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Viral Vector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Viral Vector information

See California salary details

$29.9K

$100.2K

$186.1K

How much do viral vector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for viral vector in California is $100,177.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,629.00 and $132,685.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a viral vector?

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 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Viral Vector jobs in California?

For Viral Vector jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Viral Vector jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Viral Vector jobs in California are:

Viral Vector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Viral Vector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 63% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,177 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Scientist II - Viral Vector

Dawar Consulting, Inc.

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$89.54 - $123.98/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Scientist II - Viral Vector

South San Francisco, United States | Posted on 07/24/2026

Our client, a world leader in biotechnology and life sciences, is looking for a “ Scientist II - Viral Vector ” based out of South San Francisco, CA (Hybrid).

Rate: $65/hr on W2 (DOE)

Job Duration: Long-Term Contract (Possibility Of Extension)

Company Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Sick Leave, 401K

Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivatedViral Vector Research Associate/Scientistwith5–10 years of laboratory research experienceto support ourViral Vector Coreand gene therapy research programs. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience inviral vector production, mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, and CRISPR genome editing technologies. This role involves the production and characterization oflentiviral and AAV vectors, supporting next-generation viral vector engineering, maintaining viral inventories, and collaborating with cross-functional research teams to advance innovative gene therapy platforms.

Key Responsibilities
  • Produce, purify, and characterizelentiviral librariesandAdeno-associated virus (AAV)vectors to support research and preclinical studies.
  • Perform viral vector analytics using molecular biology techniques includingPCR, qPCR, ddPCR/dPCR, Western blot, and related assays.
  • Maintain and manage viral vector inventory, sample tracking, and documentation usingelectronic laboratory notebooks (ELN)and digital informatics systems.
  • Support the engineering, optimization, and development ofnext-generation viral vectorsand emerging viral-based therapeutic modalities.
  • Performmammalian cell culture, transient plasmid transfection, cloning, and other molecular biology techniques.
  • Participate inCRISPR/Cas9 genome editingexperiments for bothin vitro and in vivoapplications.
  • Operate laboratory instrumentation includingflow cytometersand support data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
  • Maintain accurate laboratory documentation, experimental records, and inventory following established laboratory procedures.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams to support gene therapy, virology, and genome engineering projects.
  • Analyze experimental data, troubleshoot protocols, and contribute to continuous process improvements.
Required Qualifications
  • MS or PhDinCell Biology, Molecular Biology, Virology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Genetics, or a related scientific discipline.
  • 5–10 yearsof laboratory research experience in molecular biology, virology, or gene therapy.
  • Hands-on experience withlentiviral vector productionand/orAAV production.
  • Strong experience withmammalian cell cultureand transient plasmid transfection.
  • Experience with molecular biology techniques including:
    • PCR
    • qPCR
    • ddPCR / dPCR
    • Western Blot
  • Experience withCRISPR/Cas9 genome editingtechnologies.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience withviral vector engineeringand next-generation viral modalities.
  • Experience operatingflow cytometers.
  • Familiarity withelectronic laboratory notebooks (ELN)and digital sample management systems.
  • Experience withdata analysis, computational programming, and bioinformatics tools.
  • Previous experience supportinggene therapy,viral vector core facilities, or translational research programs.
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