Scientist II, Discovery & Platform Innovation
Job description
About the role
This role advances Prime Editing innovation within Platform Technology & Innovation. The position designs and builds next generation therapeutic editing systems. It partners across functions to move discoveries toward patient impact. The hire will formulate and execute experiments that de-risk novel pegRNA designs, protein architectures, and delivery modalities. They will own the end to end translation of platform improvements from initial concept through robust in vitro validation. This role will define critical quality attributes and performance metrics for next generation Prime Editing systems. The position will document findings rigorously to support internal decisions and external collaborations. Success in this role will be measured by the generation of data that unlock new therapeutic programs and strengthen the platform.
Key facts
What you'll do
Formulate editing strategies, pegRNA designs, protein constructs, and mRNA formats to maximize efficiency, precision, and desired phenotypic outcomes for therapeutic programs.
Establish and refine Prime Editing workflows for new targets by first testing approaches in vitro before advancing them to living systems.
Extract meaningful insights from experimental results by conducting controlled studies that examine how Prime Editing components interact and perform.
Monitor genome editing literature and emerging technologies to identify innovations and partnerships that strengthen Prime Medicine's platforms.
Perform deep analysis of editing outcomes using biochemical and biophysical assays to guide rational design iterations.
Design and run multiplexed experiments that test variables in delivery, timing, and cellular context to optimize editing windows.
Collaborate with computational and bioinformatics teams to integrate data into predictive models for pegRNA and protein optimization.
Translate genetic medicine technologies from in vitro systems into in vivo models using non-viral delivery such as LNP or viral delivery such as AAV.
Work with human biology and animal models of disease as they relate to therapeutic development.
Communicate complex findings clearly to diverse audiences and maintain a strong publication and presentation record in the broader scientific community.
Provide direction to research associates, interns, or co-op students and collaborate with external CROs while operating in a lean, matrixed team structure.
Support the generation of high quality datasets that feed into internal reviews, grant submissions, and regulatory discussions.
Champion best practices in data integrity, experimental reproducibility, and transparent documentation across the team.
Identify bottlenecks in existing workflows and propose technically sound solutions that accelerate project timelines.
Requirements
Hold a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, RNA Biology, Chemical Biology, or a closely related field.
Bring an additional 2+ years of relevant postdoctoral and/or drug discovery research experience to the role.
Demonstrate deep hands-on expertise in genome editing, prime editing, pegRNA design and screening, molecular biology, cell culture, and next-generation sequencing.
Operate effectively in collaborative, cross-functional research environments while driving individual workstreams autonomously.
Apply computational tools or AI/ML approaches to protein engineering or pegRNA sequence design and optimization where relevant.
Translate genetic medicine technologies from in vitro systems into in vivo models using non-viral delivery such as LNP or viral delivery such as AAV.
Work with human biology and animal models of disease as they relate to therapeutic development.
Communicate complex findings clearly to diverse audiences and maintain a strong publication and presentation record in the broader scientific community.
Practical notes
This role is based in Cambridge, MA. Typical interview steps
Research interviews usually include a presentation of past work, a technical discussion, and sometimes a research proposal exercise. Candidates may be asked to design a study or critique a method. Depth of understanding is tested more than speed. Interviewers often ask you to present your past work in depth. Being ready to defend every methodological choice is the core preparation.
Good to know
The role blends discovery science with translational experiments and cross-functional collaboration.
Work spans in vitro and in vivo models, including non-viral and viral delivery methods.
The position contributes to publications, patents, and external scientific presence.
Questions to ask
Useful questions for the interview: what a typical week looks like, how work is assigned, what tools the team uses, and how feedback works. Asking how the role has changed recently and what the team wishes it had known when joining is also reasonable. Questions about the manager's priorities are especially valued.
Career growth
Research careers grow from junior researcher to senior scientist, principal, and lab or research director roles. Some people move into applied research and product work. Publication record or demonstrable impact drives progression, depending on the setting. Research careers reward a strong publication or delivery record. Applied research roles value impact on products as much as novelty.