Viral Vector Staff Scientist

About the Role

KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) is seeking a Viral Vector Staff Scientist to join its Bio-Medical platform in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This full-time role involves designing, producing, and delivering high-quality viral vectors, such as AAVs and Lentivirus, to support advanced research within KAUST and the broader region. The Staff Scientist will be instrumental in optimizing production workflows, enhancing vector performance, and ensuring cost-efficiency while upholding strict quality and biosafety standards.

Role Responsibilities

• Collaborate with researchers to identify and implement appropriate viral vector systems for scientific inquiries, supporting high-impact research and publications.
• Produce high-quality, safe, and effective viral vectors customized 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) 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 responsibilities, including procurement, documentation, equipment maintenance, and participation in task forces and institutional committees.

Required Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in molecular biology with expertise in viral vector engineering and production. This role requires 5-10 years of relevant experience in a similar capacity.

Key Skills

• Expertise in viral vector engineering and production.
• Ability to translate complex experimental needs into tailored genetic tools.
• Proficiency in optimizing and scaling production workflows.
• Strong understanding of quality and biosafety standards.
• Experience in supervising technical staff and providing advanced training.

Work Environment

This full-time position is based at KAUST in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The Staff Scientist will work within the Viral Vector Facility (VVF) as part of the Bio-Medical platform, collaborating with researchers and contributing to a dynamic scientific environment.

Application Process

Salary details for this position will be disclosed during the application process.