Scientist II - Viral Vector Development

BEPC Inc. - Business Excellence Professional Consulting; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Competitive benefits

Job summary

BEPC Inc. is seeking a Research Scientist II for Viral Vector Development in South San Francisco, CA. This onsite role focuses on producing and evaluating viral vectors and leveraging genome engineering techniques to advance gene therapy research.

The candidate should have 5–10 years of lab experience in molecular biology, mammalian culture, and vector production, working with lentiviral and AAV systems and CRISPR-based approaches.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in a relevant discipline with 5–10 years lab research experience.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular biology workflows.
• Experience producing lentiviral and/or AAV vectors and CRISPR genome engineering.

Responsibilities

• Produce viral vectors (lentiviral, AAV) for research.
• Perform downstream analytics to assess vector quality and performance.
• Maintain an accurate inventory and data registry for vectors.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology techniques

Transient plasmid transfection

PCR/qPCR/ddPCR/dPCR

Western blotting

Lentiviral vectors/AAV production

Data analysis/problem solving

Independent collaboration

Education

MS或PhD in Cell/Molecular Biology, Virology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Genetics

Tools

CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing

Flow cytometer

ELN software

Computational programming

Job description

Research Scientist II – Viral Vector Development

Location: South San Francisco, CA (Fully Onsite)

Pay Rate: $44.00 – $48.96/hour

Employment Type: Contract | Full-Time (40 hours/week)

Role Overview

BEPC Inc. is seeking a Research Scientist II – Viral Vector Development to support an innovative client in South San Francisco, CA. This fully onsite opportunity is ideal for an experienced scientist with a strong background in molecular biology, viral vector production, and genome engineering. In this role, you will contribute to the development and production of next-generation viral vectors that support cutting-edge gene therapy research and therapeutic innovation.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, detail-oriented researcher with hands-on experience in lentiviral and AAV production, mammalian cell culture, and molecular biology techniques. This position offers the opportunity to work alongside multidisciplinary research teams while advancing novel viral vector technologies and CRISPR-based genome engineering applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce high-quality viral vectors, including lentiviral libraries and Adeno-associated virus (AAV), supporting research and development initiatives.
• Perform downstream viral vector analytics to evaluate vector quality and performance.
• Maintain an accurate viral inventory and registry using electronic informatics systems to ensure data integrity and traceability.
• Support the engineering, optimization, and development of next-generation viral vectors and emerging viral-based therapeutic modalities.
• Participate in CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering studies in both in vitro and in vivo research settings.
• Execute molecular biology workflows including transient plasmid transfection, PCR, qPCR, ddPCR/dPCR, and Western blot analysis.
• Collaborate with cross-functional research teams to improve viral production processes and support ongoing scientific projects.
• Document experimental procedures, analyze data, and maintain accurate electronic laboratory records.

Qualifications

Required

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Virology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Genetics, or a related scientific discipline.
• 5–10 years of laboratory research experience, including at least 3 years following completion of an advanced degree.
• Hands-on experience with:
• Mammalian cell culture
• Molecular biology techniques
• Transient plasmid transfection
• PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, or dPCR
• Western blotting
• Experience producing and applying lentiviral vectors and/or Adeno-associated virus (AAV).
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary research teams.

Preferred

• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technologies.
• Experience operating flow cytometers.
• Familiarity with electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs).
• Data analysis and computational programming experience.
• Experience supporting gene therapy or viral vector research programs.
• Pay Rate: $44.00–$48.96/hour
• Work Schedule: Monday–Friday
• Hours: 40 hours/week (Standard 8-hour shifts)
• Work Model: Fully Onsite
• Interview Process:
• Round 1: Hiring Manager (30-minute virtual interview)
• Round 2: Onsite panel interview (approximately 3 hours)

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.