Viral Vector Scientist, Avian

About the role

Neion Bio is harnessing nature’s best molecular factory, the chicken egg, to make medicine affordable, accessible, and resilient. Using cutting-edge genetic engineering and stem cell technology, we create “living bioreactors,” which act as fully autonomous 3D biomolecular printers, operating on existing industrial-scale infrastructure. Our platform can rapidly and scalably produce almost any protein, provide national resilience to drug shortages, de-risk complex supply chains, and ultimately take advantage of novel biological environments to solve unmet medical needs. We are on a mission to reimagine the way complex biological molecules are produced to transform human health.

At Neion Bio, you will play a pivotal role in an early-stage, fast-growing company, working alongside leading scientists and entrepreneurs. You will have the opportunity to participate in the enormous potential upside while having a huge impact on the world.

We are looking for a talented virologist or molecular biologist at the scientist level, experienced with the engineering, production, and purification of viral vectors, including lentivirus, adenovirus, and AAV; and with a deep understanding of the underlying receptor biology of viral vector transduction of cells, ideally in non-model organisms. This is a hands-on role.

Responsibilities

• Perform cloning of large viral genomes, with a focus on capsid modification by either rational design or directed evolution
• Perform transfections on primary cells, immortalized cells, and animal tissues
• Design, manufacture, purify, characterize, validate, and test a range of viral vectors at small and large scale
• Design experiments, generate and analyze datasets to adapt vector strategies for use in avian systems
• Assess efficiency of workflows through cellular assays and NGS sequencing approaches
• Extract DNA, RNA, and protein from animal tissue; design and run PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, and ELISA assays to quantify viral transgene and transcription, protein
• Conduct experiments and work on research problems
• Maintain excellent electronic laboratory records
• Work on project milestones
• Attend lab meetings, prepare reports, and presentations on the progress of projects

Requirements

• PhD (or BA with 7+ years of experience/MS with 5+ years of experience) in biological sciences, bioengineering, molecular biology, genetics, or any science-related field, or equivalent experience
• Experience with cloning large libraries or large viral genomes
• Experience with transfection and transduction of difficult target cells/tissues
• Experience producing, purifying, characterizing, validating, and testing a range of viral vectors including adenovirus, lentivirus, and AAV
• Deep understanding of cellular biology, receptors for viral entry and trafficking, mechanisms involved in viral transduction, and immunology
• Experience with ultracentrifugation and resin/column-based viral purification methods
• Experience in genome engineering, cloning, DNA amplification, PCR, NGS, transfections, and other molecular biology skills
• Strong aseptic techniques and GLP procedures
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to effectively manage time and priorities
• Strong written and oral communication skills, as well as creative problem-solving skills
• Curious, eager, and hardworking

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with avian viruses or AAVs
• Extensive experience with and knowledge of adenoviral vectors
• Experience with viral capsid engineering by rational design or directed evolution
• Experience with viral capsid library engineering

Benefits

• Base salary of $120–150K depending on experience
• Additional bonus compensation
• Equity compensation
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)