Research Technician/Assistant, Formulation

WHO WE ARE: Acuitas Therapeutics Inc. is the leading global provider of LNP delivery systems for nucleic acid therapeutics. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Acuitas is partnered with multiple international, biotechnology and pharmaceutical partners who are focused on bringing new drugs into clinical development and to the marketplace. Our clinically validated LNP technology has had a profound global impact, most notably enabling the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, COMIRNATY®. Our technology also enables ONPATTRO® by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, the first FDA-approved RNAi therapeutic for treating the rare and fatal disease transthyretin amyloidosis. More recently, our technology has delivered other groundbreaking firsts: the first in-human proof of concept for genome base editing and the first personalized CRISPR therapy. Our mission is to work together with our partners to advance nucleic acid therapeutics to advance human health.

Recently recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers for the third year in a row, we believe in combining excellent science with an enviable work culture. The advanced LNP technologies we provide for our partners are made possible by our employees who apply their passion, curiosity, and knowledge every step of the way. At Acuitas, you will have the opportunity to work with a world class team of scientists and professionals, who support the development and production of revolutionary technology that impacts the health and wellness of society. By living our values, including honesty, integrity, innovation and openness, we have fostered a supportive work environment where our employees feel empowered, challenged, recognized and rewarded.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR: Research Technician/Assistant, Formulation

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Research Technician or Assistant will work predominantly in the lab and take a lead in the organization and maintenance of the Formulation Development (FD) laboratory while supporting Formulation related activities.  At times the Technician or Assistant will work, with guidance from a FD Scientist, to prepare pilot LNP formulations and report on these results to their manager and/or present to the group. Assisting Scientists with other formulation tasks where extra hands are necessary will also be a crucial part of this position. This is a lab-based role at our facility in Vancouver.

Working under direction of the Research Scientist, Formulation Development, the responsibilities would include:

1. Taking pride in maintaining a clean and organized lab space for the Formulation team.


2. Preparation and maintenance of buffer stocks (e.g. Citrate, Acetate, Sucrose etc.), checking pH and analyzing for endotoxin.


3. Aliquot and maintain stocks of certain reagents (e.g. Ribogreen, SDS, Sucrose buffer etc.) for optimal workflow in the FD lab.


4. Run analytics for endotoxin on buffers, water drums and other samples as required.


5. Assist with keeping a detailed FD lab inventory of key lipids, buffers and reagents.


6. Contribute to an optimized formulation workflow and provide assistance where extra hands are necessary, e.g. with scale-up and mini-TFF processes, or with aliquoting of formulations.


7. Work with the scientists in FD to formulate material to support internal and/or external programs


8. Perform routine analysis as required (e.g. TNS assay, ribogreen assay, DLS measurements etc.)


9. Assist with the preparation of tubes, boxes and labels for the preparation of formulation provisions for partners and collaborators.


10. Periodically organize and run sterilization of key formulation kit (e.g. tubing, dialysis clips, buckets and t-mixers) using base wash and/or autoclave where appropriate.


11. Build a working knowledge of the key pieces of FD equipment (Stunner, capper/decapper, tube printer, etc.) with a view to becoming the point person from the FD team for equipment maintenance, stocks of associated consumables and basic training on these instruments for new team members.


12. Potentially contribute to some document preparation and work with shipping for a smooth transfer of products for shipment


13. Collaborative analytics with other departments including Chemistry, Process Development, Analytical, Immunology and Pre-Clinical.


14. Maintain familiarity with relevant scientific knowledge and advancements.

From time to time the Company may assign or reassign to you various duties and responsibilities deemed necessary or beneficial to the business.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCES

The candidate will require a BSc with 0-2 years laboratory experience. The successful candidate will have excellent bench skills with great attention to detail, the ability to master new techniques quickly, and be able to work independently and as a team. Not a requirement but preferred candidates will have experience working with lipid nanoparticle formulations including characterization of formulations and raw material components by standard and/or specialized analytical techniques (e.g. absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, microplate assays etc). Familiarity with fundamental biochemistry principles would also be an asset.

REMUNERATION

Acuitas offers a competitive salary of $57,000-75,000 per year depending on level and experience.  In addition to comprehensive, market-leading benefits and compensation, Acuitas also provides support for professional growth and an engaging, collaborative, inspiring work environment where every team member can thrive. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law.