • Willingness and ability to share occasional weekend cell culture duties 

 

Nice-to-haves: 

  • Prior experience with CAR-T cells 
  • CRISPR 
  • In-vivo model development 
  • Cell sorting 

 

Working conditions: 

80% of time working in lab performing experiments or for handling cell culture, 20% of time in an office setting, performing analyses, updating electronic laboratory notebook, or preparing presentations/reports on experimental findings. 

 

Caribou compensation and benefits include: 

  • Comprehensive compensation package, which includes competitive salary, bonus, and equity for all employees 
  • San Francisco Bay Area Salary Range: $75,000 - $105,000 - This represents the present low and high end of the Company’s pay range for this position. Actual pay will vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location, skill, experience, and performance.
  • Generous paid vacation time, in addition to company-observed holidays and floating holidays
  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan, which includes matching employer contributions
  • Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)
  • Tuition reimbursement program 

 

The benefits and stock purchase described above are subject to the terms and conditions of any governing plans, policies, practices, agreements, or other materials or documents as in effect from time to time, including but not limited to terms and conditions regarding eligibility. 

Caribou is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on 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 United States 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. 

For more information, please visit www.cariboubio.com. Caribou is on Twitter. Follow the Company @CaribouBio. 

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