R&D Tech

Canada-Prince Edward Island-Charlottetown

Job Description

BIOVECTRA, now a part of Agilent, is recognized as a leader in the contract development and manufacturing space of active pharmaceutical ingredients specializing in clinical-to-commercial scale production for microbial fermentation, synthetic small molecules including ADC, HPAPI, plasmid DNA, mRNA, LNP and sterile filling capabilities. With over 650 employees at both the Windsor, NS and Charlottetown, PEI sites, BIOVECTRA supports over 100 clients, including over 20 top pharma and biotech companies.

BIOVECTRA joined Agilent in 2024 and is part of Agilent’s Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships Division (AMPD), which also contains Agilent’s Nucleic Acid Solutions Division. With BIOVECTRA, Agilent aims to align advanced manufacturing capabilities, expertise, and resources to foster greater innovation and operational excellence. Within AMPD, you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with a team of dedicated professionals committed to revolutionizing advanced manufacturing, making a significant impact in the industry and, most importantly, improving patient care through the manufacture of better therapeutics.

The Senior Technician, Process Development will be responsible for operating and maintaining fermentation and purification equipment in process development laboratories with minimal supervision. The individual will act as team lead during experiments, provide technical assistance, participate in the training of other coworkers, and ensure safe working practices. This position will help the scientists during the hands-on process development activities, critical to advancing innovative biopharmaceutical programs. It will also occasionally involve supporting GMP cell banking and pilot plant work activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Supervise shift activities and follow work instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure experiments are performed as designed in a non-GMP or GMP environment
Supervise technicians during process development experiments in the capacity of “lead hand” on a shift
Verify that work instructions are complete at the end of a shift and communicate during shift handoff
Verify that samples are collected, labelled, and tested according to the experimental plan
Training junior employees during processes based on experience with specific processes and equipment
Operating manual, electronic, pneumatic, or computerized laboratory process equipment
Monitor experimental work and troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve complex technical issues with equipment during the experiments
Ensure the correct labeling of reagents and instrumentation in the PD laboratory
Reviewing work instructions prior to runs and assisting in writing SOP’s; assisting with data entry
Clean and organize equipment and work area. Support lab organization (5S and inventory), and calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment
Assist in preparation, testing, and maintenance of cell banks, including occasional cleaning of cell banking lab in a GMP environment
Assisting the scientists and the manufacturing in supporting pilot plant operations when required
Complying with approved safety practices for the laboratory facility
Accurately record experimental data in accordance with BIOVECTRA’s data integrity policy CP0011
Complying with approved safety practices for the laboratory facility.
Accurately record data in accordance with BIOVECTRA’s data integrity policy CP0011
Following the company’s quality standard (quality management system procedures)
Additional duties assigned, based on business needs and the department supervisor’s request.

WORK CONDITIONS:

Ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts
Ability and willingness to work after hours and on weekends if required
Overtime as required
Heavy lifting occasionally required (up to 20 kg)
Using a respirator is required
Ability and willingness to work with potent compounds and following all safety precautions and protocols

Qualifications

Required:

Post-Secondary Education

Desired:

Undergraduate Degree in microbiology, biotechnology, molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or related discipline is preferred
cGMP experience
Experience with aseptic handling techniques, sampling, and the analysis of materials
Biochemical assays
Related industry experience in fermentation and protein purification is an asset

Additional Details

This job has a full time weekly schedule.

The full-time equivalent pay range for this position is $23.88 - $41.79/hr CAD plus eligibility for bonus, stock and benefits. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. During the hiring process, a recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for a preferred location. Pay and benefit information by country are available at: https://careers.agilent.com/locations

Agilent Technologies Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other protected categories under all applicable laws.