Formulation Chemistry and Gene Delivery Scientist

Contenido de trabajo

Company: Mediphage
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Title: Scientist - Formulation Chemistry and Gene Delivery
Role Type: Full Time, Salaried, Exempt (with Heath & Dental benefits)
Department: Research and Development (R&D)

About the Company

Mediphage is a biotech company developing non-viral safe and redosable gene therapies. ministring DNA (msDNA), which is Mediphage’s flagship technology, is a versatile linear covalently closed (LCC) DNA construct that can accommodate large transgenes ( > 4.7 kb) and address various applications. The company is evaluating the therapeutic potential of its non-viral platform technology in a number of indications internally and through external collaborations.

Role Description

The successful candidate for this position should have a PhD or MSc in physical chemistry, chemical engineering, pharmaceutics, or a related field and preferably relevant industrial experience in nanotechnology and/or drug delivery.

An experience of at least four years of hands-on laboratory experience in formulation chemistry, preferentially working with nucleic acids and gene delivery is also a must.

The candidate must possess extensive experience in formulation science with an emphasis on amphiphilic materials including lipids, polymers, surfactants, and short-chain peptides.

Practical experience in the formulation of nanoparticle drug delivery systems is beneficial. A thorough understanding of nanoparticle-based methods for oligonucleotide drug delivery is essential.

Experience in the synthesis of surface-active materials would be a strong asset.

Extensive experience in laboratory research, particularly with solution preparation and analytical testing is also required.

Applicants with practical experience with methods such as flow cytometry, Dynamic Light Scattering, Zeta Potential, HPLC/UPLC, LCMS, NMR, DLS, Electron Microscopy etc. are of particular interest.

Applicants should have a strong track record in some or all of the above areas as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications in high-quality journals in the field.

The candidate will directly report to the EVP R&D and will closely work with the CTO and other scientists to execute research protocols for internal therapeutic projects.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Execute R&D evaluation, including stability studies and msDNA delivery effectiveness via nanoparticle and physical delivery methods
• Design, plan, and execute formulation experiments/projects as well as guide and participate in designing in vivo experiments
• Design, plan, and conduct final product QC assays for msDNA formulations in support of Mediphage’s internal and external research projects
• Execute research plans in collaboration with R&D team
• Troubleshoot and customize experimental techniques and protocols to address research questions
• Track biosafety standards, including the handling and disposal of hazardous materials and chemicals
• Perform data analysis to understand the tradeoffs between process parameters and key performance indicators
• Critically interpret data and apply fundamental principles to understand underlying systems; Evaluate next steps in experimental design
• Develop and present creative solutions to complex problems
• Support team with regular lab inspections
• Mentor, train, and oversee junior researchers and staff as needed
• Identify collaborators to drive and expand the scope of projects

Organization

• Efficiently organize and plan daily activities to ensure timely completion of projects
• Maintain accurate and up to date records, including lab notebook
• Record and manage experimental data in the company’s database

Documentation and Presentation and others

• Generate thorough and timely records of in-house experimental work
• Prepare and present weekly presentations to summarize results of completed projects
• Write and edit grant applications, research proposals, and scientific manuscripts
• Review newly published literature and research, analyze data, and present findings and results to the team
• Write and revise technical documents, including Standard Operating Procedures, protocols, and reports
• Communicate and participate in Mediphage’s internal and external meetings

Teamwork & Culture

• Able to work as part of a high performing team focused on driving innovation in the development of novel non-viral gene delivery platforms for use in formulation assessment and optimization for in vivo and ex vivo nucleic acid delivery, gene editing, and gene therapy
• Effectively communicate and collaborate with internal teams, including members of cell biology, upstream and downstream processing, analytical, and quality control functional areas

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc (with 4+ years of work experience) physical chemistry, nanotechnology, pharmaceutics, chemical engineering, or a related field with academic and industrial experience
• Relevant experience in the Biotechnology or Pharmaceutical industry
• Experience working in a preclinical gene therapy industry is a plus
• Excellent knowledge and work experience in Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
• Excellent working knowledge of the statistical design of experiments (DOE)
• Knowledge of how GMP standards influence process development of biologics products is a bonus
• Extensive work experience with document writing, data interpretation, presentation skills, and statistical analysis. Additionally, a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and to be able to work with electronic lab book formats is highly preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail
• Able to work under pressure, large workload, and tight deadlines
• Able to work in a team-oriented environment as the successful candidate will work closely with other members of R&D team and participate in multidisciplinary projects
• Strong organizational, time-management, and multitasking skills to be able to prioritize work in a fast-paced dynamic environment to ensure deadlines are met accordingly
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are necessary
• Professional and positive approach, self-motivated, team player, and creative with the ability to work on initiatives
• Must be able to work flexible hours if needed

To apply, please submit a cover letter and a resume in your application.

Mediphage supports equal opportunities for inclusion and invites all qualified applicants to apply; accommodations in the application or interview process are available on request for candidates; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

**Important note: Site entry requirements at the facility where Mediphage operates requires all personnel to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (minimum two doses) as of November 1st, 2021.