Supervisor, Bioprocessing Facility
Position Number: 50020492
Department: Office of the Vice-President, Research and Graduate Studies
Campus: Loyola (NDG)
Salary: $78,636.00 - $91,188.00 per annum
Union/Association/HR Policy: HR POLICIES
Recognized as Canada’s top university under the age of 50, and one of Montreal’s top Employers, Concordia University is the place to be if you are looking to grow, contribute and innovate in a dynamic and multicultural environment.
Be part of a community that addresses society’s big challenges, supports your personal and professional growth, and makes a real impact in building a more sustainable world.
As a member of our community, you will have access to comprehensive benefits, a defined pension plan and numerous on site well-being facilities such as a state of the art gym and health clinic as well as a variety of educational and cultural opportunities.
NOTE: This posting represents a contract for the duration of five years.
SCOPE
Reporting to the Co-Director of the CASB, the incumbent serves an integral role in the CASB ecosystem by managing the Bioprocessing Facility at Loyola. They will be interacting with the management of CASB, as well as internal and external researchers, to develop and deliver bioprocessing services using the bioreactors in the Bioprocessing Facility. The incumbent is responsible for managing the budget, coordinating the activities of multiple research users, supervising technicians, compiling and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and CASB operating documents, providing technical advice, and developing research relationships for the facility within and outside of Concordia, and delivering contracted research. They facilitate academic and industry-sponsored research teams, academic units, and community stakeholders to provide: technical input into research protocol development and delivery; content planning, program delivery and supervision of educational opportunities such as internships, undergraduate and graduate training; knowledge translation and outreach networking. They ensure equipment platforms are functional (coordinating instrument maintenance and repair; furnishing basic operating supplies and consumables), and that all users are informed of compliance with CASB procedures and University policies, maintaining a safe work environment. As an experienced technologist, they operate the bioreactors according to standard operating procedures and regulatory guidelines.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Manage the operations and oversee all activities in the Bioprocessing Facility and execute for-fee services on facility equipment; oversee the scheduling of all activities by multiple users by planning, implementing and scheduling all programs in the Bioprocessing Facility.
• Ensure the valid use and operation of equipment in the bioprocessing facility research and training activities, in compliance with external regulatory requirements, Health and Safety policies, and CASB standard operating procedures (SOPs); liaise with EHS and external regulatory bodies as required.
• Perform quality checks and calibration procedures daily, weekly and monthly on facility equipment according to standard operating procedures and report any equipment malfunction or performance problems; ensure safety of all users, faculty, staff, and students while in the Bioprocessing Facility.
• Regularly review, update, and maintain SOPs and CASB operating documents for research protocol development and facility/equipment use in order to ensure compliance with internal and external requirements.
• In close collaboration with the CASB management, develop a strategy to enhance the research in the Bioprocessing Facility.
• Develop, implement and evaluate research programs, internships and teaching activities in collaboration with CASB management.
• Supervise and train technical staff, research assistants, research associates, casual or research staff, supervise and evaluate students and external projects. Conduct Bioprocessing Facility user orientation and evaluate trainee performance and preparedness for access to facility equipment/software.
• Forecast, monitor and oversee budget for materials and shared consumables, supplies, repair and maintenance contracts for equipment in the Bioprocessing Facility, and participate in annual budget planning for the CASB.
• Assist in the development, validation and delivery of research protocols by providing professional expertise and inputs (knowledge of equipment use and protocols) concerning experimental design and execution to multidisciplinary collaborators and users in the Bioprocessing Facility and provide help with the interpretation of data. Record and archive data and ensure that data quality meets standards.
• Liaise with, consult with and advise CASB administrative staff on equipment needs, HR resource needs and technical developments.
• Audit and report on compliance with policies and procedures (CASB and Concordia). Prepare and conduct internal compliance reviews periodically; maintain an in-depth knowledge of internal and external regulatory requirements
• Perform other duties in support of the unit.
REQUIREMENTS
• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in bioprocess engineering, biotechnology or related field and four to seven years of experience in fermentation bioprocess development.
• Strong hands-on laboratory skills.
• Hands-on experience in operating and maintaining bioreactors from 0.5-150 liters.
• Experience in chemical and microbiology laboratory operations.
• Familiarity with experimental design, statistical analysis and data storage processes and systems. High level of personal initiative, innovation, flexibility, leadership skills and team work capabilities.
• Strong planning, detail orientation, organizing, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
• Good knowledge (Level 4) of spoken and written English and French in order to provide detailed information to internal and external clients and to prepare and elaborate on reports, correspondence and documents.
• Good knowledge (Intermediate level) of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Acrobat Pro.
• Prior experience using LIMS systems is an asset.
• Three to five years of supervisory R&D experience is desirable.
Application Process
Interested applicants should submit their curriculum vitae, along with the names and contact information of three referees, and a cover letter via email to:
Audrey Morin, Research Operations Manager, Centre for Applied Synthetic Biology, GE120.23 CASB@concordia.ca
Due to the volume of applications, only selected candidates will be contacted by our Talent Team.
Concordia University is an English-language institution of higher learning at which the primary language of instruction and research is English. Since this position supports academic and administrative functions of the university, proficiency in English and French, as indicated, is required.
IMPORTANT: The language and computer skills of short-listed candidates will be tested.
Territorial Acknowledgement
Concordia University is located on unceded Indigenous lands. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather today. Tiohtiá:ke/Montreal is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today, it is home to a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples. We respect the continued connections with the past, present and future in our ongoing relationships with Indigenous and other peoples within the Montreal community.
Employment Equity
Concordia University is strongly committed to employment equity within its community, and to recruiting a diverse faculty and staff. The University encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, members of visible minorities, Indigenous persons, members of sexual minorities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to diversification; candidates are invited to self-identify in their applications. As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a diversity survey. This information is voluntary and any information collected for this purpose is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources employees. Results will be aggregated and used to help Concordia achieve its goal to see all members of our community not only reflected, but welcomed, included and supported in their efforts to contribute to all areas of university life.
Accessibility
Concordia desires to increase diversity among its community members and we strive to make our recruitment processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants. If you are contacted for an interview and anticipate needing accommodations during the process, please contact, in confidence, hr-employment@concordia.ca
Immigration Status
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian and Permanent Residents will be given priority. To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University is obliged to gather information about applicants’ status as either Permanent Residents of Canada or Canadian citizens.