Team Lead, Viral Vector Production

The Role

We are looking for a Team Leader, to lead and manage a team of researchers and research laboratory focused on the development and engineering of cell lines, viral vectors, and analytical methods for complex biologics such as viral vectors, virus-like particles and viruses for cell and gene therapy applications and for the development of vaccines. This Research Officer scientific leader shares our core NRC values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect, Creativity, Collaboration and a strong passion for developing highly effective teams and enabling technology to supports Canada biotechnology ecosystem.

The Human Health Therapeutics (HHT) Research center has the mandate to support economic development through innovation in health care, including innovative therapies. The research center has a strong track record of collaborations with industry and academia, and is a major contributor to the prosperity of Canada's small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The research center's primary sector of activity is the biopharmaceutical industry. HHT targets SMEs in Canada developing therapeutics, biologics or vaccines, to address unmet needs in human health.

The Team Leader is responsible for supervising a multidisciplinary team of researchers and technologists who carry out and deliver projects to support a variety of projects and programs. Projects include various internal R&D activities as well as service and collaboration contracts with industrial and academic partners. The incumbent is also responsible for providing scientific and technical leadership to the team, which comprises technical and research officers. In collaboration with other teams and facilities, the Team Leader works to provide scientific leadership, establish employee commitments and provides ongoing feedback to help achieve expected results. Finally, the incumbent will help develop the group's expertise in viral vector design and development of cell-based expression systems for viruses and viral vectors, to ensure that the research center's related expertise and facilities are maintained.

The ideal candidate would have a strong research and development background in biology, virology, microbiology, or biotechnology with experience in the field of cell and gene therapy, viral vector platform or vaccine development.
 

Screening Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

Ph.D degree in a Biochemistry, Molecular or Cell biology, Virology, Microbiology, Biotechnology or related discipline.
 

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• Significant R&D experience in virology with hands on experience in molecular biology, production and characterization of complex biologics,  such as viral vectors (AAV, Lentivirus,  adenovirus), viruses and vaccines.
• Significant experience in the use or engineering of mammalian cell culture platforms (eg HEK293, Vero)  for the production of complex biologics
• Significant experience in the design of analytical assay to characterize complex biologics and experience in process development and viral vector process optimization analytics.
• Significant experience in managing research projects and managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Industrial environment experience in the field of biotechnology, and experience in product or platform development and commercialization is an asset.
• Experience in cell engineering is an asset.
• Experience in supervision of resources, and budget management.
• Experience in working in multi-disciplinary teams to support product development.

Significant experience is equal to at least 3 years experience.

Condition of Employment

Reliability Status

Language Requirements

Bilingual Imperative BBB/BBB 

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment Criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical Competencies

• Extensive knowledge of viral vector biology & industrial engineering in different cell-culture systems, using different analytics methods and strong awareness of emerging R&D technological trends in the development or production of biologics.
• Knowledge of the challenges of Cell & Gene therapy and vaccine business environment relevant to the HHT Research Center and its programs. 
• General knowledge of project management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of occupational health and safety best practices required to create and maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing (i.e., SOPs, presentations, guidelines, reports, and audits).

Behavioural Competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Management Services; Supervisor

View all competency profiles

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the AcRO level, which is an mid-career-level position with a salary range of $117,341 to $136,871.

NOTE: Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate’s expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level.  As such, the initial salary could be within another level of the RO/RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).

In addition, the incumbent will receive the Bilingualism Bonus of $800 per year.
 

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond. 

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC). As Canada’s leading research and technology organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.
 

Notes

• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• This position is being advertised internally and externally simultaneously, however first consideration will be given to internal NRC applicants.
• A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.