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Associate Director, Protein Engineering

Arbor BiotechnologiesTM, a next-generation gene editing company based in Cambridge, MA, is advancing a pipeline of novel gene editing therapeutics to address a wide range of genetic conditions – from the ultra-rare to the most common genetic diseases. The company's unique suite of optimized gene editors goes beyond the limitations of early editing technologies to unlock access to new gene targets and has fueled a robust pipeline of first-in-class assets focused on diseases of high unmet need. With Arbor's lead program, ABO-101 for the treatment of primary hyperoxaluria type 1, progressing into clinical trials, the company continues to focus their research and development efforts on genomic diseases of the liver and CNS for which there are no existing functional cures.

We are seeking an Associate Director to lead our protein engineering team to maximize the efficacy of our cutting-edge genome editing tools. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a team environment, is highly organized, and loves tackling challenging scientific problems to enable new types of treatments. You will be in a critical role centralizing our protein engineering efforts, proposing new engineering strategies, managing multiple engineering campaigns, and communicating across multiple functions within R&D.

What You Can Expect:

• Lead the protein engineering strategy and team responsible for advancing Arbor's CRISPR-based gene editing technologies, establishing the roadmap for enzyme optimization through mutagenesis, screening, and next-generation engineering approaches.
• Drive protein engineering initiatives to improve enzyme activity and performance across diverse editing contexts, prioritizing approaches that support the advancement of Arbor's therapeutic pipeline.
• Partner with cross functional leadership to align protein engineering priorities with platform and therapeutic program needs, including advancing compact RT editors and extended RT write capabilities.
• Establish frameworks for evaluating and prioritizing engineered variants across campaigns, guiding the selection of candidates for downstream validation and translational development.
• Lead cross-functional efforts to advance optimized variants into translational contexts.
• Build and scale Arbor's protein engineering capabilities by mentoring and developing scientists while establishing best practices for mutagenesis, screening, and variant characterization
• Contribute to the long-term evolution of Arbor's gene editing platform, identifying new engineering approaches and technologies that expand editing performance and therapeutic applicability.

What You Bring:

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Chemical Biology, Chemical Engineering or related discipline with 8+ years of relevant experience in protein engineering
• 4+ years of experience engineering nucleic acid binding proteins (CRISPR nucleases, polymerases, recombinases, transcription factors, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience building and leading high-performing scientific teams, including direct management and mentorship of scientists engaged in protein engineering and screening.
• Demonstrated ability to characterize protein properties (expression, stability, etc.) and use to forward engineering campaigns
• Demonstrated experience incorporating and optimizing ML workflows for protein engineering
• Experience establishing primary cell validation assays for engineering campaigns; experience with LNP delivery or AAV packaging is a plus
• Deep expertise of gene editing technologies and the CRISPR landscape
• Familiarity with NGS sequencing (Illumina, Nanopore, PacBio)

Attributes for Success:

• Highly organized and comfortable with large datasets
• Strategic thinker that can forward plan to maximize resources
• Clear and friendly communication of complex topics
• Team-first attitude that makes everyone strive for success
• Decisive decision making in the face of biological uncertainty
• Lead with confidence while developing talent with intent

Our Values:

• Purposeful Action: Driven by outcomes, guided by purpose
• Bold Resilience: Speak boldly, embrace change, grow forward
• Humble Authenticity: Be real, value the uniqueness of others, elevate all

The anticipated salary range for candidates for this role will be $178,000- $192,000. The final salary offered will depend on several factors, which may include, but is not limited to relevant years of experience, educational background, industry knowledge, technical skills, and other factors that may prove relevant during the interview process.

We promote diversity and inclusion not just in our recruitment processes, but in everything we do. We're an equal opportunity employer and we will continue to ensure our recruitment process is free of bias and our workplace is inclusive, positive, and free of discrimination and respecting of all backgrounds and beliefs.