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Viral Vector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Design, manufacture, purify, characterize, validate and test a range of viral vectors, at small and large scale * Assess efficiency of workflows through cellular assays and NGS sequencing approaches

Design, manufacture, purify, characterize, validate and test a range of viral vectors, at small and large scale * Assess efficiency of workflows through cellular assays and NGS sequencing approaches

Design, manufacture, purify, characterize, validate and test a range of viral vectors, at small and large scale * Assess efficiency of workflows through cellular assays and NGS sequencing approaches

Sr. Scientist, Viral Vector

Foster City, CA ยท On-site

$169K - $219K/yr

The successful candidate will play a critical role in leading a vector core team to produce viral vectors on a regular basis supporting research activities throughout the organization. In addition ...

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Viral Vector information

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$30.5K

$102.3K

$190K

How much do viral vector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for viral vector in the United States is $102,302.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,000.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Viral Vector position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Viral Vector Scientist, you typically need a strong background in molecular biology, virology, or related life sciences, often supported by a relevant advanced degree. Familiarity with laboratory techniques such as cloning, cell culture, qPCR, viral purification, and use of tools like flow cytometry and bioreactors is essential, with certifications in biosafety being advantageous. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are key soft skills for success in this field. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable development of viral vectors used in gene therapy and biomedical research.

What are the 4 types of viral vectors?

Viral vector-based jobs often involve working with four main types of viral vectors: lentivirus, adenovirus, adeno-associated virus (AAV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV). Each type has unique properties suited for gene delivery, with AAV and lentivirus being common in gene therapy applications. Knowledge of vector biology and safety protocols is essential in this field.

What is a Viral Vector job?

A Viral Vector job typically involves the development, production, and optimization of viral vectors used in gene therapy and vaccine applications. Professionals in this field work in biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies, focusing on designing and engineering viruses to deliver genetic material into cells safely and efficiently. Responsibilities may include cell culture, molecular cloning, vector purification, and quality control. This role is critical in advancing treatments for genetic disorders, cancer, and infectious diseases.

What is the highest paying job in virology?

In virology, senior roles such as virology research directors or principal investigators tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills in research or industry settings.

Is vector a remote job?

A viral vector job typically involves laboratory work or research, which usually requires on-site presence due to the need for specialized equipment and safety protocols. Some roles in related fields, such as data analysis or project management, may offer remote options, but laboratory-based positions generally do not.

What does a viral vector do?

A viral vector is used in gene therapy and research to deliver genetic material into cells. Viral vectors are engineered viruses that can transfer DNA or RNA to target cells, enabling gene modification or expression. Professionals working with viral vectors need knowledge of molecular biology, virology, and sterile techniques.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in viral vector development?

Professionals in viral vector development often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting low viral yields, maintaining strict contamination controls, and optimizing protocols for efficient gene delivery. The work environment is highly regulated, requiring close attention to safety and compliance standards, and frequent collaboration with cross-functional teams like quality assurance and manufacturing. Staying updated with emerging technologies and evolving regulatory requirements is also crucial. These challenges help foster advanced technical expertise and provide valuable problem-solving experience that contribute to long-term career growth in gene therapy and biotechnology.

More about Viral Vector jobs
What cities are hiring for Viral Vector jobs? Cities with the most Viral Vector job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Viral Vector jobs? The most popular types of Viral Vector jobs are:
What states have the most Viral Vector jobs? States with the most job openings for Viral Vector jobs include:
Infographic showing various Viral Vector job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,302 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Viral Vector Engineer

Neion Bio

New York, NY โ€ข On-site

$90/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Neion Bio is harnessing nature's best molecular factory, the chicken egg, to make medicine affordable, accessible, and resilient. Using cutting edge genetic engineering and stem cell technology, we create "living bioreactors", which act as fully autonomous 3D biomolecular printers, operating on existing industrial-scale infrastructure. Our platform can rapidly and scalably produce almost any protein, provide national resilience to drug shortages and de-risk complex supply chains, and ultimately take advantage of novel biological environments to solve unmet medical needs. We are on a mission to reimagine the way in which complex biological molecules are produced to transform human health.
At Neion Bio you will play a pivotal role in an early-stage, fast-growing company, working alongside leading scientists and entrepreneurs. You will have the opportunity to participate in the enormous potential upside while having a huge impact on the world.
We are looking for a talented molecular biologist on the RA, SRA or scientist level experienced with the engineering, production and purification of viral vectors, including lentivirus, adenovirus and AAV.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Perform cloning of large viral genomes, design and run PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR assays to quantify viral transgene and transcription
  • Perform transfections on primary cells, immortalized cells, and animal tissues
  • Design, manufacture, purify, characterize, validate and test a range of viral vectors, at small and large scale
  • Assess efficiency of workflows through cellular assays and NGS sequencing approaches
  • Extract DNA, RNA, protein from animal tissue
  • Conduct experiments and work on research problems
  • Maintain excellent electronic laboratory records
  • Work on project milestones
  • Attend lab meetings, prepare reports and presentations on the progress of projects

Requirements
  • BA/MS/PhD in biological sciences, bioengineering, molecular biology, genetics, or any science related field, or equivalent experience
  • Experience with cloning, transfecting, producing, purifying, characterizing, validating and testing of a range of viral vectors including adenovirus, lentivirus, AAV
  • Experience with ultracentrifugation for viral purification
  • Experience with resin and column based viral purification methods
  • Strong aseptic techniques and GLP procedures
  • Experience in genome engineering, cloning, DNA amplification, PCR, NGS, transfections, and other molecular biology skills
  • Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to effectively manage time and priorities
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, as well as creative problem-solving skills
  • Curious, eager, and hardworking

Preferred qualifications:
  • Experience with viral capsid engineering by rational design or directed evolution
  • Extensive experience with and knowledge of adenoviral vectors
  • Experience with viral capsid library engineering

Benefits
Compensation: base salary is expected to be $90-130K depending on experience, with additional bonus compensation, equity compensation, and benefits including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, and 401(k).