Research Scientist

University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Pittsburgh seeks an experienced Research Scientist to join the Ingusci Laboratory in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics. The role emphasizes leading independent research projects and collaborating on funded studies focused on next-generation viral vector technologies for precision gene therapy.

The candidate will design and execute research on HSV vectors, apply molecular cloning and sequencing techniques, and mentor students and staff within a

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant field required.
• Minimum of five years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience.
• Strong record of independent research and scientific productivity.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and scientific writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Preference for experience with advanced molecular cloning, Gibson Assembly, recombinant DNA technologies, PCR, sequencing.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute independent research projects in molecular virology, viral vector engineering, and precision gene therapy.
• Design, engineer, produce, and characterize recombinant viral vectors, especially HSV, using advanced cloning and sequencing technologies.
• Develop and optimize targeted biologics for viral retargeting and gene delivery.
• Apply genome engineering approaches, including CRISPR, to advance gene therapy platforms.
• Perform mammalian cell culture, viral work, and related molecular analyses.
• Conduct molecular and cellular biology techniques (immunoblotting, imaging, qPCR, flow cytometry).
• Plan preclinical in vivo studies in rodent models with viral vectors and behavioral assays.
• Analyze datasets using statistical and bioinformatic methods.
• Prepare manuscripts, grant applications, and presentations.
• Mentor students and staff; contribute to lab organization and SOPs.

Skills

Independent research

Scientific writing

Communication

Molecular cloning

Gibson Assembly

PCR

Sequencing

CRISPR-based technologies

Mentoring

Education

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Virology, Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience, or related discipline

Job description

Conducts independent scientific research projects from inception to presentation. Prepares and crafts various documentations of research results into manuscripts, proposals, grant applications, and presentations. Trains undergraduates and research technicians. Manages laboratory policies and coordinates project development in collaboration with other specialists.

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.

Essential Functions

• Design and execute independent research projects in molecular virology, viral vector engineering, and precision gene therapy.
• Design, engineer, produce, and characterize recombinant viral vectors, with an emphasis on herpes simplex virus (HSV) vectors, using advanced molecular cloning, Gibson Assembly, recombinant DNA technologies, PCR, sequencing and related methodologies.
• Develop and optimize targeted biologics, including protein and antibody engineering approaches (e.g., scFv, nanobody, antibody fusion proteins, and ligand engineering), for viral retargeting and precision gene delivery.
• Apply synthetic biology and genome engineering approaches, including CRISPR-based technologies, to develop and improve next-generation gene therapy platforms.
• Perform mammalian cell culture, transfection, viral infection studies, viral vector production, quality control, and molecular characterization.
• Perform molecular and cellular biology techniques, including immunoblotting, immunofluorescence microscopy, live-cell microscopy, qPCR, flow cytometry, recombinant protein expression, and related methodologies.
• Design and perform preclinical in vivo studies using rodent models, including stereotaxic surgery, viral vector administration, behavioral testing, tissue collection, and downstream molecular and histological analyses.
• Analyze and interpret molecular, imaging, and sequencing datasets using appropriate statistical and bioinformatic approaches.
• Prepare manuscripts, grant applications, scientific presentations, and technical reports.
• Mentor graduate students, undergraduate students, and research staff while contributing to laboratory organization, protocol development, and standard operating procedures.

Physical Effort

Must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time and move about the laboratory. May be required to lift lighter objects.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.

Assignment Category

Full-time regular

Job Classification

Staff.Research Scientist

Job Family

Research

Job Sub-Family

Research Science

Campus

Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required

Professional Doctorate Degree

Minimum Years Of Experience Required

5

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience?

No

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday 8:30-5pm

Work Arrangement

On-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.

Hiring Range

To Be Determined Based On Qualifications

Relocation Offered

No

Visa Sponsorship Provided

No

Background Check

For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances

Not Applicable

Required Documents

Resume

Optional Documents

Not Applicable