Nucleic Acids Specialist, ATMF

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Note:Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. 

Job Summary
The Advanced Therapeutics Manufacturing Facility (ATMF) is a new CFI-funded project and part of Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub (CIEBH), a UBC-led national research hub that aims to align the critical mass of immune-engineering with biomanufacturing and public health strengths concentrated in BC. This multi-year, multi-phase initiative aims to build a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) biomanufacturing core facility to produce advanced therapeutics - such as cells, mRNA vaccines, viral vectors, and ancillary plasmid DNA - essential for early-phase clinical trials, addressing current health challenges, and strengthening Canada’s pandemic preparedness.

The Nucleic Acids Specialist, ATMF is a senior technical position responsible for developing, executing, troubleshooting, and evaluating molecular biology and nucleic-acid manufacturing processes, with a particular focus on plasmid DNA and RNA therapeutics. The incumbent applies deep knowledge of molecular biology and nucleic acid biochemistry to the design and evaluation of DNA constructs used for in vitro transcription (IVT), viral vector production, and other advanced therapeutic applications.

Working within the ATMF process development laboratory, the role develops and scales plasmid DNA and IVT processes, establishes analytical approaches to assess nucleic-acid product quality, and supports translation of laboratory-scale methods toward controlled and reproducible manufacturing processes. This includes development of scalable plasmid fermentation and purification processes, optimization and scale-up of IVT reactions and RNA purification, and characterization of critical product quality attributes. Depending on expertise and project needs, the role may also contribute to lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation and RNA-LNP characterization.

The position is expected to independently plan experiments with minimum supervision, evaluate construct and process design, identify technical risks, troubleshoot unexpected results, and recommend scientifically justified next steps. The role supports translational research projects from academic and industry collaborators, drafts standard operating procedures and technical reports, and maintains records to standards that support technology transfer to GMP manufacturing.

The Nucleic Acids Specialist reports directly to the Manager, Process Development - Nucleic Acids, and works closely with other members of the ATMF Process Development (PD) team, GMP production teams, Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) personnel, and external partners to support the timely development of translational products.

Organizational Status
The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. Since 1915, UBC’s entrepreneurial spirit has embraced innovation and challenged the status quo. UBC encourages its students, staff and faculty to challenge convention, lead discovery and explore new ways of learning. At UBC, bold thinking is given a place to develop into ideas that can change the world.

Our Vision: To Transform Health for Everyone.

Ranked among the world’s top medical schools with the fifth-largest MD enrollment in North America, the UBC Faculty of Medicine is a leader in both the science and the practice of medicine. Across British Columbia, more than 12,000 faculty and staff are training the next generation of doctors and health care professionals, making remarkable discoveries, and helping to create the pathways to better health for our communities at home and around the world.

The Faculty - comprised of approximately 2,200 administrative support, technical/research and management and professional staff, as well approximately 650 full-time academic and over 10,000 clinical faculty members - is composed of 19 academic basic science and/or clinical departments, 3 schools, and 25 research centres and institutes. Together with its University and Health Authority partners, the Faculty delivers innovative programs and conducts research in the areas of health and life sciences. Faculty, staff and trainees are located at university campuses, clinical academic campuses in hospital settings and other regionally based centres across the province.

The UBC Vancouver Campus is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people. The City of Vancouver is located on Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations territory.

The Nucleic Acids Specialist is a member of the ATMF Process Development team. The position interacts closely with Process Development, GMP Production, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, academic collaborators, and industry partners to support development and timely advancement of nucleic-acid-based translational products.

Work Performed
1. Molecular Biology and Plasmid Design

·  Designs and evaluates plasmid DNA constructs for use in IVT, viral vector production, and other advanced therapeutic applications.

·  Applies advanced knowledge of molecular biology to construct design, including selection and optimization of promoters, untranslated regions, coding sequences, poly(A) elements, restriction sites, regulatory elements, and other sequence features relevant to the intended manufacturing process and final product.

·  Reviews DNA and RNA sequences for design errors, sequence integrity, manufacturability, and compatibility with downstream applications before experimental work is initiated.

·  Designs cloning strategies and performs or oversees molecular cloning, plasmid modification, sequence verification, and characterization of plasmid constructs.

·  Develops and troubleshoots molecular biology workflows using techniques such as PCR, qPCR/ddPCR, restriction digestion, gel or capillary electrophoresis, DNA/RNA purification, and sequencing.

