The role

We are looking for a Research Officer to support the Cell Line Development team in our Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre. The incumbent would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The Human Health Therapeutics Research Center (HHT) has a mandate to support the country's economic development through healthcare innovations, including novel therapies. The research center has a strong track record of collaborations with industry and is a key player in the prosperity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With its primary sector of activity being the biopharmaceutical industry, the portfolio targets Canadian SMEs developing therapeutic products, biologics, or vaccines to address human health needs.

As part of the Cell Line Development team, the Research Officer will support NRC, other government departments and industry research activities through technical assistance and facility maintenance at our Royalmount facility in Montreal. The incumbent will be part of a multidisciplinary team, providing essential support for ongoing projects and programs involving our industry partners and other government departments and agencies in the area of biotechnology.

The Research Officer in Cell Line Development plays a pivotal role in the creation and optimization of mammalian cell lines used for biologics production. This position bridges molecular biology, cell culture, and bioprocess engineering to ensure robust, high-yielding cell lines that meet regulatory and commercial standards.

The key responsibilities of the Research officer are the following:

• Develop, adapt and implement novel cell line development processes for biologics or vaccines programs; Evaluate and implement emerging technologies (e.g., CRISPR, single-cell analysis, automation platforms) to enhance cell line development workflows.
  
  
• Find novel solutions to complex protein production problems based on current cutting-edge approaches.
  
  
• Participate in and demonstrate leadership in internal and/or client focused projects planning, including the prioritization and identification of the requirements for projects.
  
  
• Secure receptors and clients by identifying opportunities, participating in business development activities, and building collaborations with local, national and international organizations. Analyze and identify client requirements and prepare project proposals including estimates of time and budget.
  
  
• Process Development Interface: Collaborate with upstream and downstream teams to ensure cell lines are compatible with scalable bioreactor processes and downstream purification.
  
  
• Documentation & Compliance: Maintain detailed records of experimental design, results, and protocols in accordance with internal quality level and regulatory guidelines. Produce reports and/or publications on results of research projects.

Screening criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

PhD in biochemistry or molecular and cellular biology or a field related to the position.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• Significant* experience in CHO cell culture techniques, including maintenance, passaging, and cryopreservation, as well as performing stable transfections through electroporation or lipid-based methods and conducting clone selection using GS, DHFR and antibiotic selection marker systems.
• Significant* experience in utilizing automation and high-throughput screening platforms for clonal cell line selection and productivity evaluation, employing analytical assays such as ELISA, BLI (Octet/Gator), HTRF and HPLC.
• Significant* experience producing monoclonal antibodies or recombinant secreted proteins using transient and stable CHO systems.
• Significant* experience in vector design for recombinant protein expression, molecular cloning, plasmid preparation, and sequence verification.
• Significant* experience with analytical techniques like SDS-PAGE, Western blot, and flow cytometry.
• Significant* experience in data interpretation and troubleshooting of protein expression issues.
• Significant* experience maintaining detailed lab notebooks, preparing presentations for stakeholders and preparing technical reports for regulatory submissions.
• Significant* experience in industrial research environment.

The following experience criteria would be considered assets:

• • • Experience operating and maintaining cell culture equipment.
    • Experience in protein purification and analytical characterization, with a focus on assessing product quality attributes such as glycosylation, aggregation, and purity.

* Significant experience is defined as two (2) to six (6) years of experience.

Condition of employment

• Must be able to work in a laboratory environment in a Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC).
• Reliability Status
  
  

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Language requirements

Bilingual Imperative BBB/BBB

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical competencies

• Knowledge of standard molecular biology techniques, including PCR, plasmid production, and gene fragment subcloning.
• Knowledge of protein production and expression systems, especially mammalian CHO cell expression.
• Knowledge of cell culture and working under aseptic conditions.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements for traceability and characterization of cell lines for bioproduction.
• Knowledge of occupational health and safety best practices required to create and maintain a safe and healthy work environment.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Research

View all competency profiles

Compensation

This position is classified as a Research Officer (RO), a group that is unique to the NRC. Candidates are remunerated based on their expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. The salary scale for this group is vast, from $64,739 to $183,010 per annum, which permits for employees of all levels from new graduates to world renowned experts to be fairly compensated for their contributions.

NOTE: Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate’s expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. As such, the initial salary could be within another level of the RO/RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).

In addition, the incumbent will receive the Bilingualism Bonus of $800 per year.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2025 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s largest research and innovation organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

Notes

• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• Willingness to travel occasionally across Canada and internationally to represent NRC.
• ​A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.