Research Associate – Process Development

University of British Columbia - Staff; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 68,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university is seeking a Research Associate for their Advanced Therapeutics Manufacturing Facility. The role involves conducting research and leading projects in biomanufacturing technologies. Candidates should have a Ph.D. and significant experience in process development for biologics. The position offers a competitive salary and a commitment to an inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of hands-on experience in process development for biologics.
• Expertise in immunology and cell biology.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with process characterization.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze upstream and downstream processes for biologics.
• Lead process development activities for advanced therapeutic products.
• Coordinate technology transfer to ATMF’s GMP laboratories.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Organizational Skills

Collaboration

Problem Solving

Education

Ph.D. in Bioprocess/Chemical Engineering

Tools

Bioreactors

Chromatography

Filtration

Formulation Techniques

Job description

Academic

Job Category Faculty Non Bargaining Job Title Research Associate – Process Development Department Research Leadership | Office of Research | Faculty of Medicine (W Robert McMaster) Posting End Date June 12, 2025

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

Job End Date Jun 30, 2026

This is a 1 year term, with a possibility of extension.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
The expected pay range for this position is $68,932 to $80,000 per annum.

Candidates should submit:

• A letter of application outlining the applicant’s research interests
• Curriculum Vitae
• Names of three references

To: Dr. Megan Levings
Project Lead, ATMF
UBC Faculty of Medicine
317-2194 Health Sciences Mall
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3
Email: [e-mail]

Subject Line: Research Associate, Process Development, ATMF

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, and is essential to fostering an outstanding work environment. 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.

The University is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable work environment for all members of its workforce. An inclusive work environment presumes an environment where differences are accepted, recognized, and integrated into current structures, planning, and decision-making modes. Within this hiring process we will make efforts to create an inclusive and equitable process for all candidates (including but not limited to people with disabilities). Confidential accommodations are available on request for applicants who are short-listed. Please contact Dr. Megan Levings at [e-mail]

To learn more about UBC’s Center for Workplace Accessibility, visit the website here https://hr.ubc.ca/CWA.

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. 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, and ancillary plasmid DNA—essential for early-phase clinical trials, addressing current health challenges, and strengthening Canada’s pandemic preparedness.

The Research Associate – Process Development is responsible for conducting research and leading research projects to advance biomanufacturing technologies for various therapeutic products, including plasmids, mRNA/LNP formulations, CAR-T cells, regulatory T cells (T-regs), and viral vectors . This role involves optimizing upstream and downstream processes, developing robust manufacturing protocols, supporting technology transfer to GMP production environments, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

The Research Associate reports directly to the ATMF Program Director, Dr. Megan Levings The incumbent hires, trains, and supervises to process development staff working in the laboratory.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze upstream (cell culture, transfection, fermentation) and downstream (purification, filtration, formulation) processes for various biologics.
• Lead process development activities for advanced therapeutic products and/or ancillary materials, including plasmids, mRNA/LNP, cell therapy products (T-regs/CAR-T), and viral vectors .
• Develop and optimize protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for bioprocess workflows.
• Evaluate and integrate new bioprocessing technologies and instruments to enhance efficiency and product quality.
• Establish, implement, and manage research projects, ensuring milestones and deliverables are met.
• Perform analytical assessments, including yield, purity, potency, and stability testing .
• Coordinate technology transfer to ATMF’s GMP laboratories , ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality requirements.
• Maintain detailed documentation following Good Documentation Practices (GDP) and contribute to regulatory submissions.
• Hire, train, and mentor junior staff and students in process development methodologies.
• Work closely with scientists, operations, engineers, and GMP manufacturing personnel to drive process innovations.
• Perform other responsibilities, as required.

Working Conditions

The position is based in a laboratory at the ATMF facility and pilot-scale laboratories . Travel will be required between multiple laboratory sites, including BCCHR, BC Cancer, and UBC Point Grey Campus .

Consequence of Error/Judgment

The incumbent may have access to confidential data. The quality of work performed will determine the success of ATMF projects and funding . Exercising poor judgment and failing to consult appropriately with research team members and supervisors can adversely affect the viability and validity of ATMF’s projects or programs and may compromise the UBC Division’s and Department’s ability to secure grant-based funding for future ATMF projects.

Supervision Received

The ATMF Director will provide overall supervision of this role. However, the incumbent may take direction and feedback from senior members of the ATMF.

Supervision Given

The incumbent will participate in the hiring, training, and supervise junior process development staff and students and act as a resource for other ATMF GMP staff on specific techniques, procedures, and processes.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Bioprocess/Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or a related field .
• At least 5 years of hands-on experience in process development for biologics, cell therapy, or gene therapy.
• Expertise in immunology and cell biology, including up-to-date techniques on T cell isolation, gene editing/modification, cell culture, flow cytometry, cell sorting, molecular biology, and in vitro/in vivo models .
• Experience with bioreactors, chromatography, filtration, and formulation techniques .
• Familiarity with GMP principles, quality systems, and regulatory requirements for advanced therapy products.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with process characterization and optimization tools .
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment .
• Excellent organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail .
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including those in conflict with one’s own.
• Commitment to enhancing awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion .
• Ability to work a flexible schedule , including occasional weekends, evenings, and early mornings , as required.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• The successful candidate will be a passionate, self-driven, independent thinker with excellent organizational, oral and written communication, andinterpersonal skills, as well as strong-problem solving skills.

• Experience in scaling up manufacturing processes from research to clinical-grade production.
• Knowledge of automation, process control, and high-throughput screening techniques .
• Experience in working with LIMS, electronic lab notebooks, and data management systems .
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks such as Health Canada, FDA, and EMA guidelines for cell and gene therapies.
• Experience in in vivo models and preclinical studies is an asset.