RA Capital

Summary: Typewriter Therapeutics, Inc., Japan (Typewriter TX Japan GK) repurposes a class of genetic elements from various natural genomes and aims to develop an all-RNA-mediated gene writing platform via nonviral delivery to address unmet therapeutic needs. We are seeking a dedicated scientist to join our growing team and work on this new frontier technology in genome engineering. Reporting to the Sr./Principal Scientist, this scientist will join a collaborative and fun team. She/he is expected to be skilled in molecular and cell biology techniques and contribute to a rigorous scientific tone for our group. Prior experiences in primary human cells (such as primary human hepatocytes) are desired. The successful applicant will have high growth potential in a fast-paced startup environment and make crucial contributions to new genome engineering tool development and next-generation human therapeutics. Key Responsibilities- Execute in vitro studies relevant to biological laboratory work (tissue culture, FACS, ELISA, activity assays, in vitro transcription (IVT), PCR and other molecular analytics) for internal programs- Play a central role in generating key data for evaluating gene writing efficiency and mechanism of action for in vitro studies- Design specific constructs, execute assays and identify paths for constant optimization for higher efficacy in primary human cells- Make detailed observations, analyze, and interpret data- Present routinely to diverse audiences including internal research team and other internal/external stakeholders- Be a highly collaborative and energetic team player and a self-directed learner with a keen interest in focused, fast-paced research Qualifications- BS 8+ or MS 5+ or PhD 1+ years of experience in biological sciences or relevant life sciences-related field- Molecular biology techniques (e.g., nucleic acid extraction, PCR, in vitro transcription)- Cell biology techniques including cell culture, transfection, transduction and flow cytometry- Attention to detail, critical analysis of data, and good troubleshooting ability- Strong written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills and ability to effectively work as part of a team- Flexible and willing to work across multiple projects- Keep an accurate, comprehensible lab notebook in accordance with company policy- Maintain lab equipment and supplies as needed; maintain a safe and organized lab bench- Quick learner and team player; demonstrate good organizational behavior Preferred Qualifications- Experience in gene editing or gene therapy technologies (including CRISPR and PRIME editing)- Experience culturing various primary cells; hepatocyte experience is a plus- Broad experience with cell-based functional assays (e.g., transfection, cytotoxicity, cytokine release, proliferation assays)- Proficiency across cellular, biochemical, and molecular techniques including genomic profiling (RNA/DNA extraction, qPCR, dPCR, NGS), protein detection (ELISA, MSD, Western blot), cell imaging, and flow cytometry analysis- Experience in RNA production and purification- Experience with lipid nanoparticle (LNP) or other nonviral delivery methods is a plus- Knowledge of key disease models is a plus Working Conditions- Type of employment: Permanent employment- Salary: ¥8,000,000 – ¥10,000,000 per year (subject to increase based on performance)- Bonus: None (0 times per year)- Commuting expenses: Fully covered within company policy- Relocation expenses: Partially covered (negotiable)- Work location and transfer scope: Initial location Kashiwa-no-ha Office; possible relocation within the Kanto area due to future office moves- Contract term: No fixed term; mandatory retirement at 60, with possible re-employment up to 65- Probation period: 3 months; same working conditions during probation- Working hours: Discretionary labor system; deemed 8 hours/day; standard 9:00–18:00; actual hours at employee’s discretion- Break time: 60 minutes- Annual holidays: Weekends and national holidays; special paid leave during Obon and New Year; 10 days paid leave after 6 months; substitute holidays available- Overtime work: None (20 hours/month allowance included in salary)- Social insurance: Health, pension, employment, workers’ compensation- Smoking policy: No smoking on the premises