Research Associate 3/Senior Research Associate 1, Biology (In Vivo)

Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc.; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 79,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking biopharmaceutical company as a Research Associate, where you'll play a vital role in preclinical drug discovery focused on neurological disorders. This engaging position involves conducting in vivo experiments, analyzing data, and collaborating across departments in a lab-based environment. You'll uphold high standards of animal care and contribute to innovative research that aims to improve the lives of individuals with epilepsy and depression. If you're passionate about animal welfare and scientific discovery, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

comprehensive benefits

employee development programs

stock options

bonus potential

Qualifications

• 4+ years of relevant experience in research with rodents.
• Strong commitment to animal welfare and safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pharmacology experiments to evaluate drug efficacy in animal models.
• Develop and implement assays for preclinical drug discovery projects.

Skills

in vivo procedures

animal handling

drug administration

tissue collection

behavioral scoring

data analysis

communication skills

organizational skills

Education

BSc in Life Sciences

RVT Diploma

Job description

Job Description

Who We Are:

Xenon Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:XENE) is a neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical company committed to discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative therapeutics to improve the lives of people living with neurological and psychiatric disorders. We are looking for great people who thrive in a respectful, collaborative, inclusive, and productive culture to join the Xenon team.

What We Do:

We are advancing an exciting product pipeline to address indications with high unmet medical need, including epilepsy and depression. Our flagship azetukalner program represents the most advanced potassium channel modulator in clinical development for multiple indications. Building upon positive results and compelling data from our Phase 2b "X-TOLE" study in adult patients with focal epilepsy, our Phase 3 epilepsy program includes multiple clinical trials evaluating azetukalner in patients with focal onset seizures and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. In 2024, we plan to initiate a Phase 3 azetukalner program in major depressive disorder, based on topline data from our Phase 2 "X-NOVA" clinical trial. Additionally, our discovery labs are producing leading-edge science, leveraging ion channel expertise and drug discovery capabilities to identify validated drug targets and develop new product candidates. Supported by a strong financial position, we aim to build a fully integrated, premier neuroscience company with robust discovery, clinical development, corporate, and commercial operations.

About the Role:

We are seeking a Research Associate 3/Senior Research Associate 1, Biology (In Vivo) to join our team. The successful candidate will provide technical in vivo support for preclinical drug discovery projects, conducting pharmacology experiments to characterize the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of compounds. The position is based in our accredited research facility in Vancouver, BC, Canada, holding Good Animal Practices (G.A.P.) certification from the Canadian Council on Animal Care (C.C.A.C). This is an on-site, lab-based role.

Reporting to the Principal Scientist, Epilepsy, the role involves:

• Upholding high standards of animal care according to CCAC guidelines.
• Developing, validating, implementing, and completing assays/experiments.
• Administering test compounds via standard routes and conducting pharmacokinetics studies.
• Evaluating drug efficacy in animal models, analyzing, and presenting data.
• Contributing to drug discovery projects, developing new approaches and assays as needed.
• Reviewing research data, reporting discrepancies, interpreting results, and recommending further studies.
• Participating in team meetings, collaborating across departments, and presenting findings.
• Writing SOPs and reports, organizing data, and maintaining laboratory records.
• Performing laboratory maintenance, ensuring safety and organization, and adhering to health & safety policies.
• Following company policies and conducting other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• BSc in Life Sciences or RVT Diploma with at least 4 years of relevant experience; experience with rodents in research is required.
• Strong commitment to animal welfare.
• Experience with in vivo procedures such as animal handling, drug administration, and tissue collection.
• Experience in behavioral scoring is an asset.
• Detail-oriented with good organizational, time management, and observational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent record keeping and communication skills.
• Mature judgment, discretion, and initiative.
• Motivation to learn new software programs.

The salary range is $79,600 to $103,600 CAD, with potential for above-range offers for exceptional candidates. Our Total Rewards include salary, bonus, stock options, comprehensive benefits, and employee development programs.

We conduct background checks for finalists, and US positions participate in E-Verify. To apply, click "Apply Now." We appreciate all applicants; only those selected for interviews will be contacted.