Scientist II - Vector Development

Weill Cornell Medicine; New York (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

Weill Cornell Medicine in New York's Upper East Side is seeking a Scientist II to support viral vector development and genetic construct workflows in a fast-paced translational research environment. You will work with lentiviral vector design, mRNA delivery systems, and construct engineering, applying strong molecular biology skills in a lab focused on high-quality, reproducible experiments.

This role offers mentorship, hands-on training, and opportunities to advance gene delivery technologies

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• 3-5 years hands-on lab experience in molecular biology and primary cell cultures (academic or industry).
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, plasmid work, and viral vector workflows.
• Ability to follow detailed protocols with high reproducibility.

Responsibilities

• Perform mammalian cell culture and maintain cell lines.
• Prepare reagents for transfection/transduction and troubleshoot issues.
• Purify plasmid DNA (Maxiprep) and assess yield/quality.
• QC plasmid constructs via restriction digest, PCR, and sequencing prep.
• Carry out lentiviral production, harvest, concentration, and purification; troubleshoot issues.
• Conduct viral titering and functional validation assays.
• Execute cloning workflows and bacterial transformation; screen colonies.
• Maintain sterile technique and biosafety compliance.
• Train junior staff and interns in procedures and best practices.
• Keep complete, traceable lab records and review documentation.
• Collaborate with senior scientists on construct design/testing cycles.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Plasmid DNA purification

Lentiviral vector production

Molecular biology techniques

Sterile technique & biosafety

Protocol execution & reproducibility

Transfection & transduction

Education

Master's degree in Biology or related field

Tools

PCR

Gel electrophoresis

Restriction digest

Job description

Scientist II – Vector Development

Title: Scientist II - Vector Development

Location: Upper East Side

Org Unit: MCC Laboratories

Work Days

Weekly Hours: 35.00

Exemption Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $75,000.00 - $94,400.00

• 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 II to support 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

• Independently perform routine and advanced mammalian cell culture, including maintenance of adherent and suspension cell lines.
• Independently prepare and handle reagents for transfection and transduction experiments and resolve routine preparation issues.
• Independently execute plasmid DNA preparation (e.g., Maxiprep), assess yield and quality, and troubleshoot routine deviations.
• Independently perform quality control of plasmid constructs through restriction digest analysis, PCR, and sequencing preparation; interpret results and identify discrepancies.
• Independently conduct lentiviral production workflows, including transient transfection of packaging systems, viral harvest, and downstream processing (concentration and purification); troubleshoot routine process issues.
• Independently perform viral titering, concentration, and functional validation assays and analyze results.
• Independently execute cloning workflows, including bacterial transformation, colony screening, and plasmid expansion; troubleshoot routine cloning failures.
• Independently perform sterile technique-based molecular and cell biology experiments, adapting established procedures as needed to ensure accuracy and reproducibility.
• Train and mentor junior research associates, interns, and new laboratory personnel on laboratory procedures, equipment operation, and best practices.
• Maintain complete, traceable laboratory records and review documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Collaborate with senior scientists and contribute technical observations and recommendations to iterative construct-design and testing cycles.
• Independently maintain laboratory organization, monitor reagent stocks, and reinforce compliance with biosafety protocols (BSL-2 practices where applicable).

Education

• Master's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field

Experience

• 3-5 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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