Associate II, Process Development (Cells CMC)

We are seeking an Associate II, Process Development (Cells CMC) to join Aspect’s  high-performing process development team focused on developing bioprinted tissue therapeutics for cell therapy applications. Reporting to the Manager, Process Development (Cells CMC), you will support the production, qualification, and scale-up of multiple cell lines to drive the development of bioprinted tissue therapeutics (BTT). Cell types will include partner-supplied iPSC β cell aggregates, type 1 diabetes (T1D) focused reporter cell lines (primary islets, MIN6,, etc.), and others. This is an onsite position, with an expectation to be in the laboratory at least 80% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Independently support the production and supply of various cell types to Aspect’s CMC and R&D groups for downstream bioprinting and assay development.
• Independently complete all stages of cell culture processing including thawing, expansion, media change, aggregation, cryopreservation, and banking.
• Assess and interpret in vitro viability and functional assays for cell characterization.
• Optimize and contribute to the scale-up processing of therapeutic cells.
• Contribute to the development of release Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for internal cell lines to document post-production characterization and ensure quality cell products.
• Complete internal IQ/OQ/PQ of new cell processing and manufacturing equipment.
• Work closely with R&D, CMC, quality, and regulatory teams to support non-GMP technology transfer(s) of culture processes in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Perform data collection and analysis to contribute insights for cell culture process improvement.
• Assist with reagents and buffers preparation, and complete periodic inventory checks.
• Collaborate with cross functional teams (preclinical R&D, CMC, Therapeutic Cell Platforms) to refine bioprocessing methods.
• Create, review, and maintain documentation such as standard operating procedures (SOPs), Batch Production Records (BPRs), protocols, reagent preparation forms, and experimental reports in Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• Develop subject matter expertise and work with other CMC teams to ensure technical compliance and adherence.

Qualifications                                                                         

• Education + Experience: BSc (with 2+ years of experience) or MSc in Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field with demonstrated experience working aseptically with mammalian cell culture preferably in an industry setting. Experience in cGMP environment would be an asset.
• Beneficial Knowledge: Experience with immortalized insulinoma cell lines, primary or stem cell derived insulin-producing cells will be an asset. Experience with 3D, spheroid, organoid or hydrogel cell culture is an asset.

Who You Are                                                                          

• Go-Getter: You work with a sense of urgency, are results-driven, and thrive in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary, and entrepreneurial environment. You are willing to roll up your sleeves and do what it takes to get the job done.
• Collaborative: You thrive in a multi-disciplinary team environment and believe that we can get further, faster by working together. You take direction well and ask for clarification when necessary.
• Effective Communicator: You are an active listener who can communicate to different audiences in diverse situations.
• Detail-Oriented: You have outstanding attention to detail as well as experimental and process rigour. You take pride in your work and strive for excellence.
• Meticulously Organized: You can multitask, prioritize competing deadlines, and have a track record for delivering work on time.
• Critical Thinker: You excel at evaluating difficult challenges, seeking input from different sources, and contributing to well-informed decisions.

The hiring range for this role is $57,000-$82,000, annually. Our ranges are based on market data. Offered salaries will be based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience. For candidates who exceed role requirements, we are open to exploring above-range offers. Note that base salary is just one part of the overall compensation at Aspect. Members of the Aspect team also receive equity, a comprehensive benefits package, and support for continuous learning and career progression.

Aspect Biosystems is a Canadian biotechnology company creating bioprinted tissue therapeutics to transform how we treat disease. Our bold team of innovators and entrepreneurs have joined us from all over the globe to create a new class of regenerative medicine and work towards a future where our bioprinted tissues are used to save lives and make people healthier. We are endlessly curious and wildly passionate about what we do. Every person on our team is a key contributor to our success and is eager to roll up their sleeves to make a difference in the ever-changing world of biotech. If you are committed to making a real impact and accelerating the development of life-changing therapies, we want to hear from you!

Curious about our current perks and benefits? Learn more here.

At Aspect Biosystems, our strength has always been in our diversity. Different people, thinking differently, unified in creating a world that is better for us all. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone on our team. All aspects of employment — including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or terminate — are based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, provincial, or local law.

If you're interested in joining our team but don't see a job posting that matches your experience or background, we encourage you to submit a general application to be considered for future opportunities!