Associate Scientist, Polymer Synthesis & Formulation Development

Description de Poste

enGene (NASDAQ : ENGN) is a late-stage biotechnology company mainstreaming genetic medicines through the delivery of therapeutics to mucosal tissues and other organs, whose lead product candidate, detalimogene voraplasmid, is being evaluated in an ongoing pivotal study for patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ (Cis) who are unresponsive to BCG. Detalimogene voraplasmid was developed using enGene’s proprietary Dually Derivatized Oligochitosan (DDX) platform, which enables penetration of mucosal tissues and delivery of a wide range of sizes and types of cargo, including DNA and various forms of RNA. For more information, visit enGene.com.

ROLE

enGene Inc. is currently seeking a qualified and motivated candidate who will play a key role in the Research and Development (R&D) group. In collaboration with project leaders, the Associate Scientist will provide expertise to a team responsible for synthesizing new polymers and developing and optimizing formulations to support gene therapy pipeline development.

The candidate will work in a dynamic, fast-paced, and highly collaborative environment, as well as perpetuate the company culture that promotes our values (Patient-focused, Integrity, Innovation and Teamwork).

Responsibilities

• Support the development of novel polymers and formulations, and the evaluation of raw materials, excipients and compositions to optimize delivery to various target tissues using appropriate dosage forms and to maximize storage stability.
• Support the development of robust and cost-effective manufacturing processes with line of sight on scalability.
• Use scientific judgment and prior experience to apply and adapt existing standard methods and techniques or develop new ones.
• Manufacture polymers and nanoparticle formulations to support non-clinical activities.
• Effectively incorporates functional feedback in experimental / study design.
• Review data sets for accuracy and completeness.
• Organize, interpret, and present data with support from a supervising scientist.
• Actively participates in program and functional team logistics and technical discussions.
• Follow documentation practices in accordance with Quality requirements.

Skills

• The candidate will have the following competencies necessary for this position:
• Experience in early phase drug development and characterization of colloidal formulations. Experience with polymeric nanoparticles is an asset.
• Experience in polymer synthesis, with a good understanding of polymerization techniques and reaction mechanisms. Experience with chitosan is an asset.
• Experience with a variety of methods: NMR, GPC, HPLC, UV-Vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, DLS, DSC, TGA, Karl Fischer titration, gel electrophoresis, CE, microscopy, and others.
• Experience with a variety of processes: tangential flow filtration / diafiltration, lyophilization, spray-drying, and others.
• Ability to work in a team environment to meet timelines.
• Detail oriented, self-organizing, self-directing, responsible, highly motivated with strong critical thinking and analysis skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; French is an asset.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance such as GLP, GMP, and GCP is an asset.

Education & Experience

• Ph.D. in chemistry, polymer science, pharmacology, biomedical engineering, or related field.
• M.Sc. in chemistry, polymer science, pharmacology, biomedical engineering, or related field, with a minimum of 2 years of relevant Pharma / Biotech experience.
• B.Sc. in chemistry, polymer science, pharmacology, or related field, or B.Eng. in biomedical engineering; with a minimum of 5 years of relevant Pharma / Biotech experience.

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