Viral Vector Staff Scientist📣 Job Ad

About the Viral Vector Staff Scientist Role

KAUST is seeking a Viral Vector Staff Scientist to join its Bio-Medical platform in Makkah. This full-time position is central to supporting the strategic goals of the platform by designing, producing, and delivering high-quality viral vectors. The role requires a skilled molecular biologist to drive innovation in vector design and delivery, contributing to cutting-edge research within KAUST and the wider region.

Role Overview and Responsibilities

The Viral Vector Staff Scientist will be responsible for optimizing and scaling production workflows for viral vectors such as AAVs and Lentivirus. Key duties include improving vector performance and cost-efficiency, ensuring strict quality and biosafety standards, and translating complex experimental needs into tailored genetic tools. The scientist will collaborate closely with researchers, supervise technical staff, and provide advanced training in molecular genetics and viral vector technologies.

• Collaborate with researchers to identify and develop appropriate viral vector systems for high-impact research.
• Produce high-quality, safe, and effective viral vectors tailored to specific experimental and cell-based research applications.
• Supervise and mentor laboratory technicians, managing daily tasks to ensure timely and quality deliverables.
• Coordinate multiple research projects and timelines to meet established milestones.
• Develop, implement, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for efficient and reproducible viral vector production.
• Ensure adherence to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and maintain a safe working environment in compliance 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 data management and reporting.
• Design and implement new or improved techniques and workflows to enhance viral vector performance, throughput, and reduce production costs.
• Provide advanced training in viral vector production and contribute to building technical expertise among staff.
• Conduct general laboratory duties, including procurement, documentation, equipment maintenance, and participation in institutional committees.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates should possess a PhD degree in a relevant scientific field. The role requires 5-10 years of hands-on experience in molecular genetics, cloning, gene editing, viral vector production, and cell culture. A strong scientific track record, including successful research project management, demonstrated operational excellence, and publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, is expected.

Required Technical and Soft Skills

Essential skills include in-depth knowledge and strong expertise in cell and molecular genetics, and proven experience in the production of viral vectors (*, AAVs, Lentiviruses, Rabies Virus) and gene manipulation technologies. Experience in primary human cell immortalization is also required. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively with researchers, understand their experimental needs, and translate them into genetic tools. Excellent organizational skills for managing multiple projects simultaneously, alongside strong written and verbal communication abilities, are crucial. A proactive, results-driven approach and a commitment to teamwork are also highly valued.

Work Location and Type

This is a full-time position located in Makkah, Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia, within the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).