#189 [Genome Construction company]Scientist, Genome Engineering

Company Overview

As a biotechnology company, they develop and provide a unique large-scale genome construction platform.

While traditional genome editing involves “partially rewriting” specific genes, their platform is characterized by the ability to “design and reconstruct” extremely wide genome regions with high precision on a megabase (one million base pairs) scale. This allows them to grant cells and microorganisms sophisticated new functions that were previously impossible.

[Main Business Areas and Use Cases]

• Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy: They design and modify iPS cell genomes on a large scale to develop “Master Cell Lines” with controlled rejection, providing a foundation for next-generation cell therapeutics and safer, high-performance transplant medicine.

• Bio-manufacturing (Synthetic Biology): They provide solutions to optimize industrial microorganisms (bacteria, yeast, etc.) to produce pharmaceutical raw materials, sustainable biofuels, and high-function materials cleanly and efficiently.

[Strengths and Outlook]

• Global Technological Superiority: They possess world-class scientific expertise, including being the only Japanese participant in the International Yeast Genome Project “Sc2.0” and a key member of the international genome writing consortium “GP-write.”

• Universal OS for Cells: They aim to become a “universal operating system (OS)” for cell engineering.

• Rapid Growth: In July 2025, they raised 2.8 billion yen in Series A funding. They have also initiated joint research with leading US biotech companies and universities, accelerating their global expansion.

• Their headquarters are located in San Carlos, California (Silicon Valley), and they are accelerating their U.S. operations. Even while based in Japan, you can always work directly connected to the U.S. ecosystem and market.

Job Description

In this position, you will be responsible for the generation of genome-edited cells. Specifically, the following tasks are expected:

1. Genome Design: They require the ability to understand the genomic information of target cells and design gRNA and donor sequences that enable high-efficiency, high-precision genome modification. Additionally, they expect you to optimize gene expression constructs and select transgenes according to the target cell type and the desired phenotype.

2. Genome Modification: To realize the design plans mentioned above, you will perform gene introduction and cell culture tailored to the target cells. You will also conduct sequence analysis of the cells following genome modification experiments to verify that the intended modifications have been introduced as expected.

3. Cell Performance Evaluation: To evaluate whether the generated genome-edited cells possess the intended functions, you will construct and implement appropriate evaluation systems based on the cell type and target phenotype.

Regarding the strategic design of genome modification, they expect you to collaboratively build optimal and innovative strategies by actively collecting and integrating the latest research trends and technical information, while making the most of their existing technologies and extensive expertise.

Upon joining, you will initially proceed with research led by the current theme leader; therefore, candidates who may feel a lack of specific experience are still encouraged to apply. They expect you to develop your skills after joining and eventually become a theme leader yourself, leading the creation of useful cells capable of competing globally and spearheading cutting-edge technological development. Furthermore, they welcome and encourage you to actively share your results with the external community through academic presentations and other channels.

Requirements

• Holders of a PhD or individuals with equivalent research backgrounds (Master’s degree holders are eligible if they have approximately three years of experience in similar research roles in a corporate environment).

• Experience in research planning using genome editing technology (individuals whose experience is limited solely to experimental assistance as research assistants or technicians are not eligible).

• A strong spirit of collaboration.

• A keen interest in creating new industries using cutting-edge genome engineering technology.

• Japanese language proficiency: Native level

Preferred Requirements

• Experience in genome modification (e.g., experience in designing gRNA and donor sequences).

• Experience in analyzing genomic information using genome browsers such as the UCSC Genome Browser or Ensembl (specifically, genomic construction capabilities and experience using the genome analysis/design tools mentioned above).

• Troubleshooting skills to logically analyze and identify causes and derive solutions when faced with unexpected results or failures.

• Planning and multitasking abilities to reliably execute multiple experiments in parallel during intervals.

• Experience in collaboration with external organizations.

• Since they collaborate with teams promoting automation and AI, they also welcome applications from individuals interested in these fields.

Terms and Conditions

• Annual Salary: 4 – 8 million JPY (Negotiable)

• Bonus: None

• Salary Increase: Once a year

• Probation Period: 6 months

• Location: Kanagawa

• Social Insurance: Fully covered

• Working Hours: Based on 9:00-18:00 (left to the individual’s discretion)

• Holidays: Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays

• Average Overtime: Discretionary labor system

• Smoking Cessation Measures: Non-smoking indoors

Selection Process

• Selection Flow: They conduct 2–3 interviews followed by a reference check.

• Required Documents: They require a resume and a curriculum vitae (CV) for the initial screening.

• Interview Language: Their interviews can be conducted in either Japanese or English.