Research Associate, Genome Engineering

The Genome Engineering Research Associate will support base editing efforts across cASH species programs by executing experiments, assisting with guide and reagent preparation, and maintaining high-quality documentation. This role requires hands-on experience in genome editing and molecular biology, with a particular interest in base-editing methods (ABE/CBE). The RA will work closely with the Base Editing Manager to carry out established workflows, optimize protocols, and generate high-quality data for downstream applications in species restoration programs.

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

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Base Editing Experimental Support (60%)

  • Execute base editing experiments (ABE, CBE) under the direction of the Base Editing Manager.
  • Assist with design and preparation of guides, plasmids, and other base-editing components.
  • Perform transfections, cell culture tasks, nucleic acid extractions, and editing outcome assays.
  • Support optimization of workflow parameters to improve editing efficiency and specificity.
  • Help implement new editor variants, delivery strategies, or emerging techniques as directed.

• Data Collection & Documentation (20%)

  • Maintain accurate, timely, and complete records in the Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN).
  • Document protocols, troubleshooting notes, results, and reagent information consistently.
  • Support preparation of summary reports and data packages for internal review.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration (10%)

  • Work closely with genome engineers in GET to ensure coordinated execution of experiments.
  • Provide experimental support for projects involving PRIME editing, large construct engineering, or multimodal editing approaches when needed.
  • Communicate results and progress clearly to the Base Editing Manager and project leads.

• Laboratory Operations Support (10%)

  • Maintain organized reagent inventories, cell line records, and shared equipment relevant to base editing workflows.
  • Assist with ordering materials and preparing common reagents for the team.
  • Participate in routine lab maintenance and compliance with safety standards.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Hands-on experience with genome editing (CRISPR, ABE/CBE, or similar technologies)
• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to documentation
• Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioengineering, or related field

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