Scientist, Bioconjugation Chemistry

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 sites https://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:

Borealis Biosciences is seeking a skilled and team-oriented scientist with expertise in bioconjugation chemistry to join the chemistry group in Vancouver, BC. The key responsibilities for this position will be designing, synthesizing, and analyzing protein-oligonucleotide conjugates including antibodies, antibody fragments and other target-binding scaffolds. The ideal candidate will have industrial experience in protein biochemistry, bioconjugation, and bioconjugate purification and oligonucleotide therapeutics. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative biotech environment with a focus on RNA medicines for kidney disease.

Responsibilities include:

• Design, synthesis, purification, and analysis of oligonucleotides (ASO, siRNA), linkers, and protein/peptide/antibody conjugates.

• Development and implementation of new linker chemistries/spacers and bioconjugation methods for targeted drug delivery.

• Leveraging appropriate purification and analytical characterization approaches for QC and validation.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with DMPK, Biology, and In Vivo Pharmacology teams to advance Borealis Bio’s early research activities to preclinical development.

• Serve independently as bioconjugation technical lead and subject matter expert for internal and external projects.

• Independently run laboratory experiments to support and advance discovery efforts.

• Design and write protocols, perform experiments, organize and analyze data, interpret results, record experiments in an electronic lab notebook, and summarize work in presentations and technical reports.

• Adhere to all laboratory safety requirements and standard operating procedures, help maintaining general laboratory functionality, including lab equipment maintenance and the ordering, and receiving of lab supplies.

Location:

• This is an on-site lab-based position located in Borealis’ Vancouver, BC headquarters.  Much of your time will be spent in conducting wet lab work.

Education, Experience, and Skills:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry/Protein Biochemistry or a related science discipline with focus on bioconjugation chemistry with 1+ year of directly related industry experience; M.Sc. with minimum 5 years’ directly relevant experience; or other equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience in HPLC purification and analytical methods for proteins and oligonucleotides.

• Strong foundation in bioconjugation, analytical chemistry and/or chemical biology is strongly desired. Experience with oligonucleotides and targeted delivery is preferable.

• Extensive experience with different bioconjugation strategies and optimizations thereof for proteins/peptides, lipids, oligonucleotides and other biomolecules

• In-depth experience in bioconjugate purification techniques including various liquid chromatography methods (e.g. RP, IEX, SEC, HIC, affinity, FPLC) and membrane filtrations (e.g. TFF)

• Prior experience in biochemistry techniques and analytical methods such as SEC-MALs, LCMS, SPR/BLI, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, etc.

• Strong analytical mindset and chemistry problem-solving with creative thinking

• Good time management and communication skills.

• Fast learner, with great problem-solving skills to resolve potential issues that arise.

• Positive attitude and high personal and ethical standards.

• A strong team player with a passion for science and drug discovery.

Compensation: The annual salary range is $113,000 – 131,000 and Borealis Bio provides competitive benefits including RRSP matching, extended medical, dental, vision and a Wellness Spending Account up to $1,800 per year.

Borealis is 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.