·  Provides technical expertise in nucleic acid biology and construct design to ATMF staff and academic and industry collaborators.

2. Plasmid DNA Process Development and Scale-Up

·  Develops and optimizes processes for production and purification of plasmid DNA suitable for downstream manufacturing applications, including IVT and viral vector production.

·  Evaluates bacterial strains, culture conditions, media, fermentation parameters, plasmid yield and quality, and downstream purification strategies.

·  Develops approaches for transitioning laboratory-scale plasmid production to controlled bioreactor/fermentation processes and progressively larger manufacturing scales.

·  Identifies critical process parameters and critical quality attributes relevant to plasmid DNA manufacturing and evaluates the impact of process changes on product yield and quality.

·  Develops methods for assessing plasmid identity, purity, concentration, integrity, topology/supercoiled content, and other quality attributes relevant to downstream use.

·  Troubleshoots plasmid production and purification processes and performs systematic root-cause analysis when expected yield or product quality is not achieved.

3. mRNA/IVT Process Development and Scale-Up

·  Develops, optimizes, and scales IVT processes for production of mRNA and other RNA products.

·  Evaluates IVT template design and preparation, RNA polymerase and enzyme conditions, nucleotide concentrations, capping approaches, modified nucleotides, reaction conditions, DNase treatment, and downstream RNA purification.

·  Systematically evaluates process parameters to improve RNA yield, integrity, purity, consistency, and scalability.

·  Develops scalable IVT workflows and supports transition from small-scale laboratory reactions to larger process-development and manufacturing scales.

·  Develops and evaluates downstream purification strategies for removal of DNA template, enzymes, unincorporated nucleotides, truncated RNA species, double-stranded RNA, and other process-related impurities.

·  Designs experiments to identify critical process parameters, establish operating ranges, and improve process robustness and reproducibility.

·  Troubleshoots unexpected IVT outcomes using a strong understanding of nucleic acid chemistry, enzymology, and molecular biology rather than relying solely on established protocols.

4. Nucleic Acid Analytical Characterization

·  Develops and evaluates analytical methods for characterization of plasmid DNA, IVT templates, RNA intermediates, and final RNA products.

·  Performs and interprets assays for nucleic acid identity, concentration, purity, integrity, size, capping efficiency, poly(A) characteristics, residual DNA, double-stranded RNA, and other relevant product- or process-related attributes.

·  Evaluates analytical technologies and instrumentation appropriate for nucleic acid process development and subsequent transfer into a GMP/QC environment.

·  Establishes fit-for-purpose analytical approaches that allow comparison of experimental conditions and assessment of process consistency.

·  Analyzes complex experimental data, identifies trends and sources of variability, and recommends scientifically justified changes to processes and analytical methods.

5. LNP and RNA Drug Product Development

·  Where applicable, supports development of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation processes for encapsulation and delivery of RNA products.

·  Works collaboratively with LNP specialists to evaluate relationships among RNA quality, formulation parameters, encapsulation efficiency, particle characteristics, stability, and biological activity.

·  Supports characterization of RNA-LNP products using appropriate analytical methods, which may include particle size and polydispersity, encapsulation efficiency, RNA concentration and integrity, and other relevant quality attributes.

·  Contributes to development of integrated workflows connecting plasmid production, IVT, RNA purification, and LNP formulation.

6. Process Documentation and Technology Transfer

·  Maintains detailed and accurate experimental records documenting process parameters, materials, results, deviations, troubleshooting, and conclusions.

·  Authors and revises experimental protocols, development reports, technical reports, batch records, and standard operating procedures.

·  Converts research-scale protocols into controlled, reproducible processes suitable for transfer to GMP manufacturing.

·  Defines process steps, critical parameters, in-process controls, raw-material requirements, equipment requirements, and analytical testing required for technology transfer.

·  As a member of the ATMF Process Development (PD) team, works collaboratively with GMP Production, Quality Assurance (QA), and Quality Control (QC) teams to transfer developed processes into regulated manufacturing environments.

·  Supports technical discussions with academic investigators, biotechnology companies, vendors, and other external collaborators.

7. Technical Leadership and Laboratory Operations

·  Serves as a technical resource within ATMF for molecular biology, plasmid DNA, and RNA process-development activities.

·  Independently plans experiments, interprets results, and determines appropriate next steps within assigned development projects.

