Scientist - Viral Vector Process Development

Apollopros; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401k

Job summary

Apollopros in South San Francisco, CA seeks a Scientist II to advance LVV and AAV production for next-generation gene therapy research. The role focuses on scaling, DOE-driven optimization, and integrating automation to improve throughput and yield.

The position requires hands-on mammalian cell culture and molecular biology, with experience in viral vector engineering and data analysis. This contract opportunity includes comprehensive benefits and an hourly rate of $48.00.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Virology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering or Genetics.
• Minimum of 3 years of laboratory research or industry experience.
• Experience with LVV and/or AAV production is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and scale LVV upstream production.
• Design and execute seed train expansion, shake flask production, and harvest activities.
• Apply DOE to optimize transfection conditions, plasmid ratios, and transfection reagents.
• Implement and program automated liquid-handling systems for high-throughput workflows.
• Support end-to-end process development from production to purification.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology techniques

Data analysis

Transfection

DOE optimization

CAR-T vector engineering

Education

MS or PhD in Cell Biology/Molecular Biology/Virology/Bioengineering/Genetics

Tools

Integra Assist Plus

Bravo liquid handler

Ambr15/Ambr250

TFF/Chromatography systems

Job description

Position Type: Scientist –Viral Vector Process Development

Location: South San Francisco, CA

Hourly rate: $48.00

Contractor benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, 401k

Job Description

Scientist II – Viral Vector Process Development Advance Next‑Generation Gene Therapy Research We are seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Scientist II to support the advancement of lentiviral vector (LVV) and adeno‑associated virus (AAV) production platforms. This contract opportunity offers the chance to work alongside a cutting‑edge research team focused on increasing viral vector throughput, improving yield, and accelerating support for discovery, screening, and pipeline programs. If you have expertise in viral vector production, process development, automation, and data‑driven optimization, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative therapeutic technologies and help drive scientific breakthroughs.

Key Responsibilities

Viral Vector Process Development

• Develop, optimize, and scale suspension‑based lentiviral vector (LVV) upstream production platforms.
• Design and execute experiments covering seed train expansion, shake flask production, and primary harvest activities.
• Apply Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies to optimize:
  • Multi‑plasmid transient transfection conditions
  • Plasmid ratios
  • Transfection reagents (PEI, lipid nanoparticles, etc.)
  • DNA‑to‑cell ratios
  • Harvest timing and feed strategies
  • Chemical enhancers to improve packaging efficiency
• Drive improvements in vector productivity, scalability, and process robustness.

Automation & High‑Throughput Workflows

• Implement and program automated liquid‑handling systems such as Integra Assist Plus, Bravo, and similar platforms.
• Support high‑throughput applications including:
  • Transfection
  • Transduction
  • Sample preparation and dilution
  • Cell seeding
• Integrate automated shaker arrays and micro‑scale bioreactor systems (e.g., Ambr15 and Ambr250) to execute parallel expression studies.
• Troubleshoot automation workflows, liquid handling parameters, pipetting precision, and plasticware compatibility to reduce variability and improve consistency.

Downstream Processing & Purification

• Develop and optimize downstream manufacturing processes for viral vectors.
• Evaluate and establish low‑shear depth filtration and microfiltration strategies suitable for large‑scale viral production.
• Optimize ultrafiltration/diafiltration (TFF) and chromatography‑based purification methods.
• Support end‑to‑end process development from production through purification.

Viral Vector Analytics & Quality Control

• Perform physical and functional characterization of LVV and AAV products.
• Conduct analytical testing to assess critical quality attributes and support process optimization.
• Integrate quality control data into upstream and downstream development workflows to rapidly identify improvement opportunities.
• Ensure the delivery of high‑quality viral vector materials to internal research teams.

Data Management & Scientific Documentation

• Analyze complex process‑development datasets using tools such as Excel, Prism, and AI‑assisted analytical platforms.
• Maintain organized viral vector inventories and digital tracking systems to ensure traceability and data integrity.
• Author and maintain:
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Technical reports
  • Process development documentation
  • Technology transfer protocols
  • Present research findings and project updates at team and departmental meetings.

Required Qualifications

• MS or PhD in:
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Virology
• Biochemistry
• Bioengineering
• Genetics Or a related scientific discipline
• Minimum of 3 years of laboratory research or industry experience.

Required Skills

• Hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques.
• Proficiency in: Transient plasmid transfection PCR qPCR ddPCR/dPCR Western blotting Strong data analysis, interpretation, and presentation skills.
• Direct experience with ex vivo CAR‑T cell engineering using lentiviral vectors is required.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Self‑motivated with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with lentivirus and/or AAV production in adherent or suspension cell systems.
• Expertise in viral vector process development and scale‑up.
• Knowledge of statistical DOE modeling and process optimization techniques.
• Experience with automated liquid‑handling technologies and laboratory automation.
• Familiarity with flow cytometry operation and data analysis.
• Experience using electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN).
• Knowledge of BSL‑2 laboratory operations and facility management.