Scientist - Epigenomics

Scientist – Epigenomics

Company Overview

GC Therapeutics is the first genome-wide cell landscape exploration company using an integrated synthetic biology and AI-driven platform for cell programming. Its patent-pending and proprietary pluripotent stem cell differentiation technology platform TFome™ was developed in Professor George Church’s lab, a pioneer in synthetic biology, and allows for the development of unique cell therapies with significantly streamlined manufacturing, improved cell quality, efficiency and speed. GC Therapeutics is based in Cambridge, MA. For additional information, please visit www.gc-tx.com.

Job Purpose

GC Therapeutics is seeking an industry-leading Scientist in genomics and epigenomics, with prior biotech or pharma industry experience strongly preferred, to help deliver cell therapies to patients. This role focuses on characterizing and evaluating cell fate and lineage identity of iPSC-derived cell products using a genomics/epigenomics perspective, e.g. using genome-wide techniques and next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in epigenetics, developmental biology, next-generation sequencing, and assay development, and a track record of advancing methods at the cutting edge of the field. The role demands experimental design and hands-on work with cell culture and library preparation in an all-in wet lab environment, alongside strategic project planning and cross-functional collaboration to accelerate therapeutic development.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Characterize cell products using genomics/epigenomics approaches by designing, generating and analyzing genome-scale datasets.
• Establish, optimize, develop, and perform library preparation for next-generation sequencing applications (e.g. ATAC-seq, Cut&Run, Cut&Tag, single-cell RNA-seq).
• Analyze and interpret next-generation sequencing datasets with support from the computational biology team.
• Culture and maintain iPSC lines and relevant primary cells, including preparation of media, passaging, cryopreservation, and routine quality assessments.
• Design, execute and optimize differentiation workflows using principles of synthetic biology, genomics and stem cell biology.
• Develop, establish and run molecular, phenotypic and functional assays to characterize differentiated cell populations (e.g. flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy and other relevant readouts).
• Perform, analyze and interpret experimental data, ensuring comprehensive documentation of methodologies and outcomes.
• Maintain a detailed laboratory journal, summarize results, and create presentations for meetings.
• Maintain accurate and complete records, ensuring compliance with documentation management systems.
• Collaborate effectively across the GC Therapeutics team to achieve strategic goals.

General Laboratory Roles:

• Responsible for experimental design, data generation, analysis, and communication of results to supervisor and team members.
• Provide scientific and technical guidance to junior staff, collaborators, or contract research organizations for defined projects.
• Maintain organized and detailed laboratory journal, summarize results, and create presentations for internal group meetings.
• Stay current on relevant scientific literature, emerging technologies, and advancements in the field.
• Exemplify scientific curiosity and deep expertise with relevant literature and cutting-edge technologies to advance research directions.
• Work with other members of the research team and within GCTx to accomplish company goals.
• Follow all safe laboratory practices and company policies.

Experimental Techniques:

Molecular Biology:

• Establish and optimize library preparation protocols for next-generation sequencing, including:
• Transcriptomics analysis (e.g. single cell RNA-sequencing)
• Epigenomics analysis (e.g. ATAC-seq)
• Targeted protein-DNA binding analysis (e.g. Cut&Run)
• Characterize target cell types using next-generation sequencing methods (e.g. ATAC-seq, Cut&Run, bulk and single cell RNA-seq) and other genomic techniques.

Cellular Biology:

• Perform cell engineering on iPSCs to screen factors for synthetic biology-based differentiation.
• Optimize iPSC-derived differentiation for therapeutic cell products.
• Establish and perform assays including flow cytometry, ELISA, ICC, cell-based assays and microscopy.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree in stem cell biology, cell biology, bioengineering, biochemistry, or related discipline and 5 years of laboratory work experience in academia or industry, with a strong publication record in epigenomics, genomics, or developmental biology.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a biotech, pharma, or industry research setting, with demonstrated ability to advance projects under therapeutic-development timelines and milestones.
• Strong hands-on expertise with next-generation sequencing library preparation, especially for epigenomic methods such as ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, and Cut&Run.
• Experience in the analysis and interpretation of next-generation sequencing datasets. Knowledge of standard computational analysis pipelines for epigenomic datasets.
• Deep knowledge of development biology and the interplay between cell fate and epigenetics.
• Expertise in cell culture, particularly for iPSCs.
• Proven experience in cell-based assay development and molecular biology laboratory techniques.
• Strong work ethic with the ability to perform tasks independently and lead junior staff effectively.
• Proficient in analysis, presentation, and documentation of scientific data and scientific reports.
• Effective communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong project management and organizational skills and ability to prioritize and multitask.
• Enthusiasm for an all-in wet lab environment — approximately 75% hands-on lab work, including occasional weekend hours.

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in genome editing or high throughput genetic library screening.
• Proven track record and strong publications in stem cell or developmental biology.
• Knowledge of Python and R.

Pay Range: $110,000 - $130,000

(This range reflects the base salary only and does not include additional compensation such as annual bonus and equity awards, which are part of the total compensation package.)

Disclosure Statement: The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

At GC Therapeutics, our generous competitive benefits package also include generous PTO, paid holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Life and Disability Insurance and transportation subsidy.

Equal Opportunity Workplace: GC Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and existing employees without regard to ancestry, national origin, place of birth, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, service in the military or otherwise to the full extent of all federal, state and local laws. GC Therapeutics’ equal employment opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of recruiting, hiring, placement, training, compensation, transfer, leave of absence, employment, promotion, layoff and termination of employment.