Scientist II -Viral Vector Process Development (LVV/AAV)

Role: Scientist II

Location: South San Francisco, CA (Onsite)

Description:

We are seeking a collaborative and driven contractor to accelerate our lentiviral vector (LVV) and adeno-associated virus (AAV) generation platforms. The primary objective of this engagement is to increase viral vector production throughput and yield to support rapid turnaround for screening and pipeline studies. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a cutting-edge research team, contribute to the development of innovative viral vector based therapeutic modalities and support our research community in applying viral vectors as powerful research tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Integration of automation and high-throughput LVV and AAV workflows. Implement and program automated liquid handlinga systems (e.g., Integra Assist Plus, Bravo etc) for high-throughput transfection, transduction, sample dilution and cell seeding.
• Incorporate high-throughput shaker arrays or automated micro-scale bioreactor platforms (e.g., Ambr 15 or Ambr 250) to run parallel mini-scale expression runs.
• Troubleshoot liquid-class parameters, pipetting precision, and plasticware compatibility to minimize batch-to-batch variation.
• Develop and optimize suspension-based lentiviral vector (LVV) upstream production platform.
• Design, execute, and characterize robust, scalable upstream processes, from seed train expansion through shake flask production and primary harvest.
• Apply Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies to systematically explore multivariate interactions including multi-plasmid transient transfection conditions, plasmid ratios, transfection reagents (e.g., PEI, lipid nanoparticles), DNA-to-cell ratios, harvest timing, feed schedule and chemical enhancers to boost packaging efficiency.
• Development and establishment of downstream LVV process. Evaluate and identify optimal low-shear depth filtration and microfiltration protocols tailored to large scale virus production.
• Develop and optimize ultrafiltration/diafiltration (TFF) and chromatographic purification methodologies.
• Conduct cutting-edge analytics for LVV and AAV QC.
• Perform physical and functional characterization of viral vectors to interpret quality attributes and ensure high-quality services.
• Integrate QC in the uptream/downstream process development for rapid identification of factors for improvement.
• Data, Inventory and Protocol Management: Analyze multivariate process datasets using excel, Prism or AI agent to facilitate fast progression of projects.
• Maintain a meticulously organized virus inventory and registry utilizing digital informatics platforms to ensure data integrity and traceability.
• Author standardoperating procedures (SOPs), technical reports and tech transfer protocols. Present data in group and department meetings.

Skills

• Proficient in mammalian cell culture and general molecular biology techniques such as transient plasmid transfection, PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, dPCR and Western blot.
• Require strong data analysis and presentation skills.
• Previous experience with ex vivo CAR T engineering using lentivirus is a must.
• Working experiences with lentivirus or AAV production in adherent or suspension cells, process development, statistical DOE modeling and automated liquid handling are highly desirable.
• Experience with flow cytometer operations, electronic notebook and BSL2 facility management are also strong plus.
• Must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, analytical, highly organized, and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Education

• MS/PhD degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Virology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Genetics, or a related discipline with 3+ years of laboratory research or industrial experience.