Scientist/Senior Scientist, Translational Biology & Pharmacology

Borealis Biosciences, Inc.; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 113,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

A biotechnology firm specializing in kidney disease solutions is seeking a Scientist/Senior Scientist in Translational Biology to advance specific projects. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a relevant field with significant experience in in vivo pharmacology and a proven track record in research. This role is based in Vancouver, BC, offers generous relocation benefits, and ensures a competitive salary within the $113,000 – $163,000 range, along with comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

RRSP matching

Extended medical, dental, vision coverage

Wellness Spending Account up to $1,800 per year

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in in vivo pharmacology.
• Proven track record in an academic, pharmaceutical or biotech environment.
• Understanding of kidney physiology and chronic kidney diseases.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance in human kidney disease biology on project teams.
• Contribute to the vision for translational animal models in drug discovery.
• Design and analyze preclinical models of human disease.

Skills

Kidney disease biology expertise

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Flexibility in cross-functional environments

Education

PhD in Genetics, Physiology, Pharmacology or related field

Masters’ degree with a minimum of 7 years’ experience

Tools

qPCR

ELISA

Histology/immunohistochemistry

Job description

Company:

Chronic kidney diseases are a severe and growing worldwide health challenge that affects 1 in 7 people. Without effective treatments patients can experience kidney failure leading to dialysis and transplantation, a high burden to patients, families and the health care system.Despite recent advances for certain kidney disease patients, many forms of highly prevalent kidney diseases do not have effective treatments.

Borealis was founded on the premise that a convergence of scientific and translational breakthroughs will enable RNA therapeutics to address some of the largest untreated kidney diseases and beyond. Borealis builds on the success of Chinook Therapeutics, a kidney disease company with a research site in Vancouver that was acquired by Novartis in 2023 for up to $3.5 billion. The Borealis team has strong leadership and academic advisors who were central to research at Chinook, together with additional leadership in the field of RNA therapeutics. We are headquartered in Vancouver, BC, with state-of-the-art wet labs for molecular and cellular biology, in vivo pharmacology, chemistry, DMPK, bioinformatics and analytical capabilities.

We are a creative and innovative team that strives for excellence in all we do and has fun along the way. Our core focus is on helping patients and advancing science. For more information on Borealis, check out our siteshttps://borealisbio.com&https://www.linkedin.com/company/borealis-biosciences-inc.

We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most innovative talent on our team. We are building a diverse and inclusive workforce – come and be a part of our growth!We strongly encourage candidates with less traditional backgrounds or those who may meet the qualifications in a different way to apply.

Position:

Scientist/Senior Scientist, Translational Biology & Pharmacology will leverage their kidney disease biology expertise to support the advancement of specific programs and/or exploratory projects, proactively representing the Translational Biology & Pharmacology team on cross-functional project teams. This individual will also lead efforts to design, generate, and characterize preclinical models of human disease, as well as identify and establish novel endpoints for measuring kidney function, pathway engagement, and drug efficacy.

The ideal candidate demonstrates clarity of thought, possesses strong communication and organizational skills, can function in a flexible and cross-functional environment, and is both an independent contributor and an effective collaborator.

Reports to Associate Director, Translational Biology & Pharmacology.

Responsibilities include:

• Represent Translational Biology & Pharmacology as member of cross-functional Project Teams, providing guidance in the areas of human kidney disease biology and translatability of animal models to human disease
• Contribute to overall strategic vision for the use of translational animal models in support of drug discovery research goals, target identification and validation
• Assess the translatability of rodent PKD and CKD models to human disease
• Design and oversee the generation of transgenic mice
• Manage work being performed at CROs and other external groups
• Design, analyze and interpret in vivo pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and drug efficacy studies in rodents
• Mentor and supervise junior Translational Biology & Pharmacology team members
• Contribute to and participate in the development and maintenance of a positive team-focused company culture

Location:

• This is an on-site position located in Vancouver, BC and may be eligible for a remote/hybrid work arrangement with preference given to candidates in Greater Vancouver or Greater Seattle area
  
• Relocation benefits will be provided

Education, Experience, and Skills:

• PhD in Genetics, Physiology, Pharmacology or another related discipline with minimum 2 years’ relevant experience in in vivo pharmacology; or Masters’ degree with a minimum of 7 years’ relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• A proven track-record of leading or advancing projects in an academic, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology environment
• An understanding of kidney physiology and the molecular mechanisms underlying chronic kidney diseases
• Experience establishing and characterizing animal models of human disease
• Familiarity with designing and generating transgenic mice, and maintaining animal colonies
• Experience in conducting in vivo rodent studies, and designing and interpreting endpoint assays, such as qPCR, ELISA, and/or histology/immunohistochemistry
• Experience working in cross-functional teams
• Excellent written, verbal and cross-functional communication skills
• A sense of urgency to help patients and advance science, with high scientific and ethical standards

Preferred:

• Experience working with and interpreting data from human patient samples in the context of kidney disease research
• Experience leading cross-functional project teams
• Experience initiating and managing relationships with CROs, KOLs and academic institutions
• Experience in kidney disease drug discovery research in a biotech or pharmaceutical setting; or experience working to support clinical nephrology research programs
• Experience working with animal care committees

Compensation: The annual salary range is $113,000 – 163,000 and Borealis Bio provides competitive benefits including RRSP matching, extended medical, dental, vision and a Wellness Spending Account up to $1,800 per year. Actual base salary and title/level will be determined based on the qualifications of the successful candidate.

Borealisis an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind.We are committed to fostering an environment where ALL people are welcome and supported.We cultivate a culture of inclusion for all employees that respects their individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better team – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better business results.Creativity and innovation flourish in an environment of openness, inclusion, and mutual respect.