Research Assistant, In Vivo Pharmacology

Acuitas Therapeutics is a private biotechnology company based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. We are the premier global provider of LNP delivery systems for nucleic acid therapeutics. Acuitas is partnered with multiple international, biotechnology and pharmaceutical partners who are focused on bringing new vaccines and drugs into clinical development and to the marketplace.

At Acuitas, 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 as part of a close-knit team of exceptional scientists, who support the 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. If you would like to work for a company that is at the top of the field, Acuitas is the company for you!

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.

Job Title: Research Assistant, In Vivo Pharmacology

YOU: A committed professional with experience in laboratory animal sciences, pharmacology, biology, toxicology, immunology, biochemistry looking to develop further in an innovative, fast paced biotech environment.

US: Leading innovators in the lipid nanoparticle (LNP) field, looking for a talented individual to join our collaborative, passionate, diverse pharmaceutical focused team.

ROLE SUMMARY: Acuitas Therapeutics is seeking an experienced research assistant to work in the Preclinical Group, reporting to the Senior Research Scientist, Preclinical. The research assistant will be responsible for conducting and supporting in vivo/in vitro studies to characterize the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics/distribution and safety of lipid nanoparticles (LNP)-nucleic acid formulations. The research assistant will be proficient/expert in routine procedures required for in vivo studies/in vitro assays and will be able to generate and follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and study protocols.

The research assistant will perform animal work located at an off-site vivarium and in vitro assays in the lab at UBC campus to support preclinical evaluation of LNP formulations. The research assistant will be expected to work independently and contribute as a valued member of the team; due to the nature of the work, a flexible work schedule may be required.

Working with the Preclinical team, the responsibilities would include:

• Execute in vivo studies/in vitro assays in support of Preclinical research projects.
• Perform routine technical procedures in rodents, such as test article administration via intravenous, intramuscular or other administration routes.
• Blood collection via CCAC-approved methods.
• Perform euthanasia, tissue collection and necropsy.
• Provide monitoring including observation and scoring of animal health and weighing animals.
• Submit monthly animal health reports.
• Coordinate sample shipment and analysis at local laboratories.
• Accurately prepare dosing materials including making calculations and dilutions.
• Administer, maintain and monitor gas anaesthetics.
• Follow study protocols, animal use protocols and SOPs.
• Maintain detailed lab records which may include paper or electronic records.
• Perform other facility related procedures, such as surgical instrument preparation, record keeping, inventory maintenance, document review, and data base management.
• Experience or interest in other laboratory techniques would be an asset (e.g. in vitro assays such as ELISA, MSD, or luciferase assays).

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree, plus 4 years experience, or Master’s degree, plus 0-3 years experience, in Biology or a related field.
• Minimum of 1 year of industry experience, including hands-on work with murine models.
• RLAT certification is considered an asset
• A working knowledge of animal related standards, CCAC guidelines and federal, provincial, and local requirements.
• Proficiency/expertise in injections (IV, SC, IM, IP), blood and tissue sampling and rodent necropsy. Experience with lymph node and bone marrow collection is an asset.
• Ability and willingness to learn and support in vivo/in vitro assays, as assigned.
• Previous bench work experience with in vitro assays (e.g. ELISA, MSD, ELISPOT, luciferase) and data analysis is an asset.
• Attention to detail and ability to accurately document and communicate study data.
• Ability to conduct multiple projects and studies across multi-functional groups in a fast-paced environment, and to execute procedures used to evaluate LNP activity, PK/distribution, and safety.
• A high level of organization and initiative, and a proven ability to work cooperatively as well as independently and problem solve on-the-fly.
• The successful candidate must have excellent communication, organizational skills and the ability to interact positively with other team members, as well as have compassion and sensitivity for animals.
• Must be willing to travel between sites within Greater Vancouver area.
• Flexibility to accommodate a work schedule that may occasionally require evening or weekend work.

REMUNERATION

• Acuitas offers an annual salary of $64,000 to $86,000 and offers many perks that enhance our excellent company culture.
• Above market benefits package supplemented by a health care spending account
• 5% Matching RRSP Program

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