Position located in Rochester, MN
Responsibilities of the Virology Scientist:
- 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 for 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.
Requirements of the Virology Scientist:
- A 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 of the Virology Scientist:
- 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.