Senior Bioprocess Specialist

ABOUT THE POSITION

You will play an instrumental role in the bio-manufacturing scale–up of our core technology - helping us go from grams to kilograms. You will be integrated within the current Bioprocess Development team and will support their growth. The current team is focused on strain optimization and bioprocess parametrization, and have brought protein production from millilitres to litres alongside increasing production. With your high level of experience and expertise, you’ll support and guide the team towards commercial production at a larger scale.

WHO YOU ARE

You stand out as a curious, innovative, and sustainability-driven individual. Your journey in science is underscored by a commitment to the environment and a genuine passion for leveraging technology to forge a brighter future. In the fast-paced, ever-changing landscape of a startup, you thrive amidst ambiguity and leverage your creativity where needed when dealing with complex & challenging problems. You are able to work collaboratively in teams but also on your own - or one on one with a coworker. You will foster a culture of kindness and mutual growth in and out of the lab. You are an advocate for lifelong learning, you embrace new knowledge and techniques with open arms, forever seeking to augment your expertise. At Nyoka, your passion, innovative spirit, and intrinsic motivation towards creating meaningful change will light the way in our shared journey.

WHAT YOU BRING TO NYOKA

• BSc or equivalent in chemical or biological engineering, material science, molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a related field
• 7+ years work experience (MSc or PhD is an asset and may be considered in lieu of recent work experience)
• Recent hands-on lab-based experience in bioprocess development, including with bioreactors, fermenters, centrifuges, filtration units, and other process equipment
• Demonstrated experience in and deep technical knowledge of fermentation science, including familiarity with cell metabolism, kinetic modelling, and statistical design for process optimization and scale-up
• Strong understanding and experience with recombinant protein production and purification
• Proven track record in successfully scaling bioprocess from lab to pilot scale
• Preference for PEng or EIT designation
• Must be Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or hold Canadian Refugee status for grant eligibility

NICE TO HAVE

• Graduate degree in science, engineering, or related field
• Experience with plant-scale bioprocess
• Expertise in utilising and maintaining bioprocessing automation and robotics technologies
• Project management experience, PMP Certification, or related
• Experience in the application of standard molecular biology assays and techniques (e.g. PCR, SDS-PAGE, cloning)
• Strong knowledge and demonstrated experience relating to the design, construction, and manipulation of DNA plasmid or other expression constructs in microbial hosts
• Experience in host engineering (genomic integrations, targeted deletions)
• Proficiency in using statistical analysis and modelling tools, such as -Design of Experiments (DoE), using JMP, R, or Python
• Thorough understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), ISO standards, and other regulatory requirements relevant to the bioprocessing industry
• Knowledge of global regulatory standards (e.g. FDA or EMA) and experience in preparing documentation
• Knowledge or experience with Quality Assurance (QA) and/or Quality Control (QC)
• Six Sigma or similar quality management certification
• Understanding and experience in implementing sustainable practices in bioprocessing
• Speak another language fluently (bonus for Mandarin, Arabic, Portuguese, Japanese, Hindi, Russian, French, and Spanish speakers)
• Ability to communicate in (science) memes is considered a major plus

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL

• Advance knowledge of bioprocess equipment and laboratory techniques
• Willingness to learn new techniques and procedures
• Ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols
• Team player who thrives in a dynamic & fast-paced startup environment
• Analytical skills to troubleshoot issues and optimise processes
• Cross-functional collaboration and ability to work seamlessly within a team
• Innovative mindset - continuously seek new and innovative solutions
• Clear and concise communication surrounding project status, data, and challenges
• Excellent communication skills with technical & non-technical stakeholders
• Gritty, resourceful, and works hard
• Extreme rigour, organisation, and attention to detail
• Passion for sustainability, the environment, and fighting climate change
• Team player who thrives in a ambiguous and changing startup environment
• Entrepreneurial spirit & approach to accomplishing tasks with minimal resources
• Ability to prioritise, manage your time, and get things done
• Demonstrated empathy and respect for yourself and others
• Proactive with self-care and stress management
• Ability to take initiative and work autonomously
• Natural desire to learn, grow, and develop - personally & professionally

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Take on a leading role in Nyoka’s bioprocess development operation
• Develop and optimise bioprocess parameters
• Apply classical microbiology techniques to the careful and competent handling of BSL1 microbes in a collaborative research environment
• Support the development of characterization assays, e.g. potency, purity and other appropriate enzyme analyses, including hands-on testing as well as monitoring of 3rd party analytical assay development data
• Draft professional SOPs, documents, and technical memos as needed
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations to maintain a safe working environment
• Implement and oversee waste reduction initiatives to increase sustainability
• Oversee maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment to minimise downtime and maintain production schedules
• Be a leader in the company and within your team, mentoring and developing team members, while also fostering the culture we are building at Nyoka
• Learn non-violent communication practices (training provided) and implement them within the Nyoka team

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, AND PERKS

• $60,000 - $90,000 starting salary
• $1,000 annual benefits allowance - spend it your way on health and/or wellness
• Option for cash bonus based on performance
• Option for employee stock options based on performance
• 2 weeks paid vacation (annually)
• Mandatory paid winter break each year (during the final week of December)
• Flexible with unpaid time off
• 5 paid sick days (annually)
• Paid days off for birthdays (no one wants to work on their birthday)
• Primarily work in person but flexibility to work from home when possible
• Flexible workplace that believes in work-life balance
• Potential relocation assistance (depending on individual circumstances, there may be an opportunity to receive a moving stipend to help facilitate relocation to Vancouver)
• Opportunities for growth, learning, and development
• Career advancement - ascend with us to new heights, roles, and responsibilities
• Strongly encouraged to dress up for Halloween at work
• Quarterly town halls followed by team lunches, dinners, and/or outings
• Nyoka swag & product samples (to do whatever you want with)
• Be a part of a mission-driven company that helps people, animals, and the planet
• Capitalise on the unique opportunity to build something futuristic from the ground up, make a lasting mark in your field, and change the world :)

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Nyoka’s leadership team is diverse and is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its practices - especially when it comes to growing our team. Our culture promotes inclusion and embraces how rewarding it is to work with people from all walks of life.

We recruit Nyoka team members based on who you are as an individual — regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, lifestyle, age, national origin, religion, and mental or physical ability. We are an equal opportunity employer - let us know if you are eligible by noting in your cover letter or email correspondence.

HOW TO APPLY

Email Chip at [email protected] with your resume and cover letter!

HESITANT TO APPLY? Even if you do not meet 100% of the skills or experiences listed above but believe this role is the right fit, we would still like to hear from you! :)

Thank you for your time, interest, and consideration!

• Paige Whitehead, Co-Founder & CEO of Nyoka