Specific Biologics is dedicated to developing therapeutics that treat or cure diseases through precision gene editing. Our platform technology Dualase™ is uniquely designed to target and correct genetic errors in ways that better use a cell’s natural repair processes. Our technologies hold the promise to provide new and potentially curative treatments to patients with serious and life-altering genetic diseases.

Join us in our mission to treat or cure genetic diseases.

Associate Scientist – Contract

1 Year Contract, Full Time Position

On Site, Toronto, Ontario

SUMMARY

Specific Biologics is seeking a highly motivated Associate Scientist to join our start-up team for a 1-year contract position. The core responsibilities of the Associate Scientist will be to design, develop and execute experiments to test new candidate compounds based on the Dualase platform in disease-relevant cell models. Preference will be given to candidates with a strong background mammalian cell culture work and in conducting genotypic and phenotypic assays.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Lead experimental design, planning and execution to identify new Dualase variants designed to re-target gene editors or enhance its activity.

· Design and test target site substrates for activity of new Dualase gene editors.

· Develop reporter substrates and cell models to test activity of new gene editors.

· Serve as a technical expert to transfer methods, processes and materials to third parties for external research.

· Coordinate the activities of the project team, including research associates, interns, technicians, and others as required.

· Author and contribute to publications, presentations and intellectual property disclosures.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

· Due to the nature of the work, occasional work may be required on weekends or holidays.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduate degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology or related science discipline.

Experience:

· Minimum of 2 years of related experience in molecular and cell biology, preferably in a pharmaceutical or biotech setting.

· Demonstrated experience in molecular biology techniques and such as cloning, nuclease assays, PCR (primer design and troubleshooting), DNA / RNA production and purification.

· Demonstrated experience in cell biology techniques such as aseptic cell culture maintenance and transfection, genomic DNA preparations, amplicon sequencing, and analytical assays (e.g. western blots, RT-qPCR, RNA-seq, etc.)

· Experience in managing a complex project and coordinating the activities of other researchers.

· Experience in next generation sequencing and interpreting data using bioinformatic tools.

KEY SKILLS and ATTRIBUTES

· Self-motivated — eager to ‘dive-in’ and take ownership for work. Effectively manage time and plan activities.

· Collaborative and helpful — ability to work across functional areas – actively work with colleagues and take an active interest in other’s ideas and opinions.

· Organized – ability to set up and keep accurate and orderly records.

· Strong communicator — ability to explain complex, technical ideas to a variety of audiences. Clear, concise writing.

· Intellectual curiosity — desire to ask questions, challenge assumptions and develop unique solutions to challenging problems. Naturally drawn to researching new topics and approaches in literature and other sources.

WHAT WE OFFER

The role is performed on site at Specific Biologics’ lab in JLABS @ Toronto (661 University Ave, West Tower, Toronto). Specific Biologics benefit package offering includes:

· Participation in Employee Stock Option Plan (subject to board approval).

· Health, dental, life and accidental death insurance.

· Paid vacation.

· Paid sick leave.

GOOD TO KNOW

· Offers of employment are conditional upon the successful passing of a reference check and a background check as determined by JLABS @ Toronto policy, as well proof of post-secondary education.

· Due to the nature of the work and subject to applicable laws, Specific Biologics may in certain circumstances advise you that you are not permitted to work on a particular project without proof of immunization.

APPLICATION DETAILS

Applications will be accepted until October 9, 2023, or until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Specific Biologics welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please advise us at any point and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Specific Biologics Inc. is committed to workforce diversity, creating equity across our systems and fostering and advancing a culture of inclusion. We know that bringing diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives together drives innovation which helps us to solve today’s complex health problems. At Specific Biologics, we believe that diversity, equality and inclusion (EDI) is everyone’s responsibility and serves as a catalyst to enable everyone to reach their full potential and help us innovate to create a healthier world.