Research Associate II, CRISPR-X - 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 Research Associate II to support the design, development, and optimization of novel lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations to advance our non-viral delivery platform for hepatic and extra-hepatic tissues, and enable next-generation genome editing therapies from discovery through clinical translation.

The ideal candidate will bring hands-on expertise in LNP formulation development, scale-up, analytical characterization, chemistry, and process development, with a strong passion for innovation in nucleic acid delivery technologies. This individual will join the dynamic, fast-growing, and highly collaborative CRISPR-X division and contribute to both platform technology innovation and preclinical therapeutic programs.

In this role, the candidate will work cross-functionally to develop and characterize advanced delivery systems for emerging editing modalities, helping drive transformative gene editing therapies toward patients with unmet medical needs.

Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, characterize, and execute lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations across a diverse range of lipid compositions and therapeutic payloads with minimal supervision.
• Apply hands-on expertise in LNP analytical characterization techniques, including RiboGreen assays, DLS, NanoFCM, NTA, TFF, endotoxin testing, and HPLC, as well as molecular biology methods such as DNA/RNA extraction, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, PCR, and Western blotting.
• Generate high-quality, reproducible datasets and maintain accurate, detailed experimental documentation in electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs).
• Perform mammalian cell culture and support in vitro studies, including transient transfection and electroporation in established cell lines. Collaborate cross-functionally with process development, analytical, and in vivo teams to support reproducible manufacturing processes and advance programs toward clinical development.
• Contribute to platform innovation by investigating LNP mechanisms of action to improve delivery efficiency, therapeutic potency, and formulation stability.
• Present experimental results, technical findings, and project updates to cross-functional teams and broader organizational audiences.
• Effectively manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced, highly collaborative research environment.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• BS or MS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Relevant industry or academic research experience:
• Research Associate II: 2-5 years with a bachelor’s degree or 0-2 years of relevant experience with a master’s degree
• Hands-on experience in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation and analytical characterization for nucleic acid and targeted delivery applications.
• Strong understanding of drug delivery systems and gene editing therapeutics.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a fast-paced, results-driven, and collaborative research environment.
• Highly organized with strong scientific rigor, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-throughput formulation screening and knowledge of microfluidic mixing process.
• Prior experience of ionizable lipid design, bioconjugation, and process development preferred.
• Prior experience with scale-up and large-scale manufacturability development of LNPs.
• Understanding of RNA engineering, molecular biology, and hands-on experience of maintaining cells and performing in vitro transfection.
  
  

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.

Research Associate II: Base pay range of $85,000 to $92,000 discretionary 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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