Virology Scientist

Based in Rochester, MN, we are seeking a talented and proactive Virology Scientist to join our biotech company's innovative research team. As a Scientist, you will play a critical role in advancing our virology-based research and cell engineering efforts to develop cutting-edge viral vectors and cell-based therapies. Your expertise in virology, molecular biology, and cell engineering will be instrumental in supporting our mission to create transformative treatments for a wide range of diseases.

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. A comprehensive benefits package including:
Paid Holidays
PTO
Health insurance
Employer-paid Short and Long Term Disability
Life Insurance
AD&D
Dental/ Vision Insurance
Simple IRA with an employer match
Sign-on bonus of $5,000


Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Key Responsibilities
Independently design, rescue, and characterize (in vitro) novel viruses or viral vectors.
Plan and execute scientific research projects under minimal supervision.
Collect, analyze, and present scientific data to the research and management teams; with proposed next steps.
Use various engineering technologies to develop modified eukaryotic cell lines.
Use basic and advanced molecular cloning techniques to generate constructs for vector production and cell modification.
Develop, optimize, and perform molecular and cell-based assays for characterization of viruses and viral vectors.
Be self-motivated and driven to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Coordinate research efforts and make key scientific and technical contributions to the strategic development of cross-functional projects.

The candidate will perform independent experimental research but will work in close collaboration with the rest of the scientific team in a highly cross-functional and project-oriented environment.

Qualifications/Skills
Ph.D. or masters in Molecular/Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, Virology, or a related field.
Must be proficient in molecular cloning
Must have experience in the cloning and production (engineering) of lentiviral vectors or have the background and skills to master in a short period of time.
Experience optimizing experimental procedures to improve efficiency or product yields.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Valued Complementary Skills
Eukaryotic cell culture skills: flow cytometry, cell proliferation, cell viability, and cell cloning.
Molecular biology skills: qPCR, RT-PCR, ddPCR, and western blot.
Virology skills: viral analytics (plaque assay, TCID50, IFA), virus production and amplification, and design, rescue, and characterization of negative sense single-stranded RNA viruses.