Hybrid Research Associate II, Bioconjugation Chemistry na Borealis Biosciences, Inc.

Company:

Kidney disease is a severe and growing worldwide health challenge that affects 1 in 7 people. Without effective treatments patients can experience kidney failure leading to dialysis and transplantation, a high burden to patients, families and the health care system. Despite recent advances for certain kidney disease patients, many forms of highly prevalent kidney diseases do not have effective treatments.  

Borealis was founded on the premise that a convergence of scientific and translational breakthroughs will enable RNA therapeutics to address some of the largest untreated kidney diseases and beyond.  Borealis builds on the success of Chinook Therapeutics, a kidney disease company with a research site in Vancouver that was acquired by Novartis in 2023 for up to $3.5 billion. The Borealis team has strong leadership and academic advisors who were central to research at Chinook, together with additional leadership in the field of RNA therapeutics. We are headquartered in Vancouver, BC, with state-of-the-art wet labs for molecular and cellular biology, in vivo pharmacology, chemistry, DMPK, bioinformatics and analytical capabilities. 

We are a creative and innovative team that strives for excellence in all we do and has fun along the way. Our core focus is on helping patients and advancing science. For more information on Borealis, check out our sites https://borealisbio.com & https://www.linkedin.com/company/borealis-biosciences-inc. 

We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most innovative talent on our team. We are building a diverse and inclusive workforce – come and be a part of our growth! We strongly encourage candidates with less traditional backgrounds or those who may meet the qualifications in a different way to apply.

Position:

Borealis Biosciences is seeking an enthusiastic and collaborative Research Associate II with experience in protein biochemistry, biochemistry, or chemistry field to join the Chemistry group in Vancouver, BC. The key responsibilities for this position will be synthesizing and analyzing protein-oligonucleotide conjugates including antibodies, antibody fragments, and other target-binding scaffolds. The ideal candidate will have industrial experience in protein biochemistry, bioconjugation, and analytical characterization of protein bioconjugates. Experience with oligonucleotide therapeutics is a plus. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative biotech environment with a focus on RNA medicines for kidney disease.

Responsibilities include:

• Design and execute bioconjugation experiments involving antibodies, antibody fragments, and other target-binding scaffolds
  
• Purify conjugates using chromatography techniques such as SEC, AC, IEX
  
• Analytical characterization of protein bioconjugates using various techniques such as UV-Vis, SDS-PAGE, HPLC, LCMS
  
• Collaboration cross-functionally with DMPK, Biology, and In Vivo Pharmacology teams to advance Borealis Bio’s early research activities to preclinical development
  
• Following the protocols, performing experiments, organizing and analyzing data, interpreting results, recording experiments in an electronic lab notebook, and summarizing work in presentations and technical reports
  
• Contribute to the optimization and scale-up of bioconjugation protocols, assist in method development, validation and troubleshooting
  
• Adhering to all laboratory safety requirements and standard operating procedures, helping to maintain general laboratory functionality, including lab equipment maintenance and the ordering, and receiving of lab supplies
  
• Contribute to and participate in the development and maintenance of a supportive/positive team-focused company culture 
  

Location: 

• This is an on-site lab-based position located in Borealis’ Vancouver, BC headquarters.  Much of your time will be spent in conducting wet lab work.

Education, Experience, and Skills:

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Chemistry, Protein Biochemistry, Biochemistry or a related science discipline with 2+ years hands-on related research experience, preferably in an industrial setting; or other equivalent combination of education and experience
  
• Strong understanding of protein structure, function, and analytical characterization
  
• Hands-on experience in FPLC purification and analytical methods for proteins and oligonucleotides; direct experience in ÄKTA purification systems and Unicorn software is a plus
  
• Strong working knowledge of purification techniques including various liquid chromatography methods (e.g. IEX, SEC, AC, HIC, RP)
  
• Prior experience in biochemistry techniques and analytical methods such as aSEC, LCMS, SPR/BLI, ELISA, SDS-PAGE.
  
• Hands-on experience in bioconjugation, analytical chemistry and/or chemical biology is desired. Experience with oligonucleotides and targeted delivery is preferable
  
• Experience with Benchling is a plus
  
• Fast learner with strong analytical mindset and chemistry problem-solving with creative thinking
  
• Effective time management and communication skills
  
• Comfortable with adjusting workloads based on changing priorities 
  
• Positive attitude and high personal and ethical standards
  
• A strong team player with a passion for science and drug discovery
  

Compensation: The annual salary range is $81,600 – $100,900 and Borealis Bio provides competitive benefits including RRSP matching, extended medical, dental, vision and a Wellness Spending Account up to $1,800 per year. Actual base salary and title/level will be determined based on the qualifications of the successful candidate.

Borealis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind.  We are committed to fostering an environment where ALL people are welcome and supported. We cultivate a culture of inclusion for all employees that respects their individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better team – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better business results. Creativity and innovation flourish in an environment of openness, inclusion, and mutual respect.