Vector Development Scientist II: Gene Therapy

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

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