Technologist (Temporary)

Job description

Reference Number: R2569522

Position Title: Technologist

Type of Employment: Temporary – 4 Months

Department:  Bioprocess Research and Development, Upstream Platform

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Major Activities of the Job:

Execute experiments and protocols to optimize bacterial/ animal cell growth and recombinant protein /virus production in bioreactors as part of vaccine process development. Document work done in lab books, work instruction templates, reports, etc.

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Assist in the design of experiments and be responsible for performing development experimental studies to the agreed upon plan. Experiments require knowledge of cell growth, cell metabolism, product formation (eg: recombinant protein, virus), aseptic technique, batch and fed-batch cultures, and calculations.

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The control of bioreactors include systems for pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, agitation, antifoam and feed addition. An understanding of these control systems and probe calibration is required. Monitoring, documenting, verification of setpoint and adjustment of bioreactor parameters is necessary.

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Bioreactor cultures are monitored through sampling and off-line testing, on-line analysis of exhaust gases, and a computer based data collection system. Sampling, analysis and interpretation of the data is required.

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Organize and schedule experiments in order to ensure that work is timely and efficiently performed. Plan the use of equipment, media requirements and inoculum requirements.  Often one experiment will involve the operation of several cultures at one time.

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Preparation of media, media supplements and buffers. Calculation of the molarities of media components.

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Preparation and maintenance of cell banks and viral seed stocks.

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Collaborate with members of Development, Research and QO in order to co-ordinate experiments, testing, and troubleshooting.

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Maintain accurate records of all experimental data.

Operate bioreactors and feed vessels for bacterial/ animal cell culture and recombinant protein /virus production under cGXP. Harvest and process bulks for downstream purification. Document work done in SOPs, BPRs and reports.

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Understanding of current methodology and SOP’s for bioreactor operation and product harvest, and all general practices involved in GXP operations for manufacture of product for toxicology and clinical use. Update SOP’s where appropriate.

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Perform decontamination, cleaning, sterilization and of bioreactors (typically 20-150 L).

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Must understand principles of sterilization, sterile filtration and integrity testing.

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Operate bioreactors and feed vessels for bacterial/ animal cell culture and recombinant protein /virus production under cGXP. Includes bioreactor control and monitoring, sampling, analysis and data interpretation.

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Harvest bulks centrifugation or filtration. Process bulks by sonication or homogenization.

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Complete GMP documentation during manufacturing operations: SOP’S, BPR’s, record sheets, cleaning logs and maintenance logs.

Maintain, clean and set-up equipment. Evaluate new process equipment, and operate after obtaining appropriate training. 

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Routine maintenance, cleaning and set-up of process equipment e.g. bioreactors, filtration equipment, pumps, probes, inspection and replacement of O-ring seals.

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Documentation of maintenance

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Evaluate new laboratory to process equipment after appropriate training.

Perform analytical techniques for in-process monitoring and product testing, analyzing cultures for growth and product formation (eg: cell counts, SDS- PAGE, plaque assays).

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Perform in-process tests to ensure product quality and reproducibility. This may include cell counts, SDS- PAGE, plaque assays, HPLC, pH measurement, Western Blotting, optical density, dry weight, microbiological staining, viability measurement, protein determination, metabolite analysis.

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Sample preparation for analysis by other laboratories.

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Evaluation and implementation of new analytical techniques and instruments.

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Ensure all data carefully recorded.

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Ensure equipment maintained and monitored, logbooks are signed.

Organize and train new personnel in production processes and the use, operation and programming of various laboratory instruments and production equipment.

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Demonstrate and assist in the use, operation, and programming of various laboratory instruments and production equipment listed above.

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Ensure experimental records are documented properly. 

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Train new personnel on experimental and production methods and assays.

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Guide and assist other technical staff on a daily basis. 

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Oversee regular inventory of reagents, laboratory and production supplies and replacement parts for equipment.

Be compliant with employment and health & safety legislation and work within the policies, procedures and regulations.

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Takes every reasonable precaution to ensure the health and safety for self and co-workers.

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Uses required protective equipment and clothing.

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Reports critical incidents and accidents to the appropriate authorities.

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Participates in the investigation of incidents and work related illnesses.

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Responds promptly to all health and safety concerns or incidents and completes the appropriate documentation in a timely manner.

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Cooperates and assists the Joint Health and Safety Committee that is carrying out its functions.

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Participates and contributes to the PASS objectives.

General laboratory support.

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Prepare and submit work orders for equipment maintenance and repair.

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Coordinate equipment maintenance and repair with service personnel.

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Order laboratory supplies and equipment through the company ordering system.

Minimum Qualifications:

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Minimum four (4) years Bachelor’s Degree (Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering), plus a minimum three (3) year of previous relevant work experience.

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Preferred two (2) years Master’s Degree (Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering), plus a minimum one (1) year of previous relevant work experience.

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Knowledge of microbiology, cell biology, virology

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Working knowledge of the following: cGMP and cGLP, Good documentation practices, Aseptic technique and Process scale-up

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Mathematical and data analysis skills

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Computer skills including MS Word, Excel, NAIO Documentum, SAP

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Strong Organization skills along with an innovative/creative mindset

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Ability to work in a team environment

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Excellent Verbal and Written communication skills

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Ability to effectively management one's time

Hours Of Work:

Inclusive from Monday – Friday 8:00a.m. – 4:00p.m.

This is subject to change at any time and it should not be construed as limiting the right of the company to make such change to meet the requirements of the operation.

Sanofi Pasteur: The world’s leading vaccine company

Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, is the largest company in the world devoted entirely to human vaccines. Our driving goal is to protect people from infectious diseases by creating safe and effective vaccines.  Our company distributes more than 1 billion doses of vaccine each year, making it possible to vaccinate more than 500 million people across the globe.  Sanofi Pasteur offers the broadest range of vaccines in the world, providing protection against 20 bacterial and viral diseases.

Sanofi is dedicated to supporting people through their health challenges. We are a global biopharmaceutical company focused on human health. We prevent illness with vaccines, provide innovative treatments to fight pain and ease suffering. We stand by the few who suffer from rare diseases and the millions with long-term chronic conditions.  With more than 100,000 people in 100 countries, Sanofi is transforming scientific innovation into healthcare solutions around the globe.

Sanofi is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants.  Accommodations for persons with disabilities required during the recruitment process are available upon request.

Thank you in advance for your interest.

Only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Sanofi, Empowering Life

#GD-SP     

At Sanofi diversity and inclusion is foundational to how we operate and embedded in our Core Values. We recognize to truly tap into the richness diversity brings we must lead with inclusion and have a workplace where those differences can thrive and be leveraged to empower the lives of our colleagues, patients and customers. We respect and celebrate the diversity of our people, their backgrounds and experiences and provide equal opportunity for all.