Associate Scientist, Viral Vector Production

Addgene USA; Watertown (MA); On-site; USD 73,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

85% company-paid healthcare premiums

22 days of PTO

403(b) retirement account with 4% matching

Annual professional development stipend

Fully paid public transportation

Job summary

Addgene USA is seeking an Associate Scientist for their Viral Vector Production team in Watertown, Massachusetts. In this role, you will produce viral particles to enhance Addgene’s inventory and troubleshoot lab processes while training technicians.

The ideal candidate has a background in Biological Sciences and is proficient in tissue culture and has experience with viral vectors. This position includes benefits like healthcare premiums and a competitive salary range from $73,000 to $78,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years related experience for MS degree or 2+ years for BA/BS.
• Excellent understanding of laboratory techniques and best practices.
• Self-motivated and able to manage multiple tasks efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Produce viral vectors or recombinant proteins under production schedule.
• Conduct quality control testing to meet specifications.
• Organize and track samples during production.
• Provide expert troubleshooting for lab operations.

Skills

Excellent tissue culture skills

Experience with viral vector production

Strong leadership skills

Organizational skills and attention to detail

Familiarity with Google Workspace and MS Office

Effective communication in English

Education

MS in Biological Sciences or related field (0-2 years experience)

BA/BS with 2+ years related experience

Job description

Title

Associate Scientist, Viral Vector Production

What you will achieve

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.

Location & Remote Work Policy

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.

Salary

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

Start Date

ASAP

Reports To

Associate Director of Viral Vector & Antibody Production

The Role

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.

To Succeed in this Role, You Will:

• 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.

Skills and Competencies

• 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.

Benefits

• 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.