Senior Research Associate, Cell Engineering

The Senior Research Associate helps to design and execute cellular and molecular-based experimental studies. This individual will primarily work with cell models and genetic engineering pipelines critical to de-extinction. The candidate will be a part of an innovative and collaborative multidisciplinary team. This position contributes to a fast-paced and dynamic program and reports to the Associate Species Director.

This position will be based on-site in Dallas, TX. Relocation assistance is available

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Cell culture and processing of cell lines from non-model mammalian organisms
• Work with senior lab members to optimize cell culture conditions, cell derivation protocols, and cellular differentiation techniques
• Work with senior lab members to develop cellular functional assays
• Work with senior lab members to design, develop and test multiplex genome engineering tools in mammalian cells
• Support team cell-based operations
• Plasmid cloning and preparation
• Attend lab meetings, prepare progress reports and presentations
• Great organizational skills and excellent laboratory record maintenance

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent aseptic technique
• Strong experience with mammalian cell culture techniques
• Strong expertise in molecular cloning techniques including PCR, Golden Gate cloning, Gibson assembly, nucleic acid extraction, and gel electrophoresis
• Experience with FACS, flow cytometry, immunostaining, confocal microscopy
• Experience with sequence analysis software

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in biological sciences, cell biology, bioengineering, molecular biology, genetics, or any science related field.
• 3 or more years of hands-on academic research experience or industry experience is required

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.

EEO is the Law

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

Built In 2025 Award Lists

Great Place to Work Certification Page

Most Loved Workplace Certification Page - Proud to be certified as a most loved workplace including: most loved CEO, most loved workplaces for LGBTQ+, most loved workplaces for women, and most loved workplaces for young professionals.

Newsweek's Most Loved Workplaces 2024 Award List - Excited to be amongst the winners of Newsweek's 2024 Most Loved Workplaces!