The Senior/Research Associate, Next Generation Sequencing Engineer will take on ambitious and large-scale genome sequencing initiatives for species conservation and de-extinction. They will develop tools and methodologies to optimize sequencing data flow, while maintaining and enhancing workflows to track samples from submission to data delivery.

This position is based on-site in Dallas, TX. Relocation assistance is available.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare samples and perform high-throughput NGS workflows
• Improve the state of the art of NGS and WGS for genome editing and genotyping
• Include controls and track quality control and performance metrics
• Complete data analyses and report results to stakeholders on a weekly basis
• Present findings at small forums and R&D meetings
• Maintain a thorough and detailed electronic lab notebook
• Maintain a clean and organized laboratory space

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Capable of working in a fast-paced, high volume sequencing core on parallel projects, while maintaining accuracy and timely data transfer
• Comfortable handling large data sets and using bioinformatic tools in standard data formats (e.g., FASTA, FASTQ, BAM, VCF, GTF/GFF)
• Experience with High Throughput (HTP) nucleic acid purification (Ex. King Fisher) and liquid handling (Ex. Firefly)
• Understand primer design and allele interpretation of NGS genotyping data
• Experience performing quantitative RT-PCR and/or digital droplet PCR assays
• Experience running HTP gel electrophoresis units (Ex. Agilent Tape Station)
• Experience operating sequencing platforms (Ex. Illumina MiSeq, NextSeq2000 and Oxford NanoPore)
• Experience in library preparation for NGS (genotyping), WGS, mRNA-seq, single cell-seq, ATAC-seq, and rhAMP-seq applications.
• Self-motivated, flexible, proactive, works well under pressure and deadlines, detail-oriented
• Enthusiastic to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities
• Creative problem-solver who can perform technical trouble-shooting
• Communicates clearly and proactively to ensure data delivery to stakeholders
• This position may require occasional weekend work.

Preferred Experience:

• Ability to determine most efficient/cost effective methods for sequencing coverage
• High throughput screening or automation methods, especially in designing and constructing libraries and/or arrays to perform multiplexed screening experiments.
• Comfortable with Illumina’s Basespace and data transfer
• Ability to troubleshoot awry sequencing runs
• Bulk and single-cell RNA prep and sequence analyses (10X Genomics Browser, PCA)

Education and Experience:

• BA/BS/MS with 2+ years of hands-on research in bioengineering, molecular biology, genetics or related fields, such as developmental biology or immunology

What Colossal Offers You:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Unlimited PTO and company holidays so you can rest and recharge
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Company matched 401k retirement plan
• Paid parental leave up to 12 weeks
• Education reimbursement
• An opportunity to help us return the Earth to a healthier state

The team at Colossal is committed, colorful, passionate, intelligent, collaborative, creative, experienced, scientific and world-class. That sounds like a lot to fit into one building. That’s why we are spread out in several locations that include laboratories, test facilities, academic institutions, libraries and offices.

Through it all, however, we maintain a culture of positivity, hope, happiness and belief that we’re doing something big. Something Colossal.

Colossal is proud to be an equal employment opportunity workplace. We welcome people from all backgrounds as well as celebrate and support diversity. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment of mutual respect that is free from discrimination and harassment so everyone can thrive.

EEO is the Law

Search Firm Representatives: Colossal does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms. No fees will be paid for a hired candidate where no pre-existing agreement is in place. We handle most recruitment in-house.

Colossal is proud to be named a Best Place to Work by BuiltIn for 3 years in a row across multiple categories in 2023, 2024, and 2025:

• #1 on the 50 Best Startups to Work For in Dallas in 2023!
• 100 Best Midsize Places to Work in Dallas in 2024 & 2025
• 100 Best Places to Work in Dallas, TX (All Size Employers) in 2024 & 2025
• 100 Best Midsize Places to Work in Boston in 2024 & 2025

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Most Loved Workplace Certification Page - Proud to be certified as a most loved workplace including: most loved CEO, most loved workplaces for LGBTQ+, most loved workplaces for women, and most loved workplaces for young professionals.

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