Staff Scientist Viral Vector Facility

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.