Scientist - Virology

Job Opportunity

Our client, a global leader in biotechnology, is seeking a highly motivated Scientist I to join its Antiviral Research team for Foster City, CA. Duration:
Long term contract (Possibility of further extension) Pay Rate: $57.50/hr on W2 + Medical Benefits, Paid Sick leave, 401K

Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, validate, and perform virology, molecular biology, and cell-based assays.
• Construct, clone, and propagate wild-type and mutant viruses.
• Perform molecular cloning, plasmid construction, PCR, qPCR, and RNA/DNA isolation.
• Culture and maintain mammalian and primary cells for functional studies.
• Conduct virus production, viral infectivity assays, and antiviral efficacy studies.
• Evaluate EC50/IC50 values of drug candidates against wild-type and mutant viruses.
• Perform immune-based assays including ELISA, flow cytometry (FACS), and immune cell functional assays.
• Investigate mechanisms of action (MOA) of therapeutic candidates.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data while maintaining accurate laboratory documentation.
• Troubleshoot experiments and recommend technical improvements based on scientific literature.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support preclinical research programs.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, or a related life sciences discipline with 4+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Hands-on experience in virology, molecular biology, immunology, or cell biology.
• Experience with molecular cloning, PCR, qPCR/RT-qPCR, RNA/DNA isolation, and plasmid construction.
• Experience with virus production, viral propagation, or viral vector systems.
• Strong experience with mammalian cell culture and/or primary cell culture.
• Experience performing ELISA, flow cytometry (FACS), or immune cell functional assays.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and experimental design skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with HBV, HDV, HSV, or other infectious disease research.
• Experience with oncolytic viruses, adenovirus, lentivirus, AAV, or other viral vector platforms.
• Experience with EC50/IC50 analysis, antiviral drug screening, or pharmacology assays.
• Knowledge of mechanism of action (MOA) studies and preclinical drug discovery.
• Experience supporting IND-enabling research.