Scientist, Developmental Phenotype Engineer
Colossal Biosciences
The Scientist will focus on genotype-to-phenotype (G2P) engineering design, testing, and interpretation of biological systems that connect genetic variation to observable traits. Leveraging their expertise in cellular biology, in vivo systems, and developmental biology, they will work closely with bioinformaticians to identify phenotype-relevant genetic pathways and variants and test the effect of those variants in animal models, embryonic tissue, and cell models. This role involves a balance of hands-on experimental work and strategic oversight, with shared responsibility alongside the manager for G2P validation efforts.
**This position is based on-site in Dallas, TX. Relocation assistance is available**
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Design and execute experiments to characterize G2P relationships in vivo (organismal) and/or in vitro (cellular) systems
- Contribute to both high-throughput screening assays and hypothesis-driven experimental studies
- Collaborate cross-functionally to iterate between computational predictions and experimental validation
- Serve as a key scientific contributor and stakeholder in advancing G2P programs
- Strategically oversee experimental animal models generated by the team.
- Stage, sample, and manipulate fetal and embryonic tissues and structures.
- Work closely with the bioinformatics team to identify genetic variants of interest.
- Contribute to, and be responsible for, documentation, reports, presentations and publications associated with work.
- Develop and optimize wet-lab multi-omics workflows, including bulk, single-cell, and spatial gene expression and chromatin conformation, state, and accessibility assays.
- Process, image, and analyze embryos of various stages using techniques such as fluorescent microscopy, whole mount skeletal staining and morphometrics.
Required Skills and Abilities
- Mandatory, hands-on experience with in vivo models.
- Excellent track record of scientific ownership, having been the primary driver of a research project.
- Hands-on experience with research in associating genomic and/or epigenomic function with a phenotype of interest.
- Demonstrated success in establishing any causal link between genotype and phenotype or iterate any gene function, as a primary project stakeholder.
- Experience operating large-scale genetic screening platforms (e.g. CRISPR screen, MPRA), in vivo or in vitro.
- Analytical and creative thinker with excellent problem-solving skills.
- Ability to clearly document, interpret, and communicate complex biological findings.
- Practiced interpersonal and critical thinking skills.
- Strong collaboration skills and commitment to team-based science.
- Strong working knowledge of research methodology and study design; hypothesis testing; qualitative and quantitative data interpretation and application.
Education and Experience
- Ph.D. in Biology, Developmental Biology, Genetics, Functional Genomics, Molecular Biology, or related field.
- 1 or more years of industry experience (or equivalent postdoctoral experience).
What Colossal Offers Full-Time Employees:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Excellent paid time off and company holidays so you can rest and recharge
- Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
- Company matched 401k retirement plan
- Paid parental leave at 100% salary for 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 4 years in a row across multiple categories in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026:
- #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, and 2026.
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