Summary
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is seeking a Staff Scientist for its Viral Vector Facility in Saudi Arabia. The role involves designing and producing viral vectors, improving production workflows, and collaborating with researchers to develop tools for biological research. Responsibilities include supervising a laboratory technician, coordinating projects, maintaining SOPs and biosafety standards, and training staff. Applicants need a relevant PhD and 5–7+ years of hands-on experience in molecular genetics, cloning, gene editing, viral vector production, and cell culture.
The posting
As published on kaust.edu.sa. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
Position Summary
The Staff Scientist in the Viral Vector Facility (VVF) plays a central role in supporting the strategic goals of
the Bio-Medical platform at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). The Scientist in
the VVF will design, produce, and deliver high-quality viral vectors (e.g., AAVs and Lentivirus) to support
cutting-edge research at KAUST and in the region. The scientist will optimize and scale production
workflows, improve vector performance and cost-efficiency, and ensure strict quality and biosafety
standards. We are seeking a highly skilled molecular biologist with expertise in viral vector engineering and
production, who can translate complex experimental needs into tailored genetic tools and drive innovation
in vector design and delivery. The scientist will collaborate closely with researchers, supervise technical staff,
and provide advanced training in molecular genetics and viral vector technologies, helping position KAUST
as a regional hub for state-of-the-art viral vector solutions.
Major Responsibilities
• Scientific Collaboration: Collaborate with researchers to identify appropriate viral vector systems
that address key scientific questions, supporting high-impact research and publications.
• Viral Vector Production: Produce high-quality, safe, and effective viral vectors tailored to
experimental needs and cell-based research applications.
• Staff & Operations Management: Supervise and mentor a laboratory technician; manage daily
tasks to ensure timely and high-quality work deliverables.
• Project management: Coordinate multiple research projects and timelines to ensure milestones
and deliverables are met on schedule.
• SOP Development & Maintenance: Develop, implement, and enforce standard operating
procedures (SOPs) to ensure efficiency, reproducibility, and compliance in viral vector production.
• Laboratory Safety & Compliance: Ensure Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and maintain a safe
working environment in accordance with biosafety regulations and Institutional Biosafety and
Ethics Committee (IBEC) guidelines.
• Data Integration & Collaboration: Integrate laboratory data into the Bio-Medical Platform and
collaborate with IT and bioinformatics teams for effective data management, analysis, and
reporting.
• Process Innovation: Design and implement new or improved techniques and workflows to
address scientific challenges, enhance viral vector performance and throughput, and reduce
production costs.
• Training & Knowledge Development: Provide advanced training in viral vector production and
contribute to building technical expertise among staff.
• General Laboratory Duties: Conduct routine laboratory responsibilities, including procurement,
documentation, equipment maintenance, and participation in task forces and institutional
committees.
Personal Requirements
Competencies
• In-depth knowledge and strong expertise in cell and molecular genetics.
• Proven experience in the production of viral vectors (such as AAVs, Lentiviruses, Rabies Virus
etc) and gene manipulation technologies.
• Experience in primary human cell immortalization
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with researchers in the biological sciences, understand their
experimental needs, and translate these into effective genetic tools.
• Excellent organization skills with a proven ability to manage and execute multiple research
projects simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage with stakeholders and
foster a collaborative work environment.
• A proactive, results-driven team player with a commitment to achieving shared goals.
Qualifications/Experience
• A PhD degree in relevant field
• 5-7 + years of hands-on experience in molecular genetics, cloning, gene editing, viral vector
production, cell culture.
• Strong scientific track records, including successful management of research projects, and/or
demonstrated operational excellence, and/or publication in high-impact peer-reviewed
journals.