·  Identifies technical risks early and recommends experiments or process changes to address them.

·  Evaluates published methods, vendor protocols, and emerging technologies before incorporating them into ATMF processes.

·  Trains and provides technical guidance to other staff and trainees in molecular biology, nucleic acid handling, IVT processes, and associated analytical methods.

·  Supports selection, commissioning, qualification, maintenance, and troubleshooting of equipment used for nucleic acid process development.

·  Maintains appropriate laboratory inventories of enzymes, nucleotides, molecular biology reagents, plasmids, bacterial stocks, reference materials, and other critical supplies.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Nucleic Acids Specialist works with a high degree of independence and is expected to exercise sound scientific and technical judgment in the design, execution, interpretation, and documentation of molecular biology and process-development activities.

Errors in construct design, sequence review, plasmid production, IVT process design, analytical interpretation, or scale-up strategy may not be immediately apparent and can propagate into subsequent development or manufacturing activities. Such errors may result in loss of valuable materials, substantial repetition of experimental work, delays to project or clinical-development timelines, or transfer of an unsuitable process into GMP manufacturing.

The incumbent is therefore expected to critically review experimental designs and sequence information, recognize unexpected or biologically implausible results, identify potential sources of error, and seek appropriate review when decisions may have significant downstream consequences. Accuracy, attention to detail, strong molecular biology knowledge, and complete technical documentation are core expectations of the role.

Supervision Received
The position reports to the Manager, Process Development Nucleic Acids, ATMF, receiving general direction on project priorities, timelines, and overall development objectives. The incumbent is expected to plan and execute day-to-day experimental work, troubleshoot technical problems, interpret results, and recommend next steps. Complex issues, major changes in project scope, and decisions with significant GMP, regulatory, budgetary, or project implications are discussed with the Manager and relevant ATMF leadership.

Supervision Given
No direct reports. The role provides technical training, guidance, and mentorship to junior technical staff, research assistants, students, and facility trainees, and may coordinate experimental activities within assigned process-development projects.

Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program and a minimum four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions may require a graduate degree.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Education and Experience

·  University degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Microbiology, or a closely related discipline plus a minimum of four years of related laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Relevant graduate training or an M.Sc. is an asset.

·  Demonstrated advanced knowledge of molecular biology and nucleic acid biochemistry, with the ability to independently design, evaluate, and troubleshoot DNA constructs and RNA production strategies.

·  Demonstrated hands-on experience with plasmid design, molecular cloning, sequence analysis, and nucleic acid purification and characterization.

·  Demonstrated hands-on experience with IVT and production, purification, or characterization of mRNA or other RNA products.

Technical Experience

·  Strong understanding of plasmid architecture and design considerations for IVT and/or viral vector production.

·  Experience optimizing and scaling enzymatic reactions or nucleic acid manufacturing processes.

·  Experience with analytical methods used to assess DNA and RNA identity, purity, concentration, integrity, and process-related impurities.

·  Experience with bacterial fermentation, bioreactor-based plasmid production, or scale-up of plasmid DNA manufacturing is a strong asset.

·  Experience with viral vector plasmid design or production is an asset.

·  Experience with LNP formulation, microfluidic mixing, RNA encapsulation, or RNA-LNP characterization is a strong asset; candidates with combined RNA and LNP experience are particularly desirable.

·  Experience working in a GMP/GLP or other regulated biomanufacturing environment is an asset.

·  Experience applying Quality by Design (QbD), design of experiments (DoE), or systematic process-development approaches is an asset.

Professional and Communication Skills

·  Demonstrated ability to independently plan experiments, analyze complex data, troubleshoot unexpected results, and make scientifically justified recommendations.

·  Exceptional attention to detail, particularly in sequence design, calculations, experimental preparation, sample tracking, and technical documentation.

·  Strong organizational and technical writing skills, including preparation of SOPs, protocols, development reports, and technology-transfer documentation.

·  Ability to critically evaluate scientific literature, vendor information, and emerging technologies and determine their applicability to process-development activities.

·  Comfortable working across multidisciplinary teams and communicating technical information clearly to colleagues with different areas of expertise.

·  Demonstrated ability to train and provide technical guidance to junior staff and trainees.

·  Contributes to a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive laboratory environment.

Equity and Diversity

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We especially welcome applications from visible minority group members, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.