Scientist II (1 year contract)

OraSure Technologies, Inc.; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 63,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

RRSP plan with company match

Paid time off

Hybrid/remote opportunities

Onsite parking

Job summary

DNA Genotek, part of OraSure Technologies, seeks a Scientist II to support R&D in Sample Management Solutions. You will work independently in the lab, execute diverse assays (PCRs, ELISAs, DNA isolation) and contribute to projects across topics, ensuring accurate data and timely results.

You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, document findings meticulously, and thrive in a regulated environment while applying strong communication and analytical abilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology with >3 years of lab experience or Master's/PhD with relevant labs experience.
• Excellent English verbal, writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to thrive in a creative, science-driven and innovative team.
• Strong MS Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Flexibility to multitask with dynamic priorities.
• Comfortable handling diverse biological samples (e.g., stool, urine, blood).
• Attention to detail and ability to follow directions.

Responsibilities

• Independently execute clearly laid out experimental plans and/or documentation processes and provide impactful feedback/suggestions.
• Analyze, interpret and summarize experimental results with minimal supervision.
• Independently execute a wide range of standard biological assays, such as PCRs, ELISAs, DNA isolation.
• Contribute to defined project(s) and/or a series of project tasks across multiple research topics.
• Maintain accurate records in compliance with company standards.
• Assist in regulatory filings, scientific papers, summaries, reports and presentations.
• Collaborate within a team supporting research and development.
• Work independently in a safe, secure, and productive fashion.
• Operate in a regulated environment (ISO 13485, ISO 14971).

Skills

English proficiency

Team Collaboration

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology

Master's degree in biology

PhD in biology

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

DNA Genotek, a part of OraSure Technologies Inc (OTI), develops products that optimize ease of collection and provide superior samples. DNA provides proven performance for those requiring high-quality biological samples for nucleic acid testing. Our ability to positively affect change is powered by the innovative tools and diagnostics we deliver to the market.

Together with its wholly owned subsidiaries, OTI provides its customers with end-to-end solutions.

It's first-to-market, innovative products include rapid tests for the detection of antibodies to HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV) on the OraQuick® platform; sample self-collection and stabilization products for molecular applications; and oral fluid laboratory tests for detecting various drugs of abuse.

Overview

DNA Genotek products are marketed worldwide and support thousands of customers as they achieve breakthroughs in genomic and microbiome research, in diagnostics laboratories, in the pharmaceutical industry, in companion animal genomics and in personalized medicine. This job posting is to hire for an existing vacancy.

Our R&D team within Sample Management Solutions at DNA Genotek creates innovative products and technologies to improve health and wellness by providing access to accurate, essential health information. The Scientist II role is expected to support R&D activities by driving knowledge and insights across a broad range of topics (e.g. collection devices, sample preparation techniques, services, and assays) and projects. This role is essential to our organization, independently working in the laboratory to help execute projects to design new products and/or technologies. This Scientist II role is intended to support a wide range of lab based biological assays (such as PCRs, ELISAs, DNA isolation) for the purposes of product development and product support. This role requires strong experimental and critical thinking skills, diligent documentation, effective communication and a collaborative attitude.

Snapshot Of Responsibilities

• Independently execute clearly laid out experimental plans and/or documentation processes and provide impactful feedback/suggestions
• Analyze, interpret and summarize experimental results with minimal supervision
• Independently execute a wide range of standard biological assays, such as PCRs, ELISAs, DNA isolation
• Independently contribute to defined project(s) and/or a series of project tasks across multiple research topics and projects. Ensure that experimental design and timelines meet project expectations
• Ensure the timely and accurate maintenance of records in adherence to company standards
• Assist in regulatory filings, scientific papers, summaries, reports, presentations, patents and/or ideas/conclusions from experimental results to drive knowledge and insights
• Work collaboratively within a team supporting research and development
• Work independently in a safe, secure and productive fashion
• Ability to work in a regulated environment (ex: ISO 13485, ISO 14971 etc)

What You Bring

• Bachelors degree/diploma in biology (or a related degree) with >3 year of industrial or academic laboratory experience, Masters degree/diploma in biology (or a related degree) with >1 year of industrial or academic laboratory experience or direct entry after the completion of a PhD
• Excellent English verbal, writing and presentation skills
• Ability to thrive in a creative, science driven and innovative team
• Strong capabilities with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Flexibility to multitask, and the ability to work in an environment with dynamic priorities
• Comfortable with working with a variety of biological sample types (eg. stool, urine, blood)
• Attention to detail when following directions
• Ability to work effectively on a team

OTI encourages applications from all qualified candidates who represent the full diversity of the communities in which we operate. We apply a rigorous, consistent, and equitable standard to the assessment of all candidates, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, age, religion, veteran status or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where all employees are welcomed and belong.

What we have to offer:

• Highly competitive Health, Dental and Vision Coverage for you, your spouse and your dependents
• Disability and Life Insurance Benefits
• RRSP plan with company-matching contributions
• Generous paid time-off, including vacation days, sick days, additional company wide paid days off and personal days
• Maternity Leave and Parental Leave Coverage
• Adoption benefit for parents adopting a child
• Employee Referral Program- you may be eligible for a cash bonus if your referrals are hired
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Service Recognition
• Annual Fitness Reimbursement
• Job-related Training Programs
• Ability to participate in Teams, Committees, Events and Clubs
• Depending on the role you may be eligible to work in a hybrid environment or fully remotely
• Free Onsite Parking

Please note, the above applies to full-time permanent positions.

Culture, People & Community

OTI recognizes that the long-term health of our business is directly connected to the health of the planet, local communities and OTI employees. As such, we have committees designed to address this, including:

• LIVE IT Committee - committed to creating an environment that embodies our values
• All Means U: Employee Committee on Belonging hosts various events across all company locations such as monthly book club and a mentorship program
• Wellness Committee empowers colleagues to make critical decisions to improve and protect health
• Sustainability Committee aims to minimize impact on the environment
• Social Committee who organize and run events for both remote and onsite employees, to create connection and community

At DNA Genotek, we have a clear vision; cultivate an environment of equal employment opportunity where we do not tolerate discrimination or allow the harassment of employees or applicants on the basis of citizenship, race, place of origin, ethnic origin, colour, ancestry, disability, age, creed, sex/pregnancy, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and record of offences (in employment), or any other characteristic protected by law with regard to any employment practices.

OTI aims to create and foster workplaces that reflects and contributes to the global communities in which we do business and the customers and partners we serve. This includes all communities impacted by our corporate presence. As part of this commitment, OTI and its subsidiaries will ensure employees and applicants are provided reasonable accommodation per request. If you require disability-related accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Katheryn Viau at [e-mail]. OTI will consult with all applicants who request disability-related accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure that the accommodation provided takes into account the applicant's individual accessibility needs.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

The base salary range for this full-time position is $63,000 to $108,000. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum base salary for the position, based on our defined salary pay ranges. Our ranges are broad to account for differences in roles, performance, experience, skillsets, education and business needs and individual pay is determined by a variety of factors.