Scientific Associate III

  • Full-time
  • Department: Research

Company Description

UHN is Canada’s #1 hospital and the world’s #1 publicly funded hospital. With 10 sites and more than 44,000 TeamUHN members, UHN consists of Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, The Michener Institute of Education and West Park Healthcare Centre. As Canada's top research hospital, the scope of biomedical research and complexity of cases at UHN have made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care. UHN has the largest hospital-based research program in Canada, with major research in neurosciences, cardiology, transplantation, oncology, surgical innovation, infectious diseases, genomic medicine and rehabilitation medicine. UHN is a research hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto.

UHN’s vision is to build A Healthier World and it’s only because of the talented and dedicated people who work here that we are continually bringing that vision closer to reality.

www.uhn.ca

Job Description

Union: Non-Union
Number of Vacancies: 1
New or Replacement Position: New
Site: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Department: Research
Reports to: Staff Scientist
Salary Range: $43.73 - $54.67 Per Hour
Hours: 35 Hours Per Week
Shifts: Monday - Friday
Status: Temporary Full-Time
Closing Date: January 27, 2026

Position Summary:
We are seeking an individual to join the Centre for Cell Manufacturing (CCM). The CCM is part of UHN’s Collaborative Centre for Immunology to Immunotherapy (Ci2i) and originated from the Cell Manufacturing Team within the Tumor Immunotherapy Program (TIP) at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. The focus of the CCM is on manufacturing immune effector cells for administration in early phase clinical trials. These investigational cell and gene therapy products have included Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) and T cell receptor (TCR) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) gene-engineered T cells. The team’s activities include process and analytical development, GMP manufacturing operations, quality testing, supply chain, and regulatory submissions. These activities are performed under a Quality Management System. The team also contributes to basic and translational research projects in the field of immunotherapy.

The individual in this position will lead the preclinical process and analytical development of cell and gene therapy products for clinical trials. This individual may also oversee clinical products, either on the GMP or the QC side. Their responsibilities will span a broad range of scientific, technical, project management and administrative activities.

Duties:

The individual will contribute to activities such as:

  • Process development
  • Analytical development
  • GMP manufacturing
  • Quality testing
  • Batch evaluation
  • Training and competency
  • Validations and qualifications
  • Equipment management
  • Supply chain management
  • Deviation management, root cause analysis and CAPAs
  • Change control and risk assessment
  • Review of documentation
  • Authoring, revising and reviewing SOPs
  • Data analysis
  • Regulatory submissions
  • Management of agreements
  • Liaising with clinical trial personnel and other institutional departments
  • Participating in internal and external audits and inspections
  • Performing preclinical studies including study design, study implementation and analysis of results
  • Preparing grant applications

Qualifications

  • Completion of a PhD in a relevant field of science (immunology preferred)
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in cell/gene therapy manufacturing in one or more areas of: Process development, analytical development, manufacturing sciences and technology, Good Manufacturing Practices, quality control
  • Highly experienced in cell culture (immune effector cells preferred) and immunological assays
  • Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Knowledge of relevant regulations, guidances and standards, e.g. from Health Canada, FDA, ICH, and USP
  • Knowledge of cleanroom procedures
  • Experience with quality assurance activities
  • Experience in the following areas would be an asset:
    • Automated cell processing systems such as the CliniMACS Prodigy
    • Quality control plans for cell therapy drug products
    • FACT/JACIE International standards
    • Clinical Trial Applications; Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls modules
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to work well under pressure

Additional Information

Why join UHN?

In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, UHN offers a wide range of benefits, programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN. 

  • Competitive offer packages  
  • Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP https://hoopp.com/
  • Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service 
  • A flexible work environment  
  • Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization 
  • Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.) 

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, to be eligible for consideration. 

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates.  Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

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