Principal Scientist, Cell Engineering (Cell Fate)

Overview
A biotechnology organization is seeking a highly motivated and accomplished scientist with deep expertise in transcription factor-guided cell fate engineering to lead a new initiative focused on accelerating iPSC differentiation into germline fates. The role centers on applying RNA-based and transcription factor-driven strategies to enhance differentiation efficiency and fidelity.

This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership role with significant ownership. The successful candidate will begin by working in the lab with a small team and quickly transition into managing direct reports while driving innovation and execution. The position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about translating rigorous science into real-world applications.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead transcription factor and gene perturbation projects, emphasizing RNA-based, non-integrative approaches.
• Develop a strategic framework for applying clinically viable gene modulation techniques to accelerate differentiation across multiple pipeline areas.
• Build, manage, and mentor a team of scientists and research associates.
• Innovate in non-integrative gene expression systems (e.g., mRNA, circRNA, CRISPRa/dCas9), with a focus on adapting these technologies to high-throughput screening.
• Develop and implement pooled transcription factor/gene screening approaches (e.g., TFome, ORF libraries).
• Integrate computational and machine learning-guided pipelines (e.g., ATAC-seq, DNase-seq, RNA-seq-based predictions) into experimental design.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Synthetic Biology, Developmental Biology, Stem Cell Biology, RNA Biology, or a related discipline.
• Strong publication record demonstrating impact in cell fate engineering, transcription factor biology, stem cell or developmental biology, or RNA biology.
• Hands-on experience with transcription factor-guided differentiation and gene perturbation techniques.
• Proven ability to design and execute high-throughput genetic or RNA-based screens.
• Expertise in non-integrative gene modulation tools (e.g., mRNA, circRNA, CRISPRa/dCas9).
• Familiarity with computational or machine learning approaches for transcription factor or target discovery, either through direct work or collaborations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in academic or industry settings.
• Strong desire to work in a fast-paced, high-ownership environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with pooled ORF/TFome libraries, combinatorial transcription factor perturbation, or barcoded screening workflows.
• Background in integrating chromatin accessibility data (e.g., ATAC-seq, DNase-seq) or transcriptomics into transcription factor discovery.
• Prior experience managing small teams in academic or industry settings.