CRISPR Gene Therapy Intern
Benson Hill
St. Louis, MO, USA
About Confluence Genetics
Confluence Genetics develops soybean technologies and varieties that create value from farm-gate to feed, food and fuel end-markets by unlocking the natural genetic diversity of plants. The Company leverages their proprietary CropOS™ machine learning platform with proprietary germplasm data and speed breeding technologies in our Crop Accelerator facility to drastically accelerate and simplify the product development process. This platform allows for cost-effective and more efficient ways to analyze and make improvements in plant genetics. Confluence Genetics brings a unique and holistic approach to our product and platform development, as we span a broader workflow involving trait and seed development, genome editing, and breeding all the way to creating better ingredients and varieties that tap a strong customer demand. More information can be found online at https://confluence.ag/.
Our Purpose and Core Values
Our Core Values are a set of common principles we share that are fundamental to our company's identity. Real. Inspired!
- Real. We show up with honesty, accountability, and purpose. We lead with integrity and speak with candor, knowing that trust and transparency drive performance. We challenge each other respectfully and stay grounded in what matters—our shared mission and one another.
- Inspired! We’re driven by possibility and energized by progress. With open minds and a bold spirit, we embrace change, take smart risks, and push boundaries. We stay curious, creative, and connected—to each other, our partners, and the future we’re building together.
Department Overview
The CropOS and Discovery Department leads the development of Confluence Genetics' crop design platform, CropOS™ which combines machine learning and big data with advanced breeding methods, genome editing and plant biology to simplify and accelerate the product development process.
As part of the CropOS and Discovery Department, the CRISPR Discovery group focuses on the generation of intellectual property around novel CRISPR nucleases and their applications across sectors (diagnostics, antimicrobial, human health, and agriculture).
Position Summary
The CRISPR Gene Therapy Intern will be responsible for executing mammalian cell culture and in vitro experiments related to Confluence Genetics’ proprietary CRISPR portfolio. The successful candidate will have strong experience in mammalian cell culture techniques, CRISPR technologies, and oncology or gene therapy research. Candidate should have strong communication skills and be capable of clearly articulating experimental plans, results, and troubleshooting.
You Will:
- Maintain mammalian cell cultures and complete transient transfection experiments
- Onboard and optimize new cell lines of interest for CRISPR experiments
- Develop protocols for cell culture, reagent transfection, and molecular assays
- Innovate on existing CRISPR technologies for improved performance
- Execute molecular and plate-based assays
- Communicate effectively in written and visual formats
- Comfortable in a dynamic, fast-paced lab environment
- Perform other duties as assigned; which may include plant and bacterial experiments
You Have:
(Competencies and Qualifications)
Education
- Bachelor’s in Biology, Genetics, Life Science, or related field
- Current enrollment in MS or PhD program related to biology, CRISPR, or oncology research
Experience
- 1-4 years' relevant experience
- Experienced with cell culture and sterile technique (e.g. passaging, transfecting, imaging)
- Previous experience with CRISPR and/or oncology research
Software/Skillset
- Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint
- Experience with DNA vector design software, genome sequence databases, and basic bioinformatics tools
Other
- Attention to detail
- Collaborative
- Ability to focus and work independently with some direction