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 Therapeutics 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 Associate, Analytical
YOU: A committed professional with experience in analytical chemistry 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 a Research Associate to work in the Analytical Group, reporting to the Director, Analytical. The role holder will be responsible for execution of studies, including physical and chemical characterization of LNP systems, managing and executing analyses, and interpretation/presentation of results.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Research Associate will perform general laboratory duties and research related to the application of analytical techniques to characterize RNA containing LNP formulations for in vivo and in vitro applications, the characterization of biophysical attributes, as well as contribute to the understanding of the biological mechanisms of action and to the optimization of formulation processes at various scales.
Working with the Director, Analytical, the responsibilities would include:

• General laboratory support including preparation of reagents and solutions, laboratory organization, and management of consumables.

• Routine analysis of LNP formulations and components following standard in-house methods including UPLC, LC-MS, DLS, absorbance/fluorescence spectroscopy, electrophoresis, and associated data acquisition software.

• Contribute to the development of new analytical assays, assessment of new analytical technologies, and investigations of specific LNP attributes as required.

• Contribute to the development, optimization and troubleshooting of formulations and manufacturing processes at various scales.

• Participation in technology transfer activities related to manufacturing processes and/or analytical methods.

• Laboratory management duties related to operations and maintenance of the Analytical function.

• Collaborative analytics with other departments including Formulation Development, Process Development, and Pre-Clinical.

• Maintain familiarity with relevant scientific knowledge and advancements.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• A minimum level of education, training, or experience equivalent to a Bachelor of Science in an appropriate discipline and two (2) years of recent related experience in a research laboratory.
• Excellent bench skills, the ability to master new techniques quickly, and be able to work independently.
• Experience working with lipid nanoparticle formulations including characterization of formulations and raw material components by standard and/or specialized analytical techniques (such as absorption and fluorescence spectrometry or chromatographic separations)

Familiarity with HPLC/UPLC, fluorescence/absorbance spectroscopy, general laboratory/analytical techniques, statistical design of experiments, data modeling, scale-up process development, and/or regulatory aspects of LNP products and raw materials would be an asset.