Research Associate

Research Associate – Lentiviral Vector Analytics

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Work Arrangement: Onsite – 5 days/week

Contract Duration: 1 Year

Job Summary

We are seeking an early-career Research Associate to join a scientific team responsible for developing and performing analytical testing methods supporting internal
lentiviral vector programs.

The successful candidate will apply strong hands-on laboratory skills to support release, characterization, and stability testing of lentiviral products. This role requires someone who is scientifically capable, detail-oriented, collaborative, and committed to hands-on bench work.

Key Responsibilities


- Perform release, characterization, and stability testing of lentiviral products supporting process development and discovery teams.
- Conduct analytical testing using techniques including:
- Western Blot
- ELISA / AlphaLISA
- PCR-based methods
- Flow cytometry
- Particle analysis
- Cell-based viral titration
- Communicate scientific data effectively through presentations, protocols, test methods, and development reports.
- Support the development of innovative analytical methods to quantify lentiviral product
strength, safety, purity, and identity.
- Design, execute, and troubleshoot laboratory experiments with limited oversight.
- Analyze and interpret complex analytical data and communicate findings clearly.
- Collaborate effectively with scientists and cross-functional team members in a fast-paced environment.


Basic Requirements


- Bachelor’s degree (BS) in a relevant scientific discipline.
- At least 1 year of relevant experience.
- Biopharmaceutical industry experience preferred.
- Strong hands-on laboratory/bench experience.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Strong collaboration and teamwork skills.


Preferred Qualifications


- Experience characterizing viral vectors, particularly using:
- Cell-based methods
- Molecular methods such as qPCR/ddPCR
- Traditional biochemical methods
- Experience developing procedures for GLP and/or cGMP environments.
- Ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments.
- Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
- Highly organized with excellent attention to detail.
- Comfortable working in a timeline-driven, fast-paced, highly collaborative laboratory environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office.


Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an early-career scientist with a strong hands-on laboratory background, preferably in biopharmaceutical or viral-vector research. Candidates with experience in
lentiviral/viral vector characterization, qPCR/ddPCR, cell-based assays, flow cytometry, ELISA, Western Blot, or viral titration are especially encouraged to apply.

This is a 1-year contract position requiring onsite work in Philadelphia, PA, 5 days per week.