Scientist I – Vector Development

Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar is seeking a highly motivated Scientist I to support viral and non-viral vector development and genetic construct workflows in a fast-paced translational research environment. This role works closely with senior scientists engaged in lentiviral vector design, mRNA delivery systems, and transposon-based construct engineering.

The ideal candidate has strong hands‑on molecular biology skills and thrives in a detail-oriented laboratory environment focused on

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related field.
• 1–3 years hands-on lab experience in molecular biology and primary cell cultures.
• Strong hands-on skills in mammalian cell culture and basic viral/vector workflows.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and advanced mammalian cell culture for adherent and suspension lines.
• Assist in transfection/transduction experiments and reagent preparation.
• Execute plasmid DNA preparation (Maxiprep) and quality control analyses.
• Support viral production workflows including transfection, harvest, concentration, and purification.
• Assist in viral titering and functional validation assays.
• Support cloning workflows and plasmid expansion.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Lentiviral vector production

Molecular biology techniques

Biosafety practices

Transfection methods

PCR and gel electrophoresis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field

Tools

Maxiprep

PCR

Gel electrophoresis

Flow cytometry

Job description

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Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist I to support viral and non-viral vector development and genetic construct workflows in a fast-paced, collaborative, and execution-focused translational research environment.

This role works closely with senior scientists engaged in lentiviral vector design, mRNA delivery systems, and transposon-based construct engineering. The ideal candidate has strong hands‑on molecular biology skills and thrives in a detail-oriented laboratory environment focused on high‑quality execution and reproducible experimental work.

This position provides direct exposure to advanced gene delivery systems and offers significant opportunities for technical growth in translational genomics and gene therapy.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform routine and advanced mammalian cell culture, including maintenance of adherent and suspension cell lines
• Assist in preparation and handling of reagents for transfection and transduction experiments
• Execute plasmid DNA preparation (ex. Maxiprep)
• Support quality control of plasmid constructs through restriction digest analysis, PCR, and basic sequencing preparation
• Conduct lentiviral production workflows, including transient transfection of packaging systems, viral harvest and downstream processing (concentration, purification)
• Assist in viral titering, concentration, and basic functional validation assays
• Support cloning workflows including bacterial transformation, colony screening, and plasmid expansion
• Perform sterile technique-based molecular and cell biology experiments with high accuracy and reproducibility
• Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records, including experimental notes
• Collaborate closely with senior scientists to support iterative construct design and testing cycles
• Maintain laboratory organization, reagent stocks, and compliance with biosafety protocols (BSL-2 practices where applicable)

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field

Experience

• 1-3 years of hands‑on laboratory experience in molecular biology and primary cell cultures (academic or industry setting)

Required Technical Skills

• Proficiency in mammalian tissue culture techniques (passaging, counting, maintenance, freezing/thawing cells)
• Experience with bacterial culture and plasmid propagation
• Experience performing plasmid DNA purification workflows
• Familiarity with standard molecular biology techniques (pipetting, PCR, gel electrophoresis, restriction digests)
• Experience or familiarity with lentiviral vector production
• Understanding of sterile technique and biosafety best practices
• Familiarity with basic viral handling or BSL-2 laboratory environments
• Ability to follow detailed experimental protocols with high reproducibility

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge or experience with viral vector production downstream engineering (filtration, chromatography), especially as used with lentiviral systems
• Experience with transfection methods (e.g., PEI, lipid-based reagents, electroporation)
• Experience with DNA construct screening and validation workflows
• Exposure to cell-based functional assays or flow cytometry

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and experimental consistency
• Ability to execute complex protocols accurately and reliably
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Collaborative mindset and willingness to support team-based research goals
• Eagerness to learn advanced molecular and gene delivery techniques

Licenses and Certifications

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

• Works directly with senior scientists designing advanced gene delivery systems
• Fast-paced, collaborative translational research environment bridging academia and biotech
• Exposure to cutting-edge viral vector, mRNA, and genome engineering platforms
• Strong emphasis on technical rigor, reproducibility, and iterative experimentation

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