Technical Officer, Cell culture scale-up / USP GMP Production

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2025 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

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.

The role

We are looking for two (2) Technical Officers, Cell culture scale-up/ Upstream Production (USP) and Good and Manufacturing production (GMP) to support our Health and Human Therapeutics Research Centre. The Technical Officer, Cell culture scale-up/ USP GMP would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The successful candidates will play an important role bridging R&D process development of mammalian expression systems, with the implementation of bioprocesses for the large-scale production of biologics.

This includes processes for recombinant proteins, viral vectors and viruses, to execute biomanufacturing of these products within our Clinical Trial Material Facility, a phase 1/2 GMP facility.

Responsibilities include the provision of technical support services in the design, planning, preparation, conduct and analysis of various experiments and/or tests, technology transfer of R&D processes into the Clinical Trial Material Facility (CTMF) GMP facility.

The candidates will also work in a GMP controlled laboratory environment, contributing to and following established standard operating procedures, efficiently document experimental and manufacturing activities and results.

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

Post-secondary education in biochemistry, molecular biology, biochemical/chemical engineering, or a related field.

A university degree in one of these areas may be considered an asset.

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

Experience

• Significant* experience in animal cell culture.
• Significant* experience preparing and performing technical tasks in a GMP pharmaceutical or biotech production laboratory environment preferably related to vaccines and/or biotherapies.
• Significant* experience in work techniques in aseptic conditions.
• Experience working with suspension cell cultures in flasks.
• Experience with transfection methods and/or the production of viral vectors. 
• Significant* experience using Microsoft Office and  MS softwares for data management, data analysis and data reporting under structured technical report format. 
• Experience with operating bioreactors in different modes (batch, fed-batch and perfusion). 

Assets:

• Experience working in containment level 2. 
• Experience in analytical techniques applied to quantification of viral vectors and recombinant proteins. 
• Experience in high-throughput small scale equipment such as:  mini-bioreactors or deep well plates.
• Experience with typical cell culture instrumentation used for off-line and on-line measurements of operating parameters and cell culture metabolites. 
• Experience in cell culture media development and optimization of cell culture processes operating conditions would be an asset.

* Significant experience is defined as two (2) to six (6) years of experience

Condition of employment

Must be able to work in a physical environment requiring manual dexterity, crouching, bending and handling heavy and bulky objects.

Reliability Status
For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Language requirements

English or French

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

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

Technical competencies

• Knowledge of biomanufacturing principles, and GMP requirements applied to pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical products.
• Ability to write, review and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), write and manage controlled changes, describe, escalate and report any deviations and write GMP work instructions.
• Knowledge of working techniques in an aseptic environment.
• Knowledge of suspension cell culture, cell scaling and cell propagation in flask and bioreactor.
• Knowledge of cell biology and cell culture principles. 

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Research Technician/Technologist

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $66,126 to $91,012 per annum.

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.

Notes

• In 2025, the NRC was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one-year period.
• In order to ensure a prompt and efficient processing of applications, candidates are encouraged to provide, along with their résumé, a detailed covering letter explaining how they meet each of the requirements of this position (education, experience, language requirements) by providing concrete examples. In addition, the candidate is encouraged to describe in detail when, where and how he/she gained the experience.
• 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.