Scientist II - Vector Development

Title: Scientist II – Vector Development

Location: Upper East Side

Org Unit: MCC Laboratories

Work Days:

Weekly Hours: 35.00

Exemption Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $75,000.00 - $94,400.00

*As required under NYC Human Rights Law Int 1208-2018 - Salary range for this role when Hired for NYC Offices

Position Summary

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.

Job 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).

Education

• Master’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field

Experience

• 3-5 years of hands-on laboratory experience in molecular biology and primary cell cultures (academic or industry setting)

Required Technical Skills

• 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

Preferred Skills

• 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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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

Licenses and Certifications

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

• Works directly with senior scientists designing advanced gene delivery systems
• Fast-paced, collaborative translational research environment bridging academia and biotech
• Exposure to cutting-edge viral vector, mRNA, and genome engineering platforms
• Strong emphasis on technical rigor, reproducibility, and iterative experimentation

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