Scientist

Scientist I/II, Preclinical and Translational Research (Toronto, ON)

Dragonfleye is looking to add a Scientist I/II to their Research team. This is a highly hands on role and will work cross-functionally with Engineering, Technical operations and external partners.

This role will be required to work in person at the Dragonfleye office and laboratory in downtown Toronto. Lab, in vitro, histology, and in vivo work happens on-site at our facility or at partner and CRO sites

ABOUT DRAGONFLEYE

Dragonfleye is a near-clinical-stage ophthalmic medical device and biotechnology company developing new treatments for multiple eye diseases through precise, minimally invasive delivery of therapeutic agents to the suprachoroidal, supraciliary, and subretinal spaces, including the macula. Our pipeline includes retinal detachment and glaucoma. Learn more at dragonfleyecorp.com. This role is the hands-on engineer who turns injector concepts into working hardware.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

You'll be a hands-on scientist on our Preclinical and Translational Research team, focused on research and development in ophthalmology. You'll generate the in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro data that move our ophthalmic therapies toward the clinic, and take part in studies from design and execution through to the final report, working under the direction of the Director, Preclinical and Translational Research.

This is a chance to join early, shape how our preclinical science is done, and grow with the company. You'll work side by side with experienced scientists, clinicians, and engineers, and your work will feed directly into program decisions and the company's goals.

WHAT YOU'LL OWN

In vivo studies

• Plan, execute, and document preclinical ophthalmology studies in small and large animal models, including pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD), dose-ranging, efficacy, biocompatibility, and safety studies, following approved protocols and animal care requirements.
• Support in vivo ocular procedures, in-life assessments, and tissue collection, including suprachoroidal, subretinal, and intravitreal administration, ocular imaging, and longitudinal measurements, working with animal support staff and veterinary and CRO partners.

Disease models

• Help establish and refine clinically relevant ocular disease models (for example, retinal degeneration, choroidal neovascularization, uveitis, and glaucoma), adapting methods through careful iteration where existing models fall short.

Histology and ex vivo work

• Process ex vivo ocular tissues for histology and perform immunostaining (IHC and IF), imaging, and quantitative image analysis.

In vitro and molecular work

• Carry out molecular biology, cell-based, and other wet lab work, and help keep the laboratory running safely and efficiently.

Data and analysis

• Manage and analyze study data, including statistical analyses, bringing together biological, imaging, and device-performance results, and prepare clear summaries and figures for the Director and the wider team.

Protocols, reports, and records

• Contribute to study protocols, reports, and presentations, including drafting sections for review by the Director.
• Keep contemporaneous lab records covering test conditions, observations, deviations, unsuccessful approaches, and the design changes that follow, including when and where each element of the work was performed.

Collaboration and lab operations

• Coordinate with internal teams, CROs, vivarium partners, and academic collaborators on study logistics, sample handling, and data transfer so studies are completed carefully and on time, and keep lab supplies, equipment, and SOPs in order.

MUST-HAVE QUALIFICATIONS

• Education and experience. A Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field with at least 7 years of relevant industry experience, a Master's degree with at least 3 years of industry experience, or a PhD with at least 1 year of industry experience.
• Field. Research background in ophthalmology, vision science, neuroscience, pharmacology, immunology, regenerative medicine, or another related biomedical field. Candidates without direct ophthalmology experience should show strong transferable experience and an interest in ocular research.
• In vivo skills. Hands-on animal handling and in vivo experimentation, including experimental procedures, animal monitoring, and sample collection, with current animal care training (CCAC or equivalent) or the ability to obtain it quickly.
• Histology. Hands-on histology experience, preferably with ocular tissues, including ex vivo tissue handling and processing, immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence, microscopy, and histological analysis.
• In vitro. Knowledge of, and experience with, in vitro or cell-based research.
• Data. Independent data analysis and statistical interpretation using GraphPad Prism, R, Python, or similar software.
• Documentation. Experience writing or contributing to study protocols and reports in an industry setting, with meticulous record-keeping and good documentation practices.
• Disposition. Organized, reliable, and energized by hands-on work in a small, fast-moving team, and able to manage several studies at once.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Direct experience in ophthalmology or vision science, particularly ocular or