Job Description

Title: Scientist II – Vector Development

Location: Upper East Side

Org Unit: MCC Laboratories

Work Days:

Weekly Hours: 35.00

Exemption Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $75,000.00 - $94,400.00

*As required under NYC Human Rights Law Int 1208-2018 - Salary range for this role when Hired for NYC Offices

We are seeking a highly motivated Scientist II to support viral vector development and genetic construct workflows in a fast-paced, collaborative, and execution-focused translational research environment.

This role works closely with senior scientists engaged in lentiviral vector design, mRNA delivery systems, and transposon-based construct engineering. The ideal candidate has strong hands-on molecular biology skills and thrives in a detail-oriented laboratory environment focused on high-quality execution and reproducible experimental work.

This position provides direct exposure to advanced gene delivery systems and offers significant opportunities for technical growth in translational genomics and gene therapy.

Job Responsibilities

Independently perform routine and advanced mammalian cell culture, including maintenance of adherent and suspension cell lines.
Independently prepare and handle reagents for transfection and transduction experiments and resolve routine preparation issues.
Independently execute plasmid DNA preparation (e.g., Maxiprep), assess yield and quality, and troubleshoot routine deviations.
Independently perform quality control of plasmid constructs through restriction digest analysis, PCR, and sequencing preparation; interpret results and identify discrepancies.
Independently conduct lentiviral production workflows, including transient transfection of packaging systems, viral harvest, and downstream processing (concentration and purification); troubleshoot routine process issues.
Independently perform viral titering, concentration, and functional validation assays and analyze results.
Independently execute cloning workflows, including bacterial transformation, colony screening, and plasmid expansion; troubleshoot routine cloning failures.
Independently perform sterile technique-based molecular and cell biology experiments, adapting established procedures as needed to ensure accuracy and reproducibility.
Train and mentor junior research associates, interns, and new laboratory personnel on laboratory procedures, equipment operation, and best practices.
Maintain complete, traceable laboratory records and review documentation for accuracy and completeness.
Collaborate with senior scientists and contribute technical observations and recommendations to iterative construct-design and testing cycles.
Independently maintain laboratory organization, monitor reagent stocks, and reinforce compliance with biosafety protocols (BSL-2 practices where applicable).

Education

Master’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field

Experience

3-5 years of hands-on laboratory experience in molecular biology and primary cell cultures (academic or industry setting)

Required Technical Skills

Proficiency in mammalian tissue culture techniques (passaging, counting, maintenance, freezing/thawing cells)
Experience with bacterial culture and plasmid propagation
Experience performing plasmid DNA purification workflows
Familiarity with standard molecular biology techniques (pipetting, PCR, gel electrophoresis, restriction digests)
Experience or familiarity with lentiviral vector production
Understanding of sterile technique and biosafety best practices
Familiarity with basic viral handling or BSL-2 laboratory environments
Ability to follow detailed experimental protocols with high reproducibility

Preferred Skills

Knowledge or experience with viral vector production downstream engineering (filtration, chromatography), especially as used with lentiviral systems
Experience with transfection methods (e.g., PEI, lipid-based reagents, electroporation)
Experience with DNA construct screening and validation workflows
Exposure to cell-based functional assays or flow cytometry

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong attention to detail and experimental consistency
Ability to execute complex protocols accurately and reliably
Strong organizational and documentation skills
Collaborative mindset and willingness to support team-based research goals
Eagerness to learn advanced molecular and gene delivery techniques

Licenses and Certifications

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Works directly with senior scientists designing advanced gene delivery systems
Fast-paced, collaborative translational research environment bridging academia and biotech
Exposure to cutting-edge viral vector, mRNA, and genome engineering platforms
Strong emphasis on technical rigor, reproducibility, and iterative experimentation

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “any person, any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

About Weill Cornell Medicine

Weill Cornell Medicine is committed to excellence in patient care, scientific discovery and the education of future physicians and scientists in New York City and around the world.

The doctors and scientists of Weill Cornell Medicine — faculty from Weill Cornell Medical College, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and Weill Cornell Physician Organization—are engaged in world-class clinical care and cutting-edge research that connect patients to the latest treatment innovations and prevention strategies.

Located in the heart of the Upper East Side's scientific corridor, Weill Cornell Medicine's powerful network of collaborators extends to its parent university Cornell University; to Qatar, where Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar offers a Cornell University medical degree; and to programs in Tanzania, Haiti, Brazil, Austria, and Turkey. Weill Cornell Medicine faculty provide comprehensive patient care at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital, and NewYork-Presbyterian Queens. Weill Cornell Medicine is also affiliated with Houston Methodist.

At Weill Cornell Medicine, we connect the collective power of our integrated partners in education and research to provide world-class care for our individual patients—#CareDiscoverTeach.

Industry

Healthcare & Social Services

Company Size

10,000+ employees

Headquarters

New York, NY

Year Founded

1898

Website

cornell.edu

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