Senior virologist - Viral Vector Development

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings

Bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Virologist in East London to lead the design, engineering, and production of safe viral vectors for gene therapy. You will optimize vector systems, conduct preclinical studies, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to advance genetic disease treatments.

The role requires a PhD with 5+ years of experience in viral vectors and strong molecular biology, cell culture, and virological assay skills.

Qualifications

• PhD in Virology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of post-doctoral research or industry experience with viral vectors.
• Extensive hands-on experience with development and characterization of viral vectors (AAV, lentivirus).

Responsibilities

• Lead design and engineering of novel viral vector systems for gene therapy.
• Optimize production, purification and characterization of vectors.
• Develop and validate assays for infectivity, transduction and immunogenicity.
• Conduct preclinical studies to assess safety and efficacy.
• Collaborate with molecular biologists, geneticists, and regulatory teams.
• Guide junior researchers and troubleshoot experiments.
• Stay current with virology and vectorology advancements.
• Contribute to publications, patents, and presentations.

Skills

Virology

Viral vectors

Molecular biology

Cell culture

Virological assays

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Virology or related field

Tools

Mammalian cell culture

Viral vector development

AAV / lentivirus troubleshooting

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering biopharmaceutical company located in East London, is seeking a Senior Virologist to lead advancements in viral vector development for gene therapy applications. This pivotal role will involve spearheading research efforts in the design, engineering, and production of safe and effective viral vectors. You will be responsible for optimizing vector systems, conducting rigorous preclinical studies, and collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of virology, extensive experience with viral vector technology, and a passion for developing novel therapeutic solutions. Working in our client's state-of-the-art research facilities in East London, Eastern Cape, you will contribute to groundbreaking projects aimed at treating genetic diseases. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact in the field of gene therapy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and engineering of novel viral vector systems (e.g., AAV, lentivirus) for gene therapy applications.
• Optimize viral vector production, purification, and characterization processes.
• Develop and validate assays to assess vector infectivity, transduction efficiency, and immunogenicity.
• Conduct preclinical studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of viral vector-based therapeutics.
• Collaborate with molecular biologists, geneticists, and regulatory affairs teams.
• Troubleshoot experimental issues and provide scientific guidance to junior researchers.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in virology, gene therapy, and vectorology.
• Contribute to scientific publications, patent applications, and presentations.

Requirements

• PhD in Virology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of post-doctoral research or industry experience with a strong focus on viral vectors.
• Extensive hands-on experience with the development and characterization of viral vectors (e.g., AAV, lentivirus).
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, mammalian cell culture, and virological assays.
• Experience with gene expression analysis and assessment of vector immunogenicity.
• Strong understanding of gene therapy principles and regulatory considerations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific data clearly.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement savings, and performance-based bonuses. You will join an innovative and collaborative research environment with access to cutting-edge technologies. This role provides excellent opportunities for career growth and professional development in the exciting field of gene therapy within East London.