"Assistant/Associate Project Scientist - Therapeutic Genome Editor - Innovative Genomics Institute"

Position Overview

Position title: Assistant or Associate Project Scientist

Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table for the current salary scale: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2025-26/represented-july-2025-scales/t37-b.pdf. The current full-time base salary range for this position is $76,700 - $102,500. 'Off scale' salaries are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: Late fall 2025

Position duration: One year with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funds

Position Description

The Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) is a multidisciplinary research institution focused on genome engineering and potential applications in agriculture, microbiology and biomedicine. It is a joint venture between UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco, with administrative operations located on the Berkeley campus.

The IGI is seeking a highly motivated Assistant or Associate Project Scientist to perform research on molecular systems enabling the tissue-targeted therapeutic delivery of genome editing reagents. This work will be performed as part of a team at UC Berkeley, centered in the laboratory of Ross Wilson, IGI Scientific Director of Therapeutic Delivery.

Specific research activities will involve generation of novel editing and delivery strategies supporting development of CRISPR-based genetic therapies for diseases of the blood. Major tasks will include project design, molecular design and cloning, genome editing assays in tissue culture and using animal models, evaluation of editing outcomes, and assessment of phenotypic outcomes in animal studies.

The Project Scientist will collaborate with IGI investigators at UCB, UCSF, and other affiliated universities to advance the delivery of genome editing for therapeutic use. They will guide genome editing efforts of one or more research technicians and/or postdoctoral scholars, and report directly to Ross Wilson.

Duties include:

• Design and optimize editing and delivery strategies to address diseases of the blood.
• Conception of novel genome editing formulations for targeted CRISPR delivery (e.g., to target hematopoietic stem cells and/or immune cells).
• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo assays to evaluate candidate strategies for editing and delivery.
• Obtain consistent and reliable data, maintaining electronic lab notebook (ELN) records.
• Manage multiple projects and tasks in parallel to meet program-based milestones.
• Train one or more postdoctoral researchers and/or technicians.
• Collaborate with principal investigators, postdocs, and students at partner universities and provide input to their research teams.
• Design and develop useful and practical intellectual property.
• Contribute to high-quality, high-impact publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Attend scientific and technical conferences to discuss accomplishments at the IGI and establish relationships with other leaders in the field.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications: PhD, MD, or equivalent international degree.

Additional qualifications: At least two years post-PhD research experience.

Preferred qualifications: Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree in biological, medical, or biomedical discipline. Ability and willingness to travel occasionally. Experience designing, executing, and completing projects to meet milestones. Experience leading development of novel candidate genetic therapies addressing blood disease. Experience with CAR-T cell therapy, especially via CRISPR-based engineering. Experience with tissue culture of cells relevant to bioengineering and/or genetic therapeutic development. Experience with culture of primary human cells related to blood disease (e.g., immune cells and/or hematopoietic stem cells). Experience developing in vitro assays to validate and quantify editor activity. Experience with DNA and RNA NGS platforms to validate in vivo genome editing. Experience with droplet digital PCR for assessment of genome editing outcomes. The ability to mentor and guide other team members in protein engineering and purification techniques. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with, work with, and maintain external collaborations with a diverse group of researchers.

Application Requirements: Document requirements include Curriculum Vitae, Cover Letter, and Research Statement. Reference requirements: 3 required (contact information only). Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05106.