The Role
The Staff Scientist in the Viral Vector Facility (VVF) plays a central role in supporting the strategic goals of the Bio-Medical platform. The Scientist in the VVF will design, produce, and deliver high-quality viral vectors (e.g., AAVs and Lentivirus) to support cutting-edge research at KAUST and in the region. The scientist will optimize and scale production workflows, improve vector performance and cost-efficiency, and ensure strict quality and biosafety standards. We are seeking a highly skilled molecular biologist with expertise in viral vector engineering and production, who can translate complex experimental needs into tailored genetic tools and drive innovation in vector design and delivery. The scientist will collaborate closely with researchers, supervise technical staff, and provide advanced training in molecular genetics and viral vector technologies, helping position KAUST as a regional hub for state-of-the-art viral vector solutions.
Responsibilities
- Scientific Collaboration: Collaborate with researchers to identify appropriate viral vector systems that address key scientific questions, supporting high-impact research and publications.
- Viral Vector Production: Produce high-quality, safe, and effective viral vectors tailored to experimental needs and cell-based research applications.
- Staff & Operations Management: Supervise and mentor a laboratory technician; manage daily tasks to ensure timely and high-quality work deliverables.
- Project management: Coordinate multiple research projects and timelines to ensure milestones and deliverables are met on schedule.
- SOP Development & Maintenance: Develop, implement, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure efficiency, reproducibility, and compliance in viral vector production.
- Laboratory Safety & Compliance: Ensure Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and maintain a safe working environment in accordance with biosafety regulations and Institutional Biosafety and Ethics Committee (IBEC) guidelines.
- Data Integration & Collaboration: Integrate laboratory data into the Bio-Medical Platform and collaborate with IT and bioinformatics teams for effective data management, analysis, and reporting.
- Process Innovation: Design and implement new or improved techniques and workflows to address scientific challenges, enhance viral vector performance and throughput, and reduce production costs.
- Training & Knowledge Development: Provide advanced training in viral vector production and contribute to building technical expertise among staff.
- General Laboratory Duties: Conduct routine laboratory responsibilities, including procurement, documentation, equipment maintenance, and participation in task forces and institutional committees.
Qualifications
- A PhD degree in relevant field
- 5-7 + years of hands-on experience in molecular genetics, cloning, gene editing, viral vector production, cell culture.
- Strong scientific track records, including successful management of research projects, and/or demonstrated operational excellence, and/or publication in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
Required Skills
- In-depth knowledge and strong expertise in cell and molecular genetics.
- Proven experience in the production of viral vectors (such as AAVs, Lentiviruses, Rabies Virus etc.) and gene manipulation technologies.
- Experience in primary human cell immortalization.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with researchers in the biological sciences, understand their experimental needs, and translate these into effective genetic tools.
- Excellent organization skills with a proven ability to manage and execute multiple research projects simultaneously.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage with stakeholders and foster a collaborative work environment.
- A proactive, results-driven team player with a commitment to achieving shared goals.
