Scientist I – Vector Development

Weill Cornell Medical College; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Weill Cornell Medical College is seeking a Scientist I to support viral and non-viral vector development and construct workflows in a fast-paced translational research environment on the Upper East Side. You will work closely with senior scientists on lentiviral vector design and mRNA delivery systems, applying rigorous molecular biology skills.

The role emphasizes high-quality execution, detailed documentation, and reproducible experiments, with growth opportunities in translational genomics

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or related field.
• 1–3 years of hands-on lab experience in molecular biology and cell culture.
• Experience with standard mammalian cell culture and basic vector workflows.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and advanced mammalian cell culture for adherent and suspension lines.
• Prepare reagents for transfection and transduction experiments.
• Execute plasmid DNA purification workflows (Maxiprep).
• Support quality control of plasmid constructs via restriction digest, PCR, and sequencing prep.
• Conduct lentiviral production workflows including transfection, harvest, concentration, and purification.
• Assist in viral titering and basic functional validation assays.
• Support cloning workflows including bacterial transformation and colony screening.
• Maintain sterile technique and detailed lab records with high reproducibility.
• Collaborate with senior scientists on iterative construct design and testing.
• Maintain lab organization, reagent stocks, and biosafety compliance (BSL-2).

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Lentiviral vector production

Plasmid DNA purification

Molecular biology techniques

BSL-2 practices

Sterile technique

PCR

Restriction digest

Cloning workflows

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field

Job description

Title: Scientist I – Vector Development

Location: Upper East Side

Org Unit: MCC Laboratories

Work Days:

Weekly Hours: 35.00

Exemption Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $70,200.00 - $83,200.00

*As required under NYC Human Rights Law Int 1208-2018 - Salary range for this role when Hired for NYC Offices

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

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

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‑class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “any person, any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.