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About the role

The Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Biomanufacturing Scientist. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Riddell Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy is seeking a Biomanufacturing Scientist to join its Biomanufacturing Program, with a focus on process development and quality control support for CAR T cell and other novel immune cell therapies. This position reports to the Associate Director of Biomanufacturing.

The Biomanufacturing Scientist will play a key role in optimizing and translating advanced cell therapy protocols, including T cell engineering, ex vivo expansion, and phenotypic characterization, to support preclinical and early-phase clinical studies. The role will support process development, assay design, and quality control in collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

Cell Therapy Process Development:

  • Design, optimize, and scale T cell culture and gene modification workflows
  • Support the development and transfer of protocols into GMP-compliant workflows
  • Work with the process development team to troubleshoot and refine novel cell therapy protocols

Assay Development & QC Support:

  • Develop and qualify flow-based and molecular assays for identity, potency, and safety testing
  • Integrate QC assays into standardized release and in-process testing workflows
  • Perform analytical assays to evaluate CAR expression, functionality, and phenotype

Documentation & Compliance:

  • Maintain accurate and complete records in line with internal quality standards
  • Author and review SOPs, technical reports, and assay development documents
  • Support GMP-readiness through preparation of protocols and validation data packages

Collaboration & Communication:

  • Work closely with manufacturing, quality, and regulatory teams to align project deliverables
  • Present findings and technical recommendations to internal teams and project leadership
  • Participate in cross-functional team meetings and contribute to program strategy discussions

Qualifications / Requirements:

  • MSc or PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, or a related field
  • Hands-on experience with T cell engineering and/or immune cell therapy development
  • Experience with viral and non-viral gene delivery methods (e.g., lentivirus, electroporation)
  • Background in assay development, troubleshooting, and data analysis
  • Strong self-directed learning skills with the ability to rapidly acquire new techniques and technologies
  • Strong foundation in aseptic mammalian cell culture techniques, especially primary human T cells
  • Proficiency in flow cytometry (panel design, staining, analysis) and cell-based assays
  • Experience with nucleic acid manipulation techniques (PCR, cloning, NGS workflows)
  • Familiarity with immune phenotyping, cytokine profiling, and cytotoxicity assays
  • Understanding of GMP-compliant documentation, ELNs, and QMS principles
  • Knowledge of assay qualification and documentation for tech transfer or regulatory filings is an asset

Application Deadline: August 13, 2025

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 2.

About University of Calgary

Higher Education
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The University of Calgary is a leading Canadian university located in the nation's most enterprising city. The university has a clear strategic direction to become one of Canada's top five research universities, where research and innovative teaching go hand in hand, and where we fully engage the communities we both serve and lead. This strategy is called Eyes High, inspired by the university's Gaelic motto, which translates as 'I will lift up my eyes.’