Scientist - Genome Editing

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a leading healthcare nonprofit organization like no other. For decades, we have been taking major steps and pioneering new ways to advance the mission to find a cure for cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives by funding research and drug development, partnering with the CF community, and advancing high-quality, specialized care.

We are the global leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis and nearly every CF drug and therapy available today was made possible because of CF Foundation support. We did this not only for the close to 40,000 people living in the U.S. with CF and the estimated 105,000 people worldwide but for the people with CF and families who have worked tirelessly to support the mission.

These achievements have required dedication and unwavering commitment from a talented team of CF Foundation employees. We promote an environment that attracts -- and retains -- a diverse group of talented people who are passionate about eradicating this disease . Join us and you will join an amazing team, devoted to our community, and our mission.

Position Description

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CF Foundation) and its employees embrace their commitment to its core values. These core values are the pillars on which the CF Foundation stand and will continue to sustain us as we move forward.

• Keep sight of what really matters: Our decisions are based on what is best for people with cystic fibrosis and their families.

• Aspire for excellence in all we do: We take pride in our work. We are committed to continuous learning and improvement.

• Stronger together: We collaborate and work together so that we can learn more and achieve more.

• Innovate with courage: We embrace challenges. We reach beyond boundaries in pursuit of our vision.

• Care about our people: We deeply care about each other and all who support our shared mission. We listen with respect. We support one another.

We are a nonprofit, donor-supported organization that has raised and invested billions of dollars to help develop cystic fibrosis therapies that have changed the lives of people with this disease. Nearly every CF medicine available today was made possible because of Foundation support.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapy lab is looking for a genome editing scientist to join our laboratory team that is involved in developing transformative genetic therapies for people with Cystic Fibrosis (pwCF). We are actively pursuing a range of therapeutic editing approaches, with a focus on edits that have the potential to treat the largest possible number of pwCF. The leading approach involves replacement of several exons of CFTR, the gene with CF-causing mutations, by inserting a super exon that allows with one therapeutic approach correction of many different pathogenic variants while maintaining endogenous gene regulation. The gene editing team is also engaged in multiple collaborations using gene editing to engineer new cell lines for internal and external use.

This position requires hands-on gene editing experience in transformed and primary human cell models, and collaborative skills to translate to animal models and clinical efforts. To drive multiple approaches that involve point mutations as well as large DNA elements, we are particularly interested in candidates with experience in large gene insertion with CRISPR/Cas systems, recombinases, integrases or other emerging approaches. A broad understanding of editing enzymes and/or transposases and their delivery to experimental models, sequence design for gene editing, and the molecular and genomic tools to evaluate delivery efficiency and specificity is required.

The genome editing scientist will join a team of several experienced scientists evaluating genetic elements to include in super exons for CFTR, approaches for experimental delivery of editing components, and development of CF cell models by editing specific mutations, reporters, and other tools into immortalized and iPS cell lines as well as primary cells. Through collaboration with stem cell biology, genomics and electrophysiology teams, the genome editing team is also contributing to measurement of functional consequences of genome editing and evaluation of delivery vehicles for clinical application. The CFFT Lab is involved in a wide range of academic and industry collaborations, and there is opportunity to participate in these efforts and to initiate new collaborations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and coordinate research efforts.

• Manage and participate in the completion and accuracy of critical lab work.

• Proactively propose the development of new and improved protocols and models in support of internal and external projects.

• Work independently and as part of the team.

• Intellectually contribute to presentations, posters, and lab meetings through written materials and figure production.

• With some direction from supervisor, determine best approach for presenting research findings to internal and external stakeholders.

• Coordinate tasks across multiple projects, demonstrating prioritization and planning.

• Participate in group meetings for discussion of data and suggested next steps.

• Maintain detailed records of the work carried out (electronic lab notebook).

• Prepare and present results at internal and external meetings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ph.D. required with a minimum of two (2) additional years of experience in the development and execution of biological laboratory procedures or a Masters in Biological Science or related field and a minimum of ten (10) years of laboratory experience.

• Excellent communication (verbal and written), collaboration, problem-solving skills.

• Strong time management and organization skills, including the ability to handle multiple tasks, prioritize and keep organized to ensure timely and accurate work.

• Excellent attention to detail.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a part of a team.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports to the Senior Research Fellow.

• More experienced candidates may take on people-management responsibilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Commute to lab every workday.

• Occasional weekend work to maintain experimental continuity.

• Research lab with chemical and biological hazards present.

• Must have access to reliable transportation.

• Use of computer required.

• Must be able to work from home when road conditions do not permit travel to workplace.

• Sitting, bending, reaching, and walking.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements.

This position will be posted for a minimum of 5 days or until the position is filled. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply promptly if interested.

Total Rewards: The CF Foundation is committed to offering competitive compensation (base pay and incentive), benefits, and professional development opportunities that maximize our ability to recruit, retain, reward, and motivate a highly qualified and diverse workforce. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; a holistic well-being program; health savings and flexible spending accounts; employer-provided life and disability insurance; retirement savings benefits; and a variety of work-life benefits to support employees and their family members. In addition, the CF Foundation offers full-time employees 20 days of vacation and 10 days of sick per year, prorated based on hire date, as well as 14 paid holidays, 2 personal days, and a variety of generous leave benefits. Visit our Why Work at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation page to learn more.

The CF Foundation is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to being an employer of choice, not just a good place to work, but a great and inclusive place to work. We strive to recruit and maintain a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, physical or mental disability, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or testing, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran or any characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable Accommodations: The CF Foundation is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or would like to request an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at HROps@cff.org.