Scientist I - Vector Development

Location: Upper East Side, NYC • 35 hours/week • Exempt

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist I to support viral and non-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.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and advanced mammalian cell culture, including maintenance of adherent and suspension cell lines
• Assist in preparation and handling of reagents for transfection and transduction experiments
• Execute plasmid DNA preparation (e.g., Maxiprep)
• Support quality control of plasmid constructs through restriction digest analysis, PCR, and basic sequencing preparation
• Conduct lentiviral production workflows, including transient transfection of packaging systems, viral harvest and downstream processing (concentration, purification)
• Assist in viral titering, concentration, and basic functional validation assays
• Support cloning workflows including bacterial transformation, colony screening, and plasmid expansion
• Perform sterile technique-based molecular and cell biology experiments with high accuracy and reproducibility
• Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records, including experimental notes
• Collaborate closely with senior scientists to support iterative construct design and testing cycles
• Maintain laboratory organization, reagent stocks, and compliance with biosafety protocols (BSL-2 practices where applicable)

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 (academic or industry setting)

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
• Strong attention to detail and experimental consistency
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Collaborative mindset and willingness to support team-based research goals
• Eagerness to learn advanced molecular and gene delivery techniques

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

Pay

$70,200 – $83,200 per year

Working Conditions

• 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