Employment Type: W2 Contract – 6 Months with Possibility for Extensions
Pay Rate: $43.00–$48.96/hour – Based on experience (Paid Weekly)
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
Note: This is a W2 only role — C2C and C2H will not be considered.
Role Overview
BEPC is seeking an experienced Scientist II (Viral Vector) to support our client's innovative research and development programs in South San Francisco, CA.
This position focuses on lentiviral vector (LVV) and adeno-associated virus (AAV) production, upstream and downstream process development, and laboratory automation to improve viral vector yield, throughput, and quality.
The ideal candidate has an MS or PhD with 3+ years of relevant experience, strong molecular biology expertise, and hands-on experience with ex vivo CAR T-cell engineering using lentiviral vectors.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and optimize LVV and AAV production workflows to improve yield, scalability, and turnaround time.
- Implement and program automated liquid handling systems, such as Integra Assist Plus and Bravo, for high-throughput laboratory workflows.
- Optimize suspension-based LVV upstream production, including cell expansion, transient transfection, shake flask production, and harvest.
- Apply Design of Experiments (DOE) to optimize plasmid ratios, transfection conditions, reagents, and production parameters.
- Develop downstream purification processes, including depth filtration, microfiltration, tangential flow filtration (TFF), and chromatography.
- Support high-throughput production using automated micro-scale bioreactors, such as Ambr 15 or Ambr 250.
- Perform viral vector characterization and quality control (QC) to evaluate physical and functional attributes.
- Conduct molecular biology assays, including PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, dPCR, and Western blot.
- Analyze experimental data using Excel, GraphPad Prism, and statistical analysis tools.
- Maintain accurate viral vector inventories, electronic laboratory records, and sample traceability.
- Develop and maintain SOPs, technical reports, and technology transfer documentation.
- Present experimental findings and collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams.
Required Qualifications
- Master's degree or PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Virology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Genetics, or a related discipline.
- 3+ years of laboratory research or industrial experience.
- Hands-on experience with ex vivo CAR T-cell engineering using lentiviral vectors (required).
- Strong proficiency in mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques.
- Experience with transient plasmid transfection, PCR, qPCR, ddPCR/dPCR, and Western blot.
- Strong experimental design, data analysis, and scientific presentation skills.
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate with research teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with lentiviral vector (LVV) or AAV production using adherent or suspension cell cultures.
- Experience with upstream and downstream viral vector process development.
- Knowledge of DOE, statistical modeling, and process optimization.
- Hands-on experience with automated liquid handling platforms, including Integra Assist Plus or Bravo.
- Familiarity with Ambr bioreactors, TFF, chromatography, and viral vector purification.
- Experience operating flow cytometers and performing viral vector characterization.
- Familiarity with electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs) and BSL-2 laboratory operations.
About BEPC
BEPC Inc., founded in 2007, is a 100% employee-owned company providing top-tier consulting and staffing solutions across industries like technology, engineering, manufacturing, and project management. At BEPC, we are driven by innovation and a commitment to excellence. We take pride in fostering a collaborative and innovative environment where our team members thrive. With competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, BEPC is dedicated to supporting our employees' personal and professional growth.