Description
The Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Biomanufacturing Scientist. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
The Riddell Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy is seeking a Biomanufacturing Scientist to join its Biomanufacturing Program, with a focus on gene editing and quality development for hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) therapies.
The Biomanufacturing Scientist will play a key role in developing novel gene editing platforms aimed at advancing precise genetic modification of HSCs for therapeutic applications. The role will support process development, assay design, and quality control, including the optimization of CRISPR-based editing workflows, genomic analysis, and functional validation.
This is an exciting opportunity for a scientist with strong cell and molecular biology skills, hands-on experience in genome engineering, and a passion for translating cutting-edge science into clinical application. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team¿including experts in manufacturing, quality control, process development, and regulatory affairs¿to help drive novel therapeutics toward the clinic.
Reporting to the Associate Director of Biomanufacturing.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
Gene Editing Process Development
- Design, optimize, and scale base editing protocols in primary human HSCs
- Support the transition of R&D protocols into GMP-compliant manufacturing workflows
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to adapt editing processes for clinical application
Quality Control Assay Development
- Develop and qualify QC assays to evaluate editing efficiency, specificity, off-target activity, and cell functionality
- Support the integration of QC assays into standardized workflows suitable for clinical manufacturing
Molecular & Cellular Characterization
- Perform CRISPR/Cas and base editing in human HSCs and conduct genomic analysis to characterize editing outcomes
- Conduct flow cytometry, immunophenotyping, and molecular assays to assess cell viability, phenotype, and function
- Troubleshoot and optimize assays to ensure reproducibility and scalability for clinical translation
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain complete, accurate experimental records in accordance with internal quality standards
- Author and review SOPs, technical reports, and assay validation documents to support regulatory submissions
- Assist in assay qualification and transfer activities aligned with GMP and QMS expectations
Collaboration & Communication
- Engage proactively with process development, manufacturing, QC, and regulatory teams to ensure alignment across project milestones
- Present experimental data, troubleshooting outcomes, and technical recommendations to project leadership
- Participate actively in strategic planning, technical troubleshooting, and cross-functional team meetings
Qualifications / Requirements:
- MSc or PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, or a related field
- Hands-on experience with CRISPR/Cas9 or base editing technologies
- Experience with primary human cells or stem cells (HSCs preferred)
- Background in assay development, troubleshooting, and data analysis
- Strong self-directed learning skills with the ability to efficiently acquire new techniques and adapt to emerging technologies and methodologies
- Strong background in molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, cloning, and sequencing (Sanger and NGS), with proficiency in PCR-based applications
- Hands-on experience with genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9 or base editors, including guide design, delivery (e.g., electroporation, viral vectors), and analysis of editing outcomes
- Experience working with hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), including isolation, ex vivo editing, culture, and phenotypic characterization
- Skilled in aseptic cell culture techniques, particularly with primary human cells and stem cells in a biosafety environment
- Proficient in multicolor flow cytometry, including panel design, staining, data acquisition, and analysis using platforms such as FlowJo
- Familiarity with analytical methods to assess gene editing efficiency, off-target activity, and cellular function
- Experience working with electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) and basic understanding of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and GMP-compliant practices
- Knowledge of assay qualification and preparation of documentation to support technology transfer and regulatory submissions is an asset
Application Deadline: June 20, 2025
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 2.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
