Description
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 ear (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 is 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.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
