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 two (2) Research Officers (RO) specializing in bioengineering supporting both fundamental discovery and medical microdevice technology development and translation in the areas of in vitro diagnostics and precision medicine, cell and gene therapies, biomanufacturing and organ-on-chip systems for drug development. The successful candidates will join the NRC Bioanalytical Micro-Nano Devices (BioAMND) Section, which spans three locations (Toronto, Montreal, and Winnipeg) and includes 43 researchers and technical officers specializing in physics, Nano and microfabrication engineering, chemistry, and molecular and cellular biology. The RO's will strengthen NRC and CRAFT’s internationally recognized research activities and help transform discoveries into value-added research platforms and clinically adopted devices. The ROs will share NRC and CRAFT’s core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and-Creativity.
The primary responsibility of the RO's is to develop original research and development (R&D) activities in support of CRAFT and NRC scientific and technological objectives through research of the highest international calibre. These activities will lead to discovery and translation to clinically validated medical technologies. The RO's will work in a team environment with researchers in the CRAFT science and technology community including NRC researchers and engineers, U of T faculty members and trainees, as well as clinician researchers at U of T-affiliated hospitals (i.e., Toronto Academic Health Science Network).
Candidates may be considered for an Adjunct Professor appointment in an appropriate U of T department, such as the Institute of Biomedical Engineering and others within the Faculties of Applied Science & Engineering, Medicine, Arts & Science, and Pharmacy.
Your Challenge (Cont.)
The RO will contribute to CRAFT and NRC programs by developing device-based methods to support discovery and applications in areas such as molecular analysis, single-cell and organ-on-chip analytics, immunology, cell- and gene-based therapies and synthetic biology. The successful candidate is expected to initiate and lead an innovative research program of the highest international caliber that will attract local, national and international academic and industrial collaborators and clients. The RO will be located at CRAFT in Toronto and activities will include:
Developing, leading, and managing research projects supporting NRC and CRAFT strategic priorities in areas such as of immunology, regenerative medicine, RNA technologies and emerging cell- and gene-based therapies. Assembling multidisciplinary R&D teams with microfabrication, microfluidics and molecular biology expertise and proposing new research initiatives in response to CRAFT and NRC R&D. Developing and submitting grant proposals with academic and/or industry collaborators to support new research initiatives (e.g., NSERC, CIHR, Genome Canada).
The successful candidate will be expected to initiate and lead in collaboration with other NRC researchers and CRAFT principal investigators. The innovative research will be of the highest international caliber and supported by NRC programs, CRAFT collaboration center and externally funding sources
Novel approaches using microfluidics and artificial intelligence to engineer immune and stem cells and responses for cell & gene therapy and regenerative medicine applications are of particular interest.
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
Applicants must have a PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics or related discipline.
For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency
Experience
Excellence in research will be determined by the quality of articles submitted in the application; output and impact of research is at high international levels; publications in top-ranked, internationally recognized, and field-relevant academic journals; presentations at significant conferences; awards and accolades; and strong endorsements by referees of high international stature.
The RO will also possess several of the following:
Significant experience with cell biology, including cell signaling assays, reporter gene assays, cell surface labeling, cell transfection and gene delivery, and/or gene editing technologies using viral and non-viral delivery mechanisms in human cell lines and primary cells. Significant experience with molecular biology techniques including: DNA and RNA extraction and purification, PCR, qPCR, digital droplet PCR, cloning by PCR, next gen sequencing library generation and screening, and DNA assembly. Experience in designing and using devices and microfluidics supporting R&D for molecular diagnostics, single-cell molecular analysis, synthetic biology, gene- or cell-based therapies, including stem cell and CAR-T. Experience in immunological assays, such as cell-based assays for T cell signalling, cytotoxicity, cytokine secretion, proliferation and exhaustion. Experience in lab-on-chip systems for molecular analytics and cell biology, including experience with T cell transduction and expansion.
Candidates must have a track record of excellence in research, and a clearly demonstrated trajectory towards world-class scientific leadership.
Relevant research experience in developing or using devices, especially lab-on-chip systems, in areas such as immunology, cell and gene therapy, and/or RNA technologies will be considered an asset.
Condition of Employment
Reliability Status
All employees of the National Research Council are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and attest to their vaccination status unless accommodated based on a medical contraindication, religion, or another prohibited ground of discrimination as defined under the Canadian Human Rights Act.
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 Strong knowledge of molecular biology and skills (DNA/RNA assays): DNA and RNA extraction and purification, PCR, qPCR, digital droplet PCR, cloning by PCR, next gen sequencing library generation and screening, and DNA assembly; Strong cell biology knowledge and skills: cell signaling assays, reporter gene assays, cell surface labeling, cell transfection and gene delivery, device-based cell culture, blood cells handling, isolation and culture, device-based tissue handling and cells isolation, cell viability, proliferation and cytotoxicity assays. Strong skills in designing and using devices and microfluidics for: DNA and RNA extraction and purification, PCR, qPCR, digital droplet PCR, cloning by PCR, next gen sequencing library generation and screening, and DNA assembly. Skills in using devices and microfluidics for cell biology’s, single cell molecular analysis, synthetic biology, gene or cell-based therapies, including stem cell and CAR-T. Skills in using devices and microfluidics for cell biology’s, single cell molecular analysis, synthetic biology, gene or cell-based therapies, including stem cell and CAR-T. Ability to work with animal models or organoids of disease such as a cancer, diabetes, immune, and other diseases; methods of analysis of foreign agents in these models. Behavioural Competencies Research - Communication (Level 2) Research - Creative thinking (Level 2) Research - Results orientation (Level 2) Research - Self-knowing and self-development (Level 2) Research - Teamwork (Level 2) Competency Profile(s)
For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Research
Relocation
Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
Compensation
This position is classified as a Research Officer (RO), a group that is unique to the NRC. Candidates are remunerated based on their expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. The salary scale for this group is vast, from $57,220 to $161,754 per annum, which permits for employees of all levels from new graduates to world renowned experts to be fairly compensated for their contributions.
NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including comprehensive health and dental plans, pension and insurance plans, vacation and other leave entitlements.
Notes 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.
Applications must include a C.V. with a list of publications, 3 sample articles, research statement and cover letter. Selected candidates must also arrange to have three letters of reference (pdf, on letterhead, signed, and scanned).
Please direct your questions, with the requisition number (12206) to:
E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: 613-990-4292
Closing Date: Posted until filled