Scientist I/II, Preclinical Translational Science
Location: On-site, Salt Lake City, Utah
Job Type: Full-time
About Seek Labs
At Seek Labs, global health is our barometer of progress. We believe strong science comes from thoughtful experimentation, collaboration, accountability and careful execution. Our team values curiosity, sound judgement, shared learning, and ownership of both the work and its outcomes.
Role Summary
Seek Labs is seeking a Scientist I/II, Preclinical Translational Science to advance preclinical programs for RNA-targeting CRISPR therapeutics. This role sits at the interface of in vitro assay execution, molecular biology, pharmacology, and externally managed in vivo studies.
The successful candidate will generate high-quality in vitro data packages, support translational readiness assessments, and contribute to the design and management of CRO-based in vivo studies toward IND-enabling milestones. Seek Labs does not conduct in vivo studies in-house; this role requires strong study design skills, CRO oversight, data analysis with clear interpretation to facilitate actionable Go/No-Go decisions. This position is well suited to a scientist who combines technical execution with sound judgment, bias-for-action and the tenacity to move complex preclinical work to completion.
Key Responsibilities
In Vitro Biology and Translational Assays
- Design, execute, and optimize cell-based assays to assess efficacy, knockdown, and mechanism of action for RNA-targeting CRISPR constructs across infectious disease and oncology programs.
- Establish and maintain relevant primary cell models and immortalized cell lines aligned with clinical target biology.
- Develop and run functional assays for efficacy and safety-related readouts, including reporter systems, RT-qPCR, Western blot, ELISA, flow cytometry, viability assays and other in vitro methodologies.
- Execute BSL-2 viral infection and challenge assays in relevant cell-based models.
- Standardize assays for CRIPSR activity across MOI ranges and dose-response conditions; and biologically relevant parameters.
- Design and clone plasmid constructs for mammalian protein and RNA expression, including Cas expression vectors, multiplexed guide RNA cassettes, and reporter constructs; verify construct integrity using sequencing and functional readouts.
- Troubleshoot assay variability , identify root causes, and implement practical solutions.
- Collaborate with Delivery Sciences to connect formulation attributes with functional efficacy and tolerability data.
Preclinical Study Design and CRO Interface
- Design external in vivo protocols for efficacy, biodistribution, PK, and tolerability;
- Translate in vitro findings into testable in vivo hypotheses with stage-appropriate, endpoints. Identify and help qualify CROs and academic collaborators for relevant in vivo studies.
- Own study documents: including protocols, SOPs, data transfer specifications, and readout requirements.
- Manage CRO interactions track study progress, flag deviations, and support data interpretation.
- Integrate in vivo outcomes with in vitro data to inform go/no-go decisions and IND-enabling study plans.
Data Analysis and Reporting
- Analyze preclinical datasets and distinguish signal variability and technical limitations.
- Prepare decision-ready summaries with clear confidence levels, risks, gaps, and next-step recommendations.
- Communicate results, risks, and recommendations in team meetings and program reviews.
- Maintain complete, reproducible ELN records and organized data packages for cross-functional use.
Required Qualifications
- PhD, MS, or BS in molecular biology, cell biology, pharmacology, biochemistry, virology, immunology, or a related biomedical science.
- Relevant lab experience post degree:
- Scientist I: PhD with 0+ year, or MS with 7+ years.
- Scientist II: PhD with 2+ years, or MS with 9+ years.
- Hands-on mammalian cell culture experience, including primary cells, cell lines or co-culture models.
- Experience with BSL-2 viral assays or related infectious disease model systems.
- Practical molecular biology skills, including plasmid design cloning, mammalian expression systems and construct verification.
- Experience with standard cloning strategies such as Gibson assembly, restriction-ligation, or site-directed mutagenesis).
- Proficiency with functional assays such as RT-qPCR, Western blot, ELISA, flow cytometry, reporter assays, or viability assays.
- Experience designing, managing, or interpreting externally conducted in vivo preclinical studies. .
- Working knowledge of PK/PD principles and biomarker selection relevant to nucleic acid, gene therapy, or related therapeutic modalities.
- Demonstrated ability to critically evaluate ambiguous preclinical datasets and translate findings into clear program recommendations.
- Strong documentation, scientific communication, and data interpretation skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong foundation in molecular biology, gene expression regulation, RNA biology, and nucleic acid biochemistry.
- Experience with RNA therapeutics, CRISPR-based therapeutics, ASOs, siRNA, or related nucleic acid modalities.
- Experience with IND-enabling endpoints such as ADME, tissue biodistribution, histopathology, tolerability or toxicology-supporting study design.
- Experience with in silico tools for off-target prediction, sequence analysis, guide design or RNA structure modeling.
- Experience managing multiple programs in a cross-functional biotechnology R&D environment.
- Familiarity with viral, oncology, immune, or tissue-specific disease models.
Attributes for Success
The attributes below define what success looks like in this role.
Tenacity
Drives assay campaigns, CRO studies, and data packages to completion despite experimental variability, timeline pressure or external delays.
Discernment
Evaluates data honestly, recognizes when results need replication, and distinguishes meaningful signals from noise.
Owner's Mindset
Takes responsibility for preclinical data quality, study design, CRO outputs, and translational logic.
Scientific Judgment
Makes clear recommendations using available data, while identifying uncertainty and key gaps.
Enablement
Anticipates program needs, raises risks early, and brings practical options to the team for productive collaboration. .
Multiplier Impact
Improves program quality through rigorous study management, reproducible datasets, and clear communication.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Seek Labs is an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse perspectives and are committed to building a collaborative, inclusive environment where strong science, thoughtful execution, and shared accountability drive meaningful impact.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- designing constructs expressing proteins and RNA: 1 year (Required)
- CRISPR-Cas construct design: 1 year (Preferred)
- Mammalian cell culture: 2 years (Required)
- BSL2 lab: 1 year (Required)
Work Location: In person
