Senior Manager/Associate Director, Genome Engineering
Colossal Biosciences
The Senior Manager/Associate Director of the Genome Engineering Team will utilize current genome engineering tools as well as innovate on novel approaches to manipulate mammalian genomes for the purpose of species conservation. The team lead will assess employed methodologies and protocols on a weekly basis, synchronize and collaborate with team members and technical leads in Dallas. They will help set strategies to increase gene editing efficiencies and workflows, optimize team operations, oversee new experimental designs, review experimental results, and monitor progress across the genome engineering team. This position reports directly to the Director of Cell Engineering Production to help achieve key milestones for multiple concurrent projects across programs.
**This position is based on-site in Dallas, TX. Relocation assistance is available.**
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Strategize on the design, development, and testing of multiplex genome engineering tools in mammalian cells to expedite multiple programs in parallel
- Oversee the construction, quality control, and high-throughput screening of CRISPR libraries to identify candidate gRNAs for targeted gene modifications, ensuring robust data analysis and validation
- Integrate team efforts on collaborative projects with other key stake holders
- Contribute to the company’s platform and portfolio, while delivering on project milestones
- Oversee the development of innovative synthetic biology platforms and optimize genome editing approaches in non-model mammalian organisms
- Implement cell screening and editing efficiency assays for quality assurance of gene editing tools used in non-model organisms
- Mentor team members to support their professional development while meeting project deliverables and timelines
- Assess efficiency of genome engineering tools through functional cellular assays and NGS sequencing approaches
- Define project deliverables and realistic timelines with technical leads
- Lead lab meetings, prepares reports and presentations on the progress of projects
- Synchronizes frequently with the team and cross departmental stake holders to track progress, trouble-shoot and propose efficient changes to experimental plans
- Report progress, chokepoints and solutions to the Director and executive management
- Maintain exceptional organizational skills and meticulous laboratory record-keeping
Required Skills and Abilities:
- Expert knowledge of mammalian genome engineering tools (CRISPR, including CRISPRa/CRISPRi, Base and Prime Editing), cell culture, transfection and electroporation methodologies
- Expertise in CRISPR library construction, quality control (e.g., next-generation sequencing, barcode validation), and high-throughput screening data analysis (e.g., using MAGeCK, CRISPR-Analyzer) to identify candidate gRNAs for gene editing applications.
- Previous experience with delivery of a variety of gene-editing tools into mammalian cells
- Expertise in molecular biology, cloning techniques, qPCR and flow cytometry
- Expertise in assembling large DNA constructs and novel targeting approaches
- Experience with mRNA synthesis and delivery
- Expertise with NGS library preparation, sequencing and data analysis
- Strong written and oral communication skills, with creative analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Experience using project management platforms to track multiple projects to deliver on time and on budget
- Demonstrated ability to mentor scientists and lead high-performing teams
- Thrives in a fast-paced startup environment and fosters teamwork
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
- Strong emotional intelligence and passion for building relationships across all levels of an organization.
- Ability to function well in a growth-oriented, dynamic environment
Education and Experience:
- PhD in biological sciences, genetics, molecular or synthetic biology, or a related field
- 5+ years of post-graduate hands-on expertise using mammalian gene editing systems
- 2+ years experience leading a team of at least 3-5 scientists in a biotech environment
What Colossal Offers You:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Unlimited PTO and company holidays so you can rest and recharge
- Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
- Company matched 401k retirement plan
- Paid parental leave up to 12 weeks
- Education reimbursement
- An opportunity to help us return the Earth to a healthier state
The team at Colossal is committed, colorful, passionate, intelligent, collaborative, creative, experienced, scientific and world-class. That sounds like a lot to fit into one building. That’s why we are spread out in several locations that include laboratories, test facilities, academic institutions, libraries and offices.
Through it all, however, we maintain a culture of positivity, hope, happiness and belief that we’re doing something big. Something Colossal.
Colossal is proud to be an equal employment opportunity workplace. We welcome people from all backgrounds as well as celebrate and support diversity. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment of mutual respect that is free from discrimination and harassment so everyone can thrive.
Search Firm Representatives: Colossal does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms. No fees will be paid for a hired candidate where no pre-existing agreement is in place. We handle most recruitment in-house.
Colossal is proud to be named a Best Place to Work by BuiltIn for 3 years in a row across multiple categories in 2023, 2024, and 2025:
- #1 on the 50 Best Startups to Work For in Dallas in 2023!
- 100 Best Midsize Places to Work in Dallas in 2024 & 2025
- 100 Best Places to Work in Dallas, TX (All Size Employers) in 2024 & 2025
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