R&D Position (6-month contract):

Research Associate – Process Development & Engineering

The current available 6-month, full-time position (contract) is for a motivated and self-directed Research Associate to join the Process Development & Engineering team within the Department of Research and Development.

As a member of the Process Development and Engineering team, the incumbent will play a key role in the development and optimization of a qPCR workflow for the virus quantitation of various upstream and downstream unit operations that comprise a full commercial manufacturing process of viral antigens. The incumbent will interface with key stakeholders in Manufacturing, QC and QA to implement an in-process testing and monitoring program based on the new qPCR workflow to improve manufacturing process performance and consistency. The successful candidate will be tasked with automating the various steps of the new qPCR workflow using laboratory robotic system and validating and qualifying the automated assay.

This position reports to Manager - Process Development & Engineering.

Scope of work:

Development of qPCR workflow for virus quantitation

• Performing nucleic acid extraction and purification from upstream and downstream in-process samples
• Development and execution of qPCR workflow for amplifying target virus
• Interpretation of amplification plots and determining virus concentration
• Work effectively with other team members within R&D and other departments.

Plan and execute in-depth analysis of key in-process unit operations using virus qPCR quantitation assay

• Preparation of protocols, planning documents and execution of experiments in support of qPCR virus quantitation of in-process samples.
• Performing mass balance calculations using virus concentration data to determine process efficiency and to help identify key performance indicators
• Perform data analysis using statistical tools to determine process performance
• Design and implement in-process sampling and monitoring plan for a commercial manufacturing process based on the KPI determination
• Make recommendations for process improvements or further investigation/experiments based on analysis of unit operation performance.
• Communicate the outcome of the experiments effectively and timely to other members of R&D through regular project update summaries and reports.

Automating qPCR workflow and assay validation

• Automate various steps in qPCR workflow by leveraging laboratory robotic systems.
• Familiar with validation of molecular assays considered a strong asset
• Execute tech transfer of validated assay to QC department
• Participate in writing Plans, Reports, SOPs, BPRs and other supporting documents required for technology transfer to manufacturing and QC.

Education

• Minimum BSc in molecular biology or relevant biological science, with practical experience in qPCR.

Required qualifications/skills:

• Demonstrated skills and understanding of nucleic acid extraction/purification from various sources (viral and bacterial culture).
• Experience in developing qPCR workflows, including primer selection/design, interpreting amplification curves, and numerating target concentration.
• Experience in digital droplet PCR is desirable.
• Experience and comfort in working with infectious material (viral and bacterial) in a biological safety level 2 environment.
• Strong work ethic with proven ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
• Excellent communication verbal and written skills. Ability to communicate effectively across different levels within the organization and across different departments.
• Strong organizational and time management skills coupled with the ability to handle multiple priorities and bring projects to completion.
• Experienced in assay validation.

Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 6 months

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Mississauga, ON L4Z 1P3: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (required)

Work Location: In person

Please Note :
nvalabs.org is the go-to platform for job seekers looking for the best job postings from around the web. With a focus on quality, the platform guarantees that all job postings are from reliable sources and are up-to-date. It also offers a variety of tools to help users find the perfect job for them, such as searching by location and filtering by industry. Furthermore, nvalabs.org provides helpful resources like resume tips and career advice to give job seekers an edge in their search. With its commitment to quality and user-friendliness, Site.com is the ideal place to find your next job.