Career Opportunities in the Foresite Capital Network

What if you could repair broken genes? That is the question we ask ourselves at Editas Medicine. We’re focused on translating the power and potential of the CRISPR/Cas9 and CRISPR/Cpf1 (also known as Cas12a) genome editing systems into a robust pipeline of medicines for people living with serious diseases around the world. Our goal is to discover, develop, manufacture, and commercialize transformative, durable, precision genomic medicines for many diseases. We’re looking for talented, dedicated, passionate people to join our team and help us pioneer this field and do big, bold things that have never been achieved before. Are you full of hope, possibilities, and a belief that, working together, we can truly revolutionize the development of medicines to help patients around the world? If the answer is yes, then Editas Medicine is the place for you.

Position Summary

Editas is seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Associate to join our Platform Technology group. In this role, you will help develop cellular assays, and lead the development and deployment of lab automation solutions for research, clinical development, and manufacturing applications. You will work with other scientific and project teams to adapt, scaleup, test and standardize key assays and processes in both research and clinical development, having a direct impact on the newest genomic medical advancements.

An ideal candidate should have a strong background in scaling up cellular, biochemical and NGS assays using a wide range of laboratory automation. This includes liquid handling robots, such as the Biomek I7, acoustic liquid transfer, such as the Echo and automated sample storage systems, such as the Hamilton SAM. The candidate will also coordinate instrument repair and yearly maintenance contracts with the facilities team.

The position will report to the Director of Next Generation Sequencing. The individual will be working with cross-functional teams, including the Technology Platform and the Advanced Technologies Group, and will require creativity and flexibility to build durable automated processes to scale up complex biological systems.

You should be able to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team and have excellent written and verbal communication skills with a capacity for creativity and innovation to achieve company goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and build automated workflows based on assay specific needs.
• Scale up high-throughput cell-based and biochemical assays in 96 and 384 well formats by writing automated liquid handling methods and making use of bulk dispensers.
• Drive innovation as a key resource and technology expert. Explore new areas of lab technology with a forward-looking mindset to improve efficiencies and facilitate discovery.
• Collaborate with members of the QA and Clinical Engineering teams to document instrument qualification and process validation
• Author SOPs for automated methods and train colleagues on proper use and execution of these methods.
• Collaborate with members of the Informatics team to build LIMS tools to support assay automation, sample tracking, and data collection in and ELN system.
• Troubleshoot software errors and equipment malfunctions. Manage maintenance and ensure equipment PMs and calibrations are kept up to date.
• Manage automation labware consumable supplies and ensue key consumables are protected from backorder delays.
• Have familiarity with gene editing, cell culture and molecular biology techniques.

• B.S. in cell biology, or related field with 3+ years of relevant experience in industry; or
• M.S. in cell or molecular biology with 1+ of relevant experience in industry

Preferred Skills

• Desire to learn new techniques and share expertise with colleagues
• Independently motivated, detail oriented, excellent troubleshooting and problem solver
• Outstanding organizational skills and ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and excels in a team environment

Benefits Summary:

Editas provides a comprehensive array of benefits to all employees, including a Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO Medical Plan, a company-funded Health Savings Account, Dental and Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Dependent Care Account, Tuition Reimbursement, 401(k) plan with company match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Employee Assistance Plan, Wellness Programs, and a flexible Paid Time Off policy.