Scientist I (Gene Therapy/ Cell Cloning)

Dawar Consulting; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Paid Sick leave

401K

Job summary

Dawar Consulting is seeking a Scientist I in San Diego, CA to advance our non-viral gene therapy delivery platform. You will evaluate novel mRNA and DNA designs, perform plasmid cloning, and validate expression with in vitro assays.

The role focuses on inspecting nucleic acid delivery using qRT-PCR, Western blot and luciferase reporter assays, while maintaining ELN records and compiling progress summaries.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 5+ years or Master's degree with 2+ years in molecular biology or related field.
• Proficiency in advanced cloning techniques (Gibson assembly, Golden Gate, site-directed mutagenesis) and IVT.
• Experience with functional assays to measure transgene delivery via reporter assays and qRT-PCR.
• Experience with cell culture and genetic manipulation of cell lines or primary cells is preferred.
• Familiarity with SnapGene, Prism, and MS Office.

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.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cloning

IVT

Transfection techniques

qRT-PCR

Western blot

Education

Bachelor's degree in molecular biology or related field

Master's degree in molecular biology or related field

Tools

SnapGene

Prism

MS Office

Job description

Scientist I (Gene Therapy/ Cell Cloning)

San Diego, United States | Posted on 05/21/2026

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

Job Duration:LongTerm Contract(Possibility Of Extension)

Pay Rate : $46.43/hr onW2

CompanyBenefits: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.