Staff Scientist Viral Vector Facility

About the Role

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is seeking a Staff Scientist for its Viral Vector Facility (VVF). This full-time role is central to supporting the strategic goals of KAUST's Bio-Medical platform. The Staff Scientist will be responsible for designing, producing, and delivering high-quality viral vectors, such as AAVs and Lentivirus, to support advanced research within KAUST and the broader region. The position requires 5-10 years of experience.

Role Context and Objectives

The Staff Scientist will optimize and scale production workflows, enhance vector performance, and improve cost-efficiency while ensuring strict quality and biosafety standards. This role involves translating complex experimental needs into tailored genetic tools and driving innovation in vector design and delivery. The scientist will collaborate with researchers, supervise technical staff, and provide advanced training in molecular genetics and viral vector technologies, contributing to KAUST's position as a regional hub for state-of-the-art viral vector solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with researchers to identify and implement appropriate viral vector systems for scientific questions, supporting high-impact research.
• Produce high-quality, safe, and effective viral vectors tailored for experimental needs and cell-based research applications.
• Supervise and mentor a laboratory technician, managing daily tasks to ensure timely and high-quality deliverables.
• Coordinate multiple research projects and timelines to ensure milestones and deliverables are met on schedule.
• Develop, implement, and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for efficiency, reproducibility, and compliance in viral vector production.
• Ensure Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and maintain a safe working environment in accordance with biosafety regulations and Institutional Biosafety and Ethics Committee (IBEC) guidelines.
• Integrate laboratory data into the Bio-Medical Platform and collaborate with IT and bioinformatics teams for effective data management, analysis, and reporting.
• Design and implement new or improved techniques and workflows to address scientific challenges, enhance viral vector performance and throughput, and reduce production costs.
• Provide advanced training in viral vector production and contribute to building technical expertise among staff.
• Conduct routine laboratory responsibilities, including procurement, documentation, equipment maintenance, and participation in task forces and institutional committees.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates should possess a strong background in molecular biology with expertise in viral vector engineering and production. The role requires 5-10 years of relevant experience.

Required Skills

• Expertise in viral vector engineering and production (*, AAVs and Lentivirus).
• Proficiency in optimizing and scaling production workflows.
• Ability to ensure strict quality and biosafety standards.
• Strong molecular biology skills.
• Experience in translating experimental needs into genetic tools.
• Capability to supervise technical staff and provide advanced training.
• Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and biosafety regulations.

Work Environment

This full-time position is based at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), working within the Viral Vector Facility as part of the Bio-Medical platform. The role involves close collaboration with researchers and managing a laboratory technician.