Full-Time
Research Associate
Molecular Biology
Posted on 9/22/2025
Colossal
201-500 employees
Gene editing for de-extinction of megafauna
No salary listed
Dallas, TX, USA
In Person
 Biology & Biotech (5) |
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- Bachelor’s degree (B.S./B.A.) in molecular biology, or a related life science field with 1 or more years of hands-on research experience in industry or academic research labs.
- High proficiency in RNA extraction, reverse transcription, qPCR.
- Skilled in PCR primer design and PCR optimization/troubleshooting.
- Hands-on experience in molecular cloning, plasmid construction, and plasmid preparation (mini-, midi-, and maxi-prep).
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with demonstrated problem-solving abilities.
- Collaborate with stem cell biologists to analyze gene expression profiles across different developmental stages and sample types using RT-qPCR.
- Perform molecular cloning, construct design, and troubleshooting to support the genome engineering team.
- Prepare and process samples for amplicon-based next-generation sequencing.
- Analyze and interpret experimental data, providing recommendations to guide project direction.
- Participate in lab meetings, generate reports, and present findings to ensure alignment with project milestones.
- Maintain accurate, detailed laboratory records and demonstrate strong organizational skills.
- Experience with genome-editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9, HDR strategies).
- Experience with multiplex RT-qPCR
- Familiarity with high-throughput automation platforms for molecular biology workflows.
Colossal develops gene editing approaches to revive extinct or endangered species and restore ecological balance. It collects viable DNA samples and edits genes to rebuild traits of lost megafauna, with Woolly Mammoth as a leading project. Its technology translates into practical applications for species recovery and conservation, aiming to kickstart biodiversity and support the biology economy. Distinctive aspects include a focus on de-extinction tied to ecological restoration, leadership from Ben Lamm and George Church, and a strategy that links scientific capability with real-world ecological and economic benefits. The company’s goal is to reawaken lost wilds to help ecosystems recover and allow humanity to coexist with a healthier planet.
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
Series C
Total Funding
$625M
Headquarters
Austin, Texas
Founded
2021
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Acquired ViaGen in 2025, birthed dire wolf pups Romulus, Remus, Khaleesi in April 2025.
- Secured $60M UAE funding for Dubai BioVault preserving 10,000+ species genomes.
- Spun out Astromech AI at $2B valuation, accelerating genomics with $120M avian funding.
What critics are saying
- Dodo pipeline fails viability in 24-36 months, eroding confidence post-$120M raise.
- Viagen scandals trigger FDA scrutiny on gene-edited animals within 12-18 months.
- UAE BioVault seized amid tensions, locking out assets in 18-24 months.
What makes Colossal unique
- Colossal pioneers CRISPR for de-extinction of woolly mammoth using elephant iPSCs.
- First company to reprogram elephant iPSCs with Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 for mammoth traits.
- Edits dunnart genomes with 300+ changes for thylacine revival, most edited animal cell.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Unlimited Paid Time Off
Flexible Spending Account/Flexible Spending Account
401(k) Company Match
Paid Parental Leave
Education Reimbursement
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 0%1 year growth
↑ 0%2 year growth
↑ 0%A second startup from Dallas billionaire Ben Lamm has achieved unicorn status with a $2 billion valuation in its latest funding round. Lamm, who also co-founded and leads Colossal Biosciences, has seen his new venture reach the milestone valuation. The company focuses on predicting biology, evolution and diseases before they occur. This marks Lamm's second startup to surpass the $1 billion valuation threshold, following his success with Colossal Biosciences.
Colossal Biosciences, which is trying to bring back the wooly mammoth with genetics tech, has spun out its AI startup Astromech at a $2 billion valuation.
Dallas-based Colossal Biosciences has secured $60 million from the United Arab Emirates to build the Colossal BioVault and World Preservation Lab at Dubai's Museum of the Future. The investment is part of Colossal's expanded Series C round, bringing total funding to over $615 million. The facility will house millions of samples representing more than 10,000 species, initially focusing on the 100 most imperiled species not currently preserved elsewhere. Using automated robotics, AI monitoring and cryopreservation technology, the project aims to create a backup system for Earth's biodiversity. The initiative addresses the threat that nearly half of Earth's species could face extinction by 2050. The Dubai facility will eventually form part of a global network of BioVaults. Visitors will observe scientists working in real time on DNA sequencing and cell line preservation.
The UAE has partnered with Colossal Biosciences to establish a laboratory and BioVault at Dubai's Museum of the Future, positioning the nation as a global leader in conservation and biodiversity protection. The initiative represents a nine-figure investment, with the UAE contributing to Colossal's recent funding round. The Colossal BioVault will preserve genetic material from over 10,000 species, initially focusing on the 100 most imperiled species not currently banked elsewhere. The facility will use automated robotics, AI monitoring and proprietary cryopreservation technology to store millions of samples. The project addresses the biodiversity crisis, with nearly half of Earth's species potentially facing extinction by 2050. The BioVault will serve as a research hub, generating genomic data and reference genomes whilst operating as a live laboratory where visitors can witness preservation work in real time.
Colossal Biosciences, the world’s de-extinction company, today announced its acquisition of Viagen Pets and Equine, the global leader and expert in animal cl...