Biologist/Biochemist

Great Minds. One Goal. Canada's Success.

Help bring research to life and drive your career forward with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), Canada's largest research and technology organization.

We are looking for a Biologist/Biochemist (Technical Officer) in our Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre. The selected candidate would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The Biologist/Biochemist will be able to perform various tasks related to vaccine development including vaccine formulation/characterization, cell culture, immunoassays, flow cytometry and animal tissue processing under the supervision of a researcher. The candidate should have a strong interest in vaccine development with a hard-working mind and have a good understanding of nanoparticle delivery systems, cellular biology and immunology.

The candidate is expected to engage in an experiment-based research project. Key challenges are:

• Perform in vitro and in vivo experiments according to established in-house protocols and safety procedures.
• Generate various types of vaccine or adjuvant formulations and perform analytical assays (e.g. DLS, Mass spectroscopy, western blot, electrophoresis, BCA protein assay, SPR binding and differential scanning calorimeter) for characterization.
• Evaluate activity of formulations in vitro or in vivo through the execution of cell culture, tissue extraction and different immunoassays including ELISA, ELISpot and flow cytometry.
• Construct plasmid DNA templates for various applications.
• Assist in carrying-out routine laboratory maintenance, safety measures, and clean up tasks.
• Compile records and interpret experimental or analytical results to document in laboratory notebook, draft a report and/or contribute to a manuscript.
• Report data in a comprehensible manner to supervisor and team members.

Screening Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology or other related discipline.

A higher education degree would be considered an asset.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency.

Experience

• Significant experience providing technical supports in a biology, biochemistry or immunology lab setting.
• Experience with methods and techniques related to preparing for, conducting, documenting and analyzing experiments/tests in biology/biochemistry including nanoparticle formulation and evaluation of activity in vitro/in vivo through a variety of immunoassays .
• Significant experience with the safe operation, maintenance and verification of laboratory equipment required for various in vitro or in vivo experiments.
• Experience working in biosafety level 2 or higher would be an asset.

Condition of Employment

Reliability Status

Must be able to work in an ordinary laboratory environment with some exposure to hazardous materials/situations.

Language Requirements

English

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment Criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical Competencies

• Knowledge of applied practices and concepts relating to immunology and biochemistry. General knowledge of related industry trends, developments and best practices.
• Knowledge relating to generation and analysis of vaccine formulations.
• Knowledge relating to the evaluation of vaccine immunogenicity in vitro and in vivo.
• Knowledge of occupational health and safety best practices required to create and maintain a safe and healthy laboratory/work environment.
• Ability to analyze and discuss technical issues, troubleshoot and solve problems relating to research work.
• Ability to write reports and draft protocols and standard operating procedures.

Behavioural Competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Research Technician/Technologist .

Compensation

Rates under review.

From $58,445 to $80,040 per annum.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including comprehensive health and dental plans, vacation, sick, and other leave entitlements, disability insurance and pension plans.

The NRC Advantage

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is the Government of Canada's largest research organization supporting industrial innovation, the advancement of knowledge and technology development. We collaborate with over 70 colleges, universities and hospitals annually, work with 800 companies on their projects, and provide advice or funding to over 8000 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) each year.

We bring together the brightest minds to deliver tangible impacts on the lives of Canadians and people around the world. And now, we want to partner with you. Let your expertise and inspirations make an impact by joining the NRC.

At the NRC Employee wellness matters. We offer flexible work schedules as well as part-time work to help employees maintain work-life balance. We are one of the few federal organizations that close our offices during the December holiday season. We offer professional learning and development opportunities such as conferences, workshops, and a suite of mentorship, award and recognition programs. Diversity enables creativity and innovation. Fostering a diverse, inclusive, welcoming and supportive workplace is important to us, and contributes to a more inclusive Canadian innovation system. We welcome all qualified applicants and encourage you to complete the employment equity self-declaration questions during the job application process. Please let us know of any accommodation measures required to help you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Please note that the information you provide will be treated confidentially.

Help us solve problems for Canada. Grow your career with us today!

Notes

• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.