Scientist I - Virology

Our client, a global leader in biotechnology, is seeking a highly motivated Scientist I to join its Antiviral Research team for Foster City, CA. Duration: Long term contract (Possibility of further extension) Pay Rate: $57.50/hr on W2 + Medical Benefits, Paid Sick leave, 401K Responsibilities: This role will support the discovery and development of innovative therapies targeting viral diseases such as HBV, HDV, HSV, and other infectious diseases. The successful candidate will contribute to preclinical drug discovery by designing and executing virology, molecular biology, and immunology experiments in a collaborative research environment. Responsibilities: Design, develop, validate, and perform virology, molecular biology, and cell-based assays. Construct, clone, and propagate wild-type and mutant viruses. Perform molecular cloning, plasmid construction, PCR, qPCR, and RNA/DNA isolation. Culture and maintain mammalian and primary cells for functional studies. Conduct virus production, viral infectivity assays, and antiviral efficacy studies. Evaluate EC50/IC50 values of drug candidates against wild-type and mutant viruses. Perform immune-based assays including ELISA, flow cytometry (FACS), and immune cell functional assays. Investigate mechanisms of action (MOA) of therapeutic candidates. Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data while maintaining accurate laboratory documentation. Troubleshoot experiments and recommend technical improvements based on scientific literature. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support preclinical research programs. Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, or a related life sciences discipline with 4+ years of relevant industry experience. Hands-on experience in virology, molecular biology, immunology, or cell biology. Experience with molecular cloning, PCR, qPCR/RT-qPCR, RNA/DNA isolation, and plasmid construction. Experience with virus production, viral propagation, or viral vector systems. Strong experience with mammalian cell culture and/or primary cell culture. Experience performing ELISA, flow cytometry (FACS), or immune cell functional assays. Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and experimental design skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively. Preferred Qualifications: Experience with HBV, HDV, HSV, or other infectious disease research. Experience with oncolytic viruses, adenovirus, lentivirus, AAV, or other viral vector platforms. Experience with EC50/IC50 analysis, antiviral drug screening, or pharmacology assays. Knowledge of mechanism of action (MOA) studies and preclinical drug discovery. Experience supporting IND-enabling research. Please respond with your updated resume & contact information to hr@dawarconsulting.com/kavitha@dawarconsulting.com Best Regards, DAWAR CONSULTING INC.