Scientist I, Genotox (Contract)

• PhD with 0-2 years of experience in academic or industry setting, MS with 6+ years of experience or BS with 8+ years of experience 
• Broad knowledge of genome editing technologies and associated off-target discovery assays
• Genomic assay development or deployment experience for off-target discovery, verification and structural variation assessment
• Familiarity with NGS workflows and library preparation
• Deploying PCR-based off-target verification assays such as rhAmpSeq and Hybrid Capture Sequencing
• Developing and deploying unidirectional/ligation-mediated PCR assays
• Assay related molecular biology techniques including DNA extraction, nucleic acid quality assessment and primer design
• Basic cell biology skills including cell line culture and manipulation techniques (electroporation and transfection)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Developing and deploying assays for genomic safety assessment for the development of Gene Writer candidates
• Developing, deploying and analyzing NGS-based assays for off-target discovery and verification
• Examining genome structural variants using optical and molecular methods
• Working collaboratively with genomic safety, molecular assay, computational biology and regulatory sciences teams to advance Tessera’s therapeutic programs
• Contributing to scientific report writing, translating complex experimental findings to support regulatory and research goals

You are a rigorous, detail-oriented scientist with expertise in genome editing and genomic safety assessment. As a Scientist I on our Genomic Safety team, you will design, develop, and deploy cutting-edge assays to characterize the off-target landscape of our Gene Writer therapeutics at the intersection of molecular biology, next-generation sequencing, and translational safety science. You bring hands-on experience with NGS workflows, off-target discovery platforms, and PCR-based verification methods, and you thrive in a fast-moving environment where scientific rigor and program momentum go hand in hand. You are equally comfortable at the bench and in cross-functional discussions, communicating your findings clearly to genomic safety, computational biology, and regulatory colleagues.

All inquiries regarding the posted position should be directed to the Talent Partner (see below). Interested individuals must apply directly to be considered for the opening. 

Tong Wu is a Senior Scientist at Tessera Therapeutics, where he leads efforts in developing and applying off-target discovery and verification assays to characterize Gene Writer candidates. His work spans cross-functional assay development and deployment to advance Tessera's Gene Writer platform.
Prior to joining Tessera, Tong completed his PhD at UMass Chan Medical School in the laboratory of Dr. Thomas Fazzio, where he investigated R-loop-interacting proteins and their roles in genome regulation and RNA processing. Tong is passionate about integrating innovative wet-lab technologies with computational analysis to support the development of safe and effective genome editing technologies.

Meet our Leadership Team and Board of Directors 

Ben Hoogheem – Senior Director, Head of Talent Management

As Head of Talent Management at Tessera Therapeutics, Ben leads Tessera’s talent strategy across talent acquisition, performance management, and talent mobility.

Ben began his career as an in vivo Pharmacologist, which gave him a lasting appreciation for the rigor, creativity, and collaboration that drive scientific discovery. That foundation continues to shape how he helps build organizations designed to enable science thrive.

Ben is focused on aligning exceptional people with bold science – creating the structure, clarity, and culture that empower teams to scale effectively and achieve meaningful impact.

Tessera Therapeutics is pioneering Gene Writing™— a new biotechnology designed to offer scientists and clinicians the ability to write small and large therapeutic messages into the genome, thereby curing diseases at their source. Gene Writing holds the potential to become a new category in genetic medicine, building upon recent breakthroughs in gene therapy and gene editing while eliminating important limitations in their reach, utilization, and efficacy.

Tessera is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, marital status, genetics, protected veteran status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic identified by federal, state, or local laws where we operate. Tessera provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. To begin an interactive dialogue with Tessera regarding a reasonable accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied, please contact the recruiter or Accommodations@tesseratx.com

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies:  Tessera Therapeutics does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Tessera Therapeutics or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Tessera Therapeutics’ internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Tessera Therapeutics, and Tessera Therapeutics will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.