Co-Op, Analytical Development (Molecular)

Who is BlueRock?

BlueRock Therapeutics, a wholly-owned and independently operated subsidiary of Bayer AG, is a leading engineered cell therapy company using its unique cell+gene platform to direct cellular differentiation and genetically engineer cells to create a new generation of cellular medicines that address large patient populations suffering from neurological, cardiovascular, and immunology diseases.

The convergence of cell biology and genetic engineering is creating fundamental new ways to impact disease. Founded in 2016 to capitalize on these technological breakthroughs, we are advancing our novel cell+gene platform to develop, manufacture, and deliver an entirely new generation of authentic and engineered cell therapies across three therapeutic areas: neurology, cardiology, and immunology.

What Are We Doing?

Our foundational science harnesses the ability to create and then direct the differentiation of universal pluripotent stem cells into authentic, functional cells that can be used as allogeneic cellular therapies to treat a broad array of diseases. We can also further engineer these cells, enabling them to produce enzymes, antibodies, and other proteins for additional therapeutic benefit.

We are passionate about delivering on the promise of cellular and gene therapy, shaping the future of cellular medicine, and delivering new therapies to millions of patients with treatment options.

We are seeking individuals who are collaborative, thrive in a fun and dynamic culture, and are steadfast in the commitment to advance cutting-edge cellular therapies to impact patients’ lives.

The Toronto, ON site is seeking a co-op student to join our Analytical Development team. As a central development resource at the company, the Analytical Development team works closely with Research, Process Development, Non-clinical and Clinical Development, Manufacturing and Quality teams. The successful candidate will be a key technical contributor in a dynamic and progressive team executing industry-leading molecular or cell-based assays to characterize cell therapy products and manufacturing processes. Candidates in this role will be responsible for collaborating with multiple functional teams to fulfill analytical testing requests, including coordination of sample intake, testing, data analysis and reporting. Expertise in real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and/or droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) is an asset. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated, self-starting individual who leads from the bench, enjoys collaboration and is seeking valuable career experience in Analytical Development.    

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical testing to characterize pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) and differentiated cellular products including qPCR, ddPCR, ELISA, and other cellular analysis and/or molecular and biochemical assays as part of an analytical core.
• Co-ordinate all technical and logistical aspects of sample analysis, from receiving and organizing incoming samples, reagent ordering and planning, DNA/RNA extraction and quantitation, conducting appropriate method testing, performing data analysis and reporting results with proper documentation in a timely manner.
• Assist with the development and optimization of new molecular and cellular assays as required.
• Analyze and document experimental data in electronic laboratory notebooks in a timely and accurate manner in accordance with the company quality management system.
• Author and review SOPs, experimental protocols, reports and other scientific documents as required.
• Generate concise visual and oral presentations to communicate scientific data to colleagues in group meetings, prepare and present internal presentations as required.
• Perform additional duties to support the safe and efficient operation of the laboratory, and other duties as required.
• Contribute to building a culture that embraces scientific excellence, integrity, urgency, courage and community.
• This position requires hands-on laboratory work.

Minimum Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college or university (BS/BA in Biology, Biomedical Science, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related field of study).
• Minimum completion of 3rd year of undergraduate degree.
• Possess the ability to work an8-month assignment, full-time.
• Must be 18 years of age by the start of the internship/co-op.
• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Must have a means of transportation to the site in Toronto, ON, CA.
• Experience in basic molecular biology laboratory techniques and working knowledge of, or experience with PCR, qPCR, and/orddPCR would be a strong asset.
• Experience in mammalian cell culture, human pluripotent stem cells, and aseptic techniques is an asset.
• Experience with GxP guidelines/documentation and general GxP experience in analytical development would be an asset.
• Excellent organizational skills, sufficient to multi-task in an extremely fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and analytical skills.
• Conscientious, disciplined, flexible, has a sense of responsibility, and ensures that work is performed accurately, precisely and in a timely manner.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced company environment and able to adjust workload based upon changing priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel for data analysis is required.
• Proficient use of MS Office, (Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word).

Working Environment

• Candidate will be working full time in office and controlled laboratory environments.
• This position is intended to be on-site and candidates will be informed should anything change.
• Risk of potential exposure to chemicals and biohazards consistent with somatic cell therapy culture.
• Working in the laboratory requires mandatory use of personal protective equipment.

All Emerging Talent roles are paid $28/hr.