Postdoctoral Scientist: Targeted AAV Vector Engineering

BioSpace; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

Lilly's Biotechnology Discovery Research in San Diego seeks a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to advance receptor-mediated enhancement of AAV gene delivery through capsid engineering. This two-year fellowship offers training in viral vector engineering, high-impact publications, and industry translational research exposure.

The role involves multidisciplinary collaboration, rigorous documentation, and opportunities to contribute to a fast-paced project with potential first-author papers.

Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Virology, or related field.
• Experience in mammalian cell culture.
• Experience with qPCR or digital PCR.
• Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis (no visa sponsorship).

Responsibilities

• Design, clone, produce, and purify engineered AAV vectors with targeting modifications.
• Perform vector quality control including titering (digital PCR), purity assessment, and particle integrity analysis.
• Execute cell-based binding, internalization, and transduction assays using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy.
• Perform mechanistic trafficking studies including endosomal escape, capsid uncoating, nuclear entry, and genome processing.
• Integrate experimental data to establish structure-activity relationships and characterize enhancement mechanisms.
• Maintain rigorous experimental documentation in electronic lab notebooks.
• Present research at scientific meetings and prepare manuscripts for publication (anticipated 1-2 first-author publications)

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

qPCR / digital PCR

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Independent project management

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Virology, or related life sciences

Tools

Confocal microscopy

Flow cytometry

AAV production / purification

Molecular biology techniques

Digital PCR

Job description

Lilly's Biotechnology Discovery Research in San Diego seeks a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to advance receptor-mediated enhancement of AAV gene delivery through capsid engineering. This two-year fellowship offers training in viral vector engineering, high-impact publications, and industry translational research exposure.

The role involves multidisciplinary collaboration, rigorous documentation, and opportunities to contribute to a fast-paced project with potential first-author papers.