Research Scientist

Research Scientist Med-Microbiology and Molecular Genetics

The newly established Ingusci Laboratory in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is seeking an experienced Research Scientist to join a growing and highly collaborative research program focused on developing next-generation viral vector technologies for precision gene therapy.

The Ingusci Laboratory engineers replication-defective and replication-competent herpes simplex virus (HSV) vectors for the delivery of large therapeutic genes, genome engineering technologies, and targeted biologics. Our research integrates molecular virology, immunology, synthetic biology, epigenetics, and gene regulation to develop innovative therapies for neuromuscular disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. The laboratory is dedicated to advancing precision and translational gene therapy through viral vector engineering, targeted gene delivery, immune evasion strategies, and protein and antibody engineering.

The successful candidate will play an integral role in helping establish the laboratory's research infrastructure while leading independent research projects and collaborating on multiple funded studies. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Virology, Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience, or a closely related discipline; a minimum of five years of relevant postdoctoral or equivalent research experience; a strong record of independent research and scientific productivity;

excellent organizational, communication, and scientific writing skills; and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment. Preference given to those candidates with past experience using advanced molecular cloning, Gibson Assembly, recombinant DNA technologies, PCR, sequencing and related methodologies.