Scientist II – Vector Development

Weill Cornell Medical College•New York, NY

2d•$75,000 - $94,400•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist II to support viral vector development and genetic construct workflows in a fast-paced, collaborative, and execution-focused translational research environment. This role works closely with senior scientists engaged in lentiviral vector design, mRNA delivery systems, and transposon-based construct engineering. The ideal candidate has strong hands-on molecular biology skills and thrives in a detail-oriented laboratory environment focused on high-quality execution and reproducible experimental work. This position provides direct exposure to advanced gene delivery systems and offers significant opportunities for technical growth in translational genomics and gene therapy.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field
3-5 years of hands-on laboratory experience in molecular biology and primary cell cultures (academic or industry setting)
Proficiency in mammalian tissue culture techniques (passaging, counting, maintenance, freezing/thawing cells)
Experience with bacterial culture and plasmid propagation
Experience performing plasmid DNA purification workflows
Familiarity with standard molecular biology techniques (pipetting, PCR, gel electrophoresis, 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 (filtration, chromatography), especially as used with lentiviral systems
Experience with transfection methods (e.g., PEI, lipid-based reagents, electroporation)
Experience with DNA construct screening and validation workflows
Exposure to cell-based functional assays or flow cytometry

Responsibilities

Independently perform routine and advanced mammalian cell culture, including maintenance of adherent and suspension cell lines.
Independently prepare and handle reagents for transfection and transduction experiments and resolve routine preparation issues.
Independently execute plasmid DNA preparation (e.g., Maxiprep), assess yield and quality, and troubleshoot routine deviations.
Independently perform quality control of plasmid constructs through restriction digest analysis, PCR, and sequencing preparation; interpret results and identify discrepancies.
Independently conduct lentiviral production workflows, including transient transfection of packaging systems, viral harvest, and downstream processing (concentration and purification); troubleshoot routine process issues.
Independently perform viral titering, concentration, and functional validation assays and analyze results.
Independently execute cloning workflows, including bacterial transformation, colony screening, and plasmid expansion; troubleshoot routine cloning failures.
Independently perform sterile technique-based molecular and cell biology experiments, adapting established procedures as needed to ensure accuracy and reproducibility.
Train and mentor junior research associates, interns, and new laboratory personnel on laboratory procedures, equipment operation, and best practices.
Maintain complete, traceable laboratory records and review documentation for accuracy and completeness.
Collaborate with senior scientists and contribute technical observations and recommendations to iterative construct-design and testing cycles.
Independently maintain laboratory organization, monitor reagent stocks, and reinforce compliance with biosafety protocols (BSL-2 practices where applicable).