Senior Scientist I, Molecular Virology

Generate:Biomedicines; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Generate:Biomedicines in Somerville seeks a Senior Scientist in Molecular Virology to design and lead research on viral vector and RNA delivery platforms, advancing programs from in vitro evaluation through in vivo validation to support clinical candidate selection.

You will lead experiments, mentor junior scientists, and collaborate with computational and therapeutic experts to interpret data, make decisions, and communicate findings for regulatory readiness.

Qualifications

• PhD in Virology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or closely related life science field.
• 4+ years postdoctoral or industry R&D experience with independent virology research.
• Hands-on mammalian cell culture, viral propagation, reverse genetics, cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, and recombinant vector design.
• Experience with qPCR, ddPCR, ELISA, flow cytometry, Western blotting, and transfection methods.
• Experience with NGS library prep, CRISPR screening, and basic sequence/data analysis tools.
• Experience applying agentic platforms and protein design tools.
• Proficiency with electronic lab notebooks (ELN) and LIMS.
• Strong project management, problem-solving, and cross-disciplinary communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead molecular virology research; design, execute, and oversee cancer virology and mammalian cell culture experiments in vitro and in vivo.
• Develop and optimize high-throughput screening assays using qPCR, ddPCR, flow cytometry, Western blotting, and sequencing.
• Analyze complex datasets, interpret results, and recommend next steps toward clinical candidate selection.
• Collaborate with computational scientists and therapeutic experts to evaluate delivery platforms.
• Maintain accurate, complete lab records and prepare reports and manuscripts for regulatory filings.
• Provide day-to-day scientific guidance to researchers and mentor junior scientists.
• Set clear research goals, track progress, and communicate findings and challenges to cross-functional partners.
• Ensure biosafety and regulatory compliance across all activities.

Skills

Scientific leadership

Project management

Data interpretation

Written & verbal communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring

Education

PhD in Virology or related life science

Tools

qPCR/ddPCR

Flow cytometry

Western blotting

NGS library prep

CRISPR screening

ELN

LIMS

Viral propagation

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular cloning

Reverse genetics

Job description

The Role:

We are seeking a Senior Scientist in Molecular Virology to design, execute, and oversee independent and team-based research projects focused on viral vector and RNA delivery platforms, including lentiviral systems and virus-like particles (VLPs). In this newly created role, you will connect early discovery research with translational development, advancing research from in vitro evaluation through in vivo validation to support clinical candidate selection.

You will combine hands-on experimental work with scientific project leadership, partnering with computational scientists and therapeutic experts to develop and evaluate delivery platforms, interpret complex data, and communicate findings. You will also provide scientific guidance to research associates and mentor junior scientists.

Here's how you will contribute:

• Lead molecular virology research. Independently design, execute, and oversee molecular virology and mammalian cell culture experiments, including construct design and characterization in vitro and in vivo.
• Develop platforms and assays. Develop and optimize high-throughput screening assays and workflows using qPCR/ddPCR, flow cytometry, Western blotting, and next-generation sequencing.
• Translate data into scientific decisions. Analyze and interpret complex datasets, evaluate findings, and recommend next steps that advance research projects toward clinical candidate selection.
• Collaborate across disciplines. Partner with computational scientists and therapeutic experts to develop and evaluate viral vector and RNA delivery platforms. Apply agentic platforms and protein design tools in support of research activities.
• Maintain rigorous scientific documentation. Maintain accurate, complete, and compliant laboratory records and prepare technical reports, peer-reviewed manuscripts, and scientific content supporting regulatory filings, as appropriate.
• Guide and communicate the science. Provide day-to-day scientific oversight to research associates, mentor junior scientists, and present findings in internal and external project reviews.
• Take ownership of research progress. Establish clear research goals, track progress, and communicate findings, challenges, and setbacks transparently. Seek cross-functional input and adapt approaches as evidence evolves.
• Uphold biosafety and laboratory standards. Ensure research activities adhere to institutional biosafety and laboratory compliance requirements.

The Ideal Candidate will have:

• A Ph.D. in Virology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a closely related life science discipline
• 4+ years of relevant postdoctoral training or industry research and development experience in biotechnology or pharmaceuticals, with demonstrated ability to independently design and advance molecular virology research.
• Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, viral propagation, reverse genetics, cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, and recombinant vector design.
• Experience with qPCR, ddPCR, ELISA, flow cytometry, Western blotting, and mammalian/microbial transfection methods.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing library preparation, CRISPR screening, and basic sequence and data analysis tools.
• Demonstrated experience applying agentic platforms and protein design tools.
• Proficiency with electronic laboratory notebooks (ELN) and laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Strong project management and problem-solving skills, clear written and verbal communication, and demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines and present findings to senior leadership.

Nice to Have:

Experience with lentiviral systems and animal models.

Who Will Love This Job:

• You enjoy turning complex scientific questions into rigorous experiments and using evidence to guide decisions.
• You take ownership of your work, follow through on commitments, and communicate openly about progress, setbacks, and lessons learned.
• You value diverse perspectives, actively seek feedback, and share knowledge to strengthen the team’s work.
• You are curious about new approaches, adapt effectively as priorities and evidence change, and are motivated by the opportunity to advance new medicines for patients.

About Generate Biomedicines

We are a clinical-stage generative biology company pioneering the AI revolution in drug design and development. We are advancing a new approach to drug creation—one grounded in the ability to design proteins with defined biological intent. By integrating machine learning with large-scale experimentation, this approach aims to reduce the uncertainty, time, and cost associated with developing protein-based medicines.

Founded in 2018, we are advancing a growing pipeline of clinical and preclinical programs across multiple disease areas and protein modalities. By unifying computational design and clinical development within a single operating model, we translate this approach into clinical-stage programs and are leading a shift from traditional drug discovery toward systematic drug generation.

At Generate:Biomedicines, we collaborate across disciplines in new ways to invent and innovate. We bring diverse perspectives to a shared goal of delivering better medicines to patients in need, faster, guided by our values and leadership behaviors.

Generate:Biomedicines is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

Compensation:

The base salary range provided reflects our current estimate of what we anticipate paying for this position. Your actual base salary will be based on several factors, including job-related skills, experience, internal equity, relevant education or training, and market dynamics. In addition, you will be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and a competitive benefits package.

Per Year Salary Range

$125,000—$175,000 USD