Technical Officer, Purification (Downstream Process)

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 largest research and innovation 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 a Technical Officer, Downstream Production (DSP), to support the Production team at the Clinical Trial Material Facility. The technical officer would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The successful candidate will play an important role within a team in charge of the purification process of promising biotherapeutics and vaccines, from the technology transfer to the GMP manufacturing. The effort of this purification team will directly contribute to the clinical development of vaccines and therapeutic candidates for Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s). Responsibilities of the candidate will include the provision of technical assistance in the preparation and the conduct of GMP productions, recording, and compiling scientific data, maintaining clean room and process equipment in a highly controlled environment.

This technical officer position would appeal to someone who has a passion for working in a controlled laboratory (GMP) environment, contributing to and following established standard operating procedures, efficiently document experimental and manufacturing activities and results in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

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

Bachelor in Sciences, Biotechnology, Engineering or related field. 

Collegial diploma combined with relevant and significant experience may be considered.

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

Experience

• Significant experience in the preparation and execution of technical tasks in a GMP laboratory environment of pharmaceutical or biotechnology production preferably related to vaccines and / or biotherapies (mandatory).
• Significant experience with industrial purification process.
• Significant experience in aseptic techniques.
• Significant experience in large scale solution preparation, tangential/dead-end filtration, large scale chromatography columns, virus inactivation/filtration, with automated production.
  
  

Each of the following is considered an important asset:

• Experience working with single-use technology.
• Experience working in biological containment level 2.
• Experience with large scale purification of monoclonal antibodies, fusion proteins, viral vectors.

Condition of employment

Secret Clearance

A thorough security clearance process will be applied. 

For a Secret Clearance, verification of background information over a period of 10 years is required. Individuals must have lived in Canada for a sufficient period of time to enable the security screening process. 

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 purification principles and techniques used in downstream processing, such as chromatography, filtration, and concentration methods for biotherapeutic and vaccine production.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): 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.
• 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.
• Must be able to work in a physical environment requiring manual dexterity, crouching, bending and handling heavy and bulky objects. 
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.