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.