Viral Vector Staff Scientist📣 Job Ad

About the Opportunity

KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) is seeking a Viral Vector Staff Scientist to join its team in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This full-time position is central to supporting the strategic goals of the Bio-Medical platform, focusing on the design, production, and delivery of high-quality viral vectors for cutting-edge research.

Role Overview

The Staff Scientist will play a critical role within the Viral Vector Facility (VVF), producing viral vectors such as AAVs and Lentivirus to advance research at KAUST and across the region. This position involves optimizing and scaling production workflows, enhancing vector performance and cost-efficiency, and ensuring adherence to strict quality and biosafety standards. The successful candidate will contribute to positioning KAUST as a regional hub for advanced viral vector solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with researchers to identify and implement appropriate viral vector systems for high-impact scientific questions and publications.
• Produce high-quality, safe, and effective viral vectors tailored for experimental needs and cell-based research applications.
• Supervise and mentor laboratory technicians, 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) to ensure 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 duties, including procurement, documentation, equipment maintenance, and participation in task forces and institutional committees.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a highly skilled molecular biologist with 5-10 years of experience in viral vector engineering and production. The ideal candidate will possess the ability to translate complex experimental needs into tailored genetic tools and drive innovation in vector design and delivery. Strong collaborative skills are essential for working with researchers and supervising technical staff.

Required Expertise

• Proven expertise in viral vector engineering and production, including AAVs and Lentivirus.
• Demonstrated ability to optimize and scale production workflows.
• Experience in developing and enforcing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and biosafety regulations.
• Capability to provide advanced training in molecular genetics and viral vector technologies.

Location and Work Type

This is a full-time position based in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, at KAUST. The role offers a collaborative environment where the Staff Scientist will work closely with diverse research teams and contribute to a leading scientific institution.