RNA Therapeutics Platform Manager

Posted on September 26, 2024

We are looking for a passionate manager to lead the development and operations of the RNA Therapeutics Platform at the Sidney-Altman Hub at the Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), in Montreal, Canada.

You will play a central role in the day-to-day management of operations and the execution of activities, ensuring a harmonious workflow and fostering collaboration between multidisciplinary teams. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research on RNA therapies and to stimulate innovation in RNA biology.

Tasks and responsibilities

1. Project management and execution:

  • Manage therapeutic RNA projects, ensuring that all milestones and objectives are met.
  • Carry out laboratory work in collaboration with the technical team, including:
    • Design of oligonucleotides, RNA sequences and vectors
    • Synthesis and purification of DNA vector
    • In vitro RNA synthesis, purification and quality control of RNA
    • Synthesis of oligonucleotides (ASO, siRNA, sgRNA) with or without modified nucleotides, purification, quality control, lyophilization
    • Formulation of nanolipid particles and RNA encapsulation, quality control monitoring
    • Screening in cell culture test dose-response effects
    • Develop and optimize experimental procedures
  • Train the technical team.
  • Plan and carry out technical development projects to improve procedures, implement new approaches and keep the service offering at the cutting-edge.
  • Develop and maintain a complete project plan, including timelines, deliverables and resource allocation.
  • Contribute to the development of the business model and service offering of the Sidney-Altman Hub in therapeutic RNA.

2. Operational and Budget Management:

  • Oversee the day-to-day operations of the ARN platform and its installation, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
  • Collaborate with scientists, researchers, technicians, and industry partners to coordinate workflow, resolve issues and implement improvements.
  • Manage internal and external client relationships.
  • Manage and optimize the allocation of resources, including personnel, equipment and materials, to ensure projects are executed on schedule and within budget.
  • Collaborate with finance management to track expenses and optimize profitability.

3. Quality Assurance:

  • Establish and ensure quality control measures to ensure the highest standards in RNA, oligonucleotide and nanolipid particle synthesis and purification processes, screening, cell culture assays, and in vivo functional assays.

4. Collaboration and Communication:

  • Foster a collaborative and communicative environment among team members, researchers and external collaborators.
  • Regularly communicate project updates, challenges and achievements to stakeholders.

5. Regulatory Compliance:

  • Stay up to date with relevant techniques, regulations and industry standards related tRNA-based therapeutic approaches.
  • Ensure that the RNA platform complies with all applicable guidelines and regulations.

Job Requirements

  • Hold a PhD degree in molecular biology, biochemistry or a related field or a Master’s degree (MSc) with equivalent laboratory experience.
  • Demonstrate solid expertise in RNA biology, particularly in methodologies and techniques for the synthesis and purification of RNA, oligonucleotides and nanolipid particles.
  • Knowledge of the steps of the nucleic acid production chain.
  • Have proven experience in project management in a research or biotechnology context.
  • Demonstrate strong organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
  • Master advanced communication and interpersonal skills to foster collaboration between diverse teams.
  • Have a good knowledge of regulatory requirements in the field of molecular biology.

Benefits of joining the IRCM community

  • Work atmosphere: You'll join a beautiful team, where the atmosphere is friendly, and simplicity is the order of the day.
  • Flexibility: You'll work in a flexible environment with the possibility of telecommuting.
  • Ideal location: Offices near Mount Royal Park, Boulevard St-Laurent and the Quartier des spectacles, just a 10-minute walk from the metro.
  • Compensation and benefits: You'll receive compensation that reflects your experience and skills, in line with market standards.
  • Pension plan: You'll benefit from an advantageous pension plan to secure and plan your future.
  • Additional benefits: Medical and disability insurance, telemedicine and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Vacations: You'll enjoy annual vacation for a better work-life balance.

Ready to join us? 

Send your application to [email protected]. Our team will be delighted to support you throughout the process.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.