Job Description

Location:

Calgary, Alberta

Type of Employment:

Permanent - Full time

About Us:

Northern RNA Inc. is a Canadian CDMO specializing in the production of nucleic acid products that support life-enabling work. Our goal is to work alongside our customers to provide scalable manufacturing capacity and to help them accelerate innovation in bringing their products from benchtop to bedside or field.

About Our Opportunity:

We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented, and innovative Scientist to join our Research and Development Chemistry team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the discovery, development, and optimization of novel chemical entities that support our broader scientific and commercial objectives.

In this role, the successful candidate will apply synthetic organic chemistry techniques to develop and characterize new compounds, while supporting process development efforts to ensure scalability, reproducibility, and cost efficiency. The role demands a strong commitment to laboratory safety, scientific rigor, and continuous improvement.

If you are enthusiastic about solving complex scientific problems, thrive in a collaborative environment, and are passionate about applying chemistry to cutting-edge biotechnological innovation, we invite you to bring your expertise and creativity to our growing team.

Primary Responsibilities:

Apply modern synthetic technologies to design synthetic routes and troubleshoot synthetic issues. Perform structural determination of targeted molecules using Spectral techniques (NMR and Mass) Utilize analytical instrumentation (HPLC / LCMS) for product analysis and characterization. Design, synthesis, purification and characterization of proposed novel molecules specifically oligonucleotide and lipids. Optimize purification techniques (reversed-phase and ion-exchange chromatography) to refine synthetic pathways. Explore new and innovative technologies for both synthesis and purification to enable cost-effective high-volume molecules. Provide scientific and technical expertise in meetings and project discussions. Perform technology transfer to manufacturing and provide technical support during production. Track progress against project timelines, generate regular status updates, and communicate progress and issues to management and to the client, including presentation of findings at team meetings Satisfactorily complete all assigned training in compliance with departmental requirements and follow appropriate safety practices in the workplace. May perform other related duties as assigned.

Education, Work Experience, Knowledge, and Skills:

Formal Education:

PhD in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, or a related field. Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in synthetic organic chemistry. Experience in nucleic acid and lipid chemistry will be preferred.

Work Experience:

Demonstrated ability to scout and troubleshoot synthetic routes and perform high difficulty synthetic chemistry. Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment Strong project management and organizational skills. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex data to diverse audiences. Great attention to detail and thorough record-keeping

Knowledge and Skills:

Experience in bioconjugation, Oligonucleotide synthesis, peptide chemistry and Lipid nanoparticles formulation. Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as in cross-functional team Ability to meet multiple deadlines across a variety of projects/programs, with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency Self-motivated, strong work ethic, independent and results oriented.

Working conditions:

Physical environment: Indoor Lab Environment, Chemical exposure. Physical effort: Must meet physical requirements of the position, including walking, standing, or sitting for extended periods, operating tools, and equipment, lifting heavy objects etc. Sensory Attention: This position requires recording experiment observations, data analysis, data interpretation, decision making, attention to details, interdepartmental data communication and data transfer. Mental Pressures: This position requires working on projects with tight deadlines, coordinating with different departments and multiple tasks.

What we offer?

We offer a highly competitive salary and company-paid benefits. Additionally, there are excellent opportunities for learning and growth while working alongside our teams of experts who are bright, collegial, and highly motivated and who are on the cusp of the mRNA vaccine science and technology era.

Benefits:

Northern RNA Inc. offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Health and Wellness Spending Account, Basic Life Insurance, General Illness (Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability), Vacation, Performance Bonus, on-site parking and Accidental Death and Dismemberment.

Additional Information:

Location for this position is in Calgary, Alberta. Candidates must be located within commuting distance or be willing to relocate to this area. Canadian citizens and those legally entitled to work in Canada are encouraged to apply. We are currently unable to sponsor.
Northern RNA Inc. is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Northern RNA Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability or other legally protected status. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $65,500.00-$85,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

Bonus pay Overtime pay
Benefits:

Company events Dental care Extended health care On-site parking Paid time off Relocation assistance Vision care Wellness program
Flexible language requirement:

French not required
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:

Calgary, AB T2A 7H8: reliably commute or be willing to relocate with an employer-provided relocation package (required)
Education:

Doctoral Degree (preferred)
Experience:

Organic Chemistry: 2 years (required) Synthetic Organic Chemistry: 2 years (required) Medicinal Chemistry: 2 years (required)
Location:

Calgary, AB T2A 7H8 (required)
Work Location: In person