Scientist I (Gene Therapy/ Cell Cloning)

dawarconsulting; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Paid sick leave

401K

Job summary

Our client, a world leader in life sciences and biotechnology, seeks a Scientist I in San Diego, CA for a long-term contract. The role focuses on non-viral gene therapy R&D, evaluating mRNA and DNA designs, and performing assays such as Western blot, qRT-PCR, and luciferase reporters to verify expression.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in molecular biology with hands-on cloning and IVT experience, and will maintain ELNs and deliver research summaries with accuracy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree +5+ years or Master's +2+ years in molecular biology.
• Proficiency in Gibson assembly, Golden Gate, and site-directed mutagenesis.

Responsibilities

• Design and clone expression vectors and IVT donor plasmids to support research initiatives.
• Execute DNA and mRNA transfections in mouse and human cell lines.
• Assess nucleic acid expression through molecular methods like qPCR, reporter assays and Western blot.
• Maintenance of detailed electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN) and preparation of summary slides.

Skills

Molecular biology

Transfections

qRT-PCR

Western blot

Cell culture

Education

Bachelor's degree +5+ years or Master's +2+ years

Tools

Gibson assembly

Golden Gate

site-directed mutagenesis

IVT

SnapGene

Prism

MS Office

Job description

Our client, a world leader in life sciences and biotechnology, is looking for a “Scientist I” based out of San Diego, CA.

Job Duration: Long Term Contract (Possibility Of Extension)
Pay Rate : $46.43/hr on W2
Company Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Sick leave, 401K

The Scientist I will be a vital contributor to our non-viral cell and gene therapy delivery platform, primarily focused on R&D for innovative nucleic acid payload technologies. This role involves evaluating novel mRNA and DNA designs using a range of molecular biology techniques, including plasmid cloning, in vitro validation, and the production of in vitro-transcribed mRNA. To verify successful expression, the scientist will utilize assays such as Western blot, qRT-PCR, and luciferase reporter assays.

Job Responsibilities:

• Design and clone expression vectors and IVT donor plasmids to support research initiatives.
• Execute DNA and mRNA transfections in mouse and human cell lines.
• Assess nucleic acid expression through molecular methods like qPCR, reporter assays and Western blotting.
• Maintenance of detailed electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN) and preparation of summary slides.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with 5+ years or a Master's degree with 2+ years of experience in molecular biology, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field.
• Molecular Biology: Required proficiency in advanced cloning (Gibson assembly, Golden Gate, site-directed mutagenesis) and IVT.
• Functional Assays: Hands‑on expertise in measuring transgene delivery success via reporter assays and qRT-PCR.
• Cell Culture: Preferred experience in genetic manipulation of cell lines and primary cells (e.g., T cells, monocytes, hepatocytes).
• Desired proficiency in Snapgene, Prism, and MS Office.