Associate Scientist, Viral Vector Production

Title

Associate Scientist, Viral Vector Production

The Associate Scientist, Viral Vector Production, will directly support Addgene’s mission by producing viral particles to maintain and diversify Addgene’s viral vector inventory and expand our service. This position will also optimize and troubleshoot lab processes, train technicians, and aid them with production tasks.

This position will work out of our Watertown, Massachusetts Headquarters. Our beautiful office space has free, ample parking with a complimentary shuttle from Harvard Square and is on multiple bus lines. Public transit is covered by Addgene for those onsite at least twice a week.

$73,000 - $78,000 annually + benefits.

ASAP

Associate Director of Viral Vector & Antibody Production

In this position, you will support the Viral Vector and Antibody Production Team by producing viral particles for order fulfillment and performing viral vector quality control assays in order to meet the growing demands of the scientific community. You will ensure that processes and pipelines are optimized and team members are proficiently trained in advanced technical skills.

• Produce two or more designated formats of viral vectors or recombinant proteins (e.g., AAV, lentivirus, or antibodies) from expression plasmids using a dynamic production schedule.
• Conduct quality control testing on produced materials to ensure they meet established specifications and standards.
• Organize and track samples during production and storage.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for two or more designated laboratory operations tasks (e.g., inventory management and restocking, solution preparation, coordination of QC assays, and other routine lab activities) while providing support across all other tasks as needed.
• Provide expert troubleshooting for standard molecular biology issues, equipment malfunctions or experimental challenges that arise during production. Identify, develop and test solutions as necessary.
• Strictly adhere to team processes and protocols and seek opportunities to enhance workflows.
• Actively contribute to team discussions in biweekly meetings, providing updates, addressing challenges, and suggesting improvements.
• Support mentoring and training of new teammates on established protocols and procedures.
• Create and continually review team standard operating procedures.
• Act as a subject matter expert in a specific process or area.

• MS in Biological Sciences or other life science with 0-2 years related experience or BA/BS with 2+ years related experience.
• Excellent tissue culture skills.
• Experience with viral vector production.
• In-depth knowledge of laboratory techniques and best practices.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Able to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Self‑motivated, proactive with desire for continuous improvement.
• Strong leadership skills with ability to communicate complex information succinctly.
• Ability to adapt to changing lab priorities, new technologies, or unforeseen challenges, finding innovative ways to manage them.
• Familiarity with general computer software, Google Workspace, and MS Office.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English; strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills required.
• Able to start between 7:30 – 8:30 am on certain days of the week.

• 85% company‑paid healthcare premiums including dental (extending to family members) and 100% company‑paid deductible.
• Life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance.
• 22 days of PTO on top of our winter break closure and company holidays.
• A 403(b) retirement account with a company match of 4% after 2 years of employment.
• Annual professional development stipend.
• Annual lifestyle stipend.
• Fully paid public transportation for employees who work onsite four or more days per week.
• Onsite yoga classes & wellness reimbursement.
• Pet insurance.
• Annual financial planning one‑on‑ones with our plan administrator.

Addgene is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, active military or veteran status, age, handicap, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State or Local law.