Scientist, Platform Discovery

Caribou Biosciences is a leading clinical-stage CRISPR genome-editing biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing transformative therapies for patients with devastating diseases. Our next-generation genome-editing technology enables superior precision to develop cell therapies that are armored to potentially improve antitumor activity. We believe the future of cell therapy is off-the-shelf, and we are advancing our pipeline of off-the-shelf, or allogeneic, cell therapies from our CAR-T and CAR-NK platforms as readily available treatments for patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors.

Members of the Caribou herd open their minds to new ideas and welcome diverse perspectives. We proudly assert that teams do their best work when their members are personally engaged, their ideas are taken seriously, and contributions are recognized. Members of the herd work from our headquarters in Berkeley, California, or remotely.

We are seeking an immune cell Scientist to join our Platform Discovery group and contribute cutting edge ideas to power our cell therapy candidates. Working in a cross-functional and collaborative environment, you will work to develop novel strategies to enhance the cytotoxicity, proliferation, and persistence of Caribou's allogeneic cell therapy products. This work will rely on your understanding of immunology, as it relates to cancer biology, to propel ideas that will be implemented in future products. This is an opportunity for a talented scientist to drive discovery and Caribou's next-generation cell therapy programs. This on-site position at Company headquarters in Berkeley, CA will report to the Director of Platform Discovery.

Responsibilities will include:

• Working with the team to develop and advance preclinical allogeneic cell therapy programs targeting hematologic malignancies
• Designing, coordinating, executing, and analyzing in vitro and in vivo experiments
• Developing in vitro functional assays for the characterization of allogeneic cell therapy candidates
• Thinking creatively, proposing, and implementing innovative cell engineering approaches to expand Caribou's preclinical pipeline and intellectual property
• Communicating results clearly and concisely internally and externally
• Keeping accurate records of experiments and results

Qualifications:

• PhD in immunology, cell biology, cancer biology, or a closely related field
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience (postdoctoral or industry)
• Hands-on proficiency in primary immune cell isolation and culture
• Experience in planning and executing in vitro functional assays to characterize primary immune cells including, but not limited to, cytotoxicity assays, cytokine/chemokine measurements, phenotypic characterization, and proliferation assessment
• Familiarity with the development of effector-target co-culture assays
• Experience in multi-parameter flow cytometry and data analysis
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills are essential in our collaborative research environment
• Ability to develop and mentor a team of researchers
• Comfort in a fast-paced environment and ability to adjust workload based upon changing priorities

Nice-to-haves:

• Prior experience with cell therapies or other biologics
• Familiarity with immune cell signaling pathways governing immune response, proliferation, differentiation, and metabolism
• Familiarity with study design and data interpretation for in vivo testing of cell therapy efficacy in mice
• Experience designing and performing genetic engineering on cultured mammalian cells
• Work in pharmaceutical or biotechnology company focused on immuno-oncology
• Understanding of regulatory guidelines for cell therapies

Caribou compensation and benefits include:

• Comprehensive compensation package, which includes competitive salary, bonus, and equity for all employees
• Salary Range: $120,000.00 to $145,000.00 - This represents the present low and high end of the Company's pay range for this position. Actual pay will vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location, skill, experience, and performance.
• Generous paid vacation time, in addition to company-observed holidays and floating holidays
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan, which includes matching employer contributions
• Employee stock purchase program (ESPP)
• Tuition reimbursement program

The benefits and stock purchase described above are subject to the terms and conditions of any governing plans, policies, practices, agreements, or other materials or documents as in effect from time to time, including but not limited to terms and conditions regarding eligibility.

Caribou is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other basis protected by law. In addition, Caribou prohibits the harassment of any individual on any of the bases listed above or any other characteristics protected under federal, state, or local laws.

Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Caribou requires employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they have an approved medical or religious accommodation. Proof of such vaccination will be required as part of the hiring process.

For more information about Caribou, visit www.cariboubio.com and follow the company @CaribouBio.