Scientist II - Viral Vector

South San Francisco, United States | Posted on 07/24/2026

Our client, a world leader in biotechnology and life sciences, is looking for a “
Scientist II
- Viral Vector ” based out of South San Francisco, CA (Hybrid).

Rate: $65/hr on W2 (DOE)

Job Duration: Long-Term Contract (Possibility Of Extension)

Company Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Sick Leave, 401K

Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated
Viral Vector Research Associate/Scientist
with5–10 years of laboratory research experience
to support our
Viral Vector Core
and gene therapy research programs. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in
viral vector production, mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, and CRISPR genome editing technologies
. This role involves the production and characterization of
lentiviral and AAV vectors
, supporting next-generation viral vector engineering, maintaining viral inventories, and collaborating with cross-functional research teams to advance innovative gene therapy platforms.

• Produce, purify, and characterize
  lentiviral libraries
  and
  Adeno-associated virus (AAV)vectors to support research and preclinical studies.
• Perform viral vector analytics using molecular biology techniques including
  PCR, qPCR, ddPCR/dPCR, Western blot
  , and related assays.
• Maintain and manage viral vector inventory, sample tracking, and documentation using
  electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN)and digital informatics systems.
• Support the engineering, optimization, and development of
  next-generation viral vectors
  and emerging viral-based therapeutic modalities.
• Perform
  mammalian cell culture
  , transient plasmid transfection, cloning, and other molecular biology techniques.
• Participate in
  CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing
  experiments for both
  in vitro and in vivo
  applications.
• Operate laboratory instrumentation including
  flow cytometers
  and support data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Maintain accurate laboratory documentation, experimental records, and inventory following established laboratory procedures.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams to support gene therapy, virology, and genome engineering projects.
• Analyze experimental data, troubleshoot protocols, and contribute to continuous process improvements.

• MS or PhD
  in
  Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Virology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Genetics
  , or a related scientific discipline.
• 5–10 years
  of laboratory research experience in molecular biology, virology, or gene therapy.
• Hands-on experience with
  lentiviral vector production
  and/or
  AAV production
  .
• Strong experience with
  mammalian cell culture
  and transient plasmid transfection.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques including:
  • PCR
  • qPCR
  • ddPCR / dPCR
  • Western Blot
• Experience with
  CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing
  technologies.
• Strong organizational, analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.

• Experience with
  viral vector engineering
  and next-generation viral modalities.
• Experience operating
  flow cytometers
  .
• Familiarity with
  electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN)and digital sample management systems.
• Experience with
  data analysis
  , computational programming, and bioinformatics tools.
• Previous experience supporting
  gene therapy
  ,
  viral vector core facilities
  , or translational research programs.