Scientist I – Vector Development
About The Position
The Scientist I supports viral and non-viral vector development and genetic construct workflows in a fast-paced, collaborative, execution-focused translational research environment. The role works closely with senior scientists on lentiviral vector design, mRNA delivery systems, and transposon-based construct engineering. It is suited to someone with hands-on molecular biology skills who can deliver careful, reproducible work in a detail-oriented laboratory setting. The position offers exposure to advanced gene delivery systems and opportunities for technical growth in translational genomics and gene therapy.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field.
- 1–3 years of hands-on laboratory experience in molecular biology and primary cell cultures in an academic or industry setting.
- Proficiency in mammalian tissue culture, including passaging, counting, maintenance, and freezing and thawing cells.
- Experience with bacterial culture and plasmid propagation.
- Experience performing plasmid DNA purification workflows.
- Familiarity with standard molecular biology techniques, including pipetting, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and restriction digests.
- Experience or familiarity with lentiviral vector production.
- Understanding of sterile technique and biosafety best practices.
- Familiarity with basic viral handling or BSL-2 laboratory environments.
- Ability to follow detailed experimental protocols with high reproducibility.
- Strong attention to detail and experimental consistency.
- Ability to execute complex protocols accurately and reliably.
- Strong organizational and documentation skills.
- Collaborative mindset and willingness to support team-based research goals.
- Eagerness to learn advanced molecular and gene delivery techniques.
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge or experience with viral vector production downstream engineering, including filtration and chromatography, especially for lentiviral systems.
- Experience with transfection methods such as PEI, lipid-based reagents, or electroporation.
- Experience with DNA construct screening and validation workflows.
- Exposure to cell-based functional assays or flow cytometry.
Responsibilities
- Perform routine and advanced mammalian cell culture, including maintenance of adherent and suspension cell lines.
- Assist with preparation and handling of reagents for transfection and transduction experiments.
- Prepare plasmid DNA, including Maxiprep workflows.
- Support plasmid construct quality control using restriction digest analysis, PCR, and basic sequencing preparation.
- Conduct lentiviral production workflows, including transient transfection of packaging systems, viral harvest, and downstream processing such as concentration and purification.
- Assist with viral titering, concentration, and basic functional validation assays.
- Support cloning workflows, including bacterial transformation, colony screening, and plasmid expansion.
- Perform sterile-technique molecular and cell biology experiments with accuracy and reproducibility.
- Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records, including experimental notes.
- Collaborate with senior scientists on iterative construct design and testing cycles.
- Maintain laboratory organization and reagent stocks, and follow applicable biosafety protocols, including BSL-2 practices.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
