Scientist II, LNP

Job Description:

Company Overview

Founded over a decade ago, CRISPR Therapeutics is a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on developing transformative gene-based medicines for serious human diseases. The Company has evolved from a pioneering research-stage organization into an industry leader, marking a historic milestone with the approval of CASGEVY® (exagamglogene autotemcel [exa-cel]), the world’s first CRISPR-based therapy, approved for eligible patients with sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia. CRISPR Therapeutics is advancing a broad and diversified pipeline across hemoglobinopathies, cardiovascular, autoimmune, oncology, regenerative medicine and rare diseases. The Company continues to expand its leadership in gene editing through the development of SyNTase editing, a novel and proprietary gene-editing platform designed to enable precise, efficient, and scalable gene correction. To accelerate and expand its impact, CRISPR Therapeutics has established strategic collaborations with leading biopharmaceutical partners, including Vertex Pharmaceuticals. CRISPR Therapeutics AG is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, with its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc., and R&D operations based in Boston, Massachusetts and San Francisco, California.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist II to join our LNP team. This is a critical, hands-on laboratory role focused on the design, development, and characterization of novel nanoparticle delivery systems.

The ideal candidate will have experience in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) design, formulation and characterization, with proven experience in designing novel solutions for encapsulation of different nucleic acid payloads (such as mRNA, siRNA, etc.). Experience in the space of target delivery or extra-hepatic delivery strategies is highly desirable. You will be part of a team responsible for driving the development of our delivery platform, from initial concept and screening through in vivo proof of concept studies.

Responsibilities

• Design, formulate and optimize novel lipid nanoparticle (LNP) compositions through different production methods and scale.
• Perform comprehensive analytical characterization of nanoparticles including but not limited to size, zeta potential, morphology, payload and lipid quantification, encapsulation efficiency, etc.
• Develop and execute bioconjugation strategies to functionalize LNP surfaces with targeting ligands of different sizes or nature.
• Analyze, interpret and present complex experimental data clearly and concisely at team and company meetings.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to design and execute experiments that evaluate formulation performance, toxicity, and efficacy.
• Stay current with scientific literature, troubleshoot technical challenges, and proactively evaluate new technologies to improve our delivery platform.
• Maintain meticulous and accurate electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN) and contribute to technical reports and regulatory filings.
• Collaborate with IP counsels to support CRISPR Therapeutics patent applications and prosecutions

Minimum Qualifications

• Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field with PhD with 2-5 years of relevant experience or postdoctoral experience or non-PhD with 10-12+ years of relevant experience
• Deep, hands-on experience in the formulation of lipid nanoparticles or similar non-viral delivery systems.
• Demonstrated experience with encapsulating nucleic acids and associated analytical techniques.
• Experience with bioconjugation chemistry and protein modification and purification.
• Proficiency in nanoparticle characterization techniques.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to design experiments independently.
• Excellent communication skills and a highly collaborative, team-oriented mindset.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of LNP process development, scale-up and stability testing.
• Experience with HPLC/UPLC for lipid and payload analysis.
• Familiar with in vivo models for evaluating drug delivery systems.
• Experience working in a fast-paced biotech or pharmaceutical industry environment.
• Understanding of Design of Experiments (DoE) principles

Competencies

• Collaborative – Openness, One Team
• Undaunted – Fearless, Can-do attitude
• Results Orientation – Delivering progress toward our mission. Sense of urgency in solving problems.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit – Proactive. Ownership mindset.

Due to the nature of their work, our manufacturing and lab-based positions are located fully on-site. 

Scientist II: Base pay range of $130,000 to $140,000+ bonus, equity and benefits

The range provided is CRISPR Therapeutics’ reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount will be based on job-related and non-discriminatory factors such as experience, training, skills, and abilities.

CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any characteristic protected under applicable law.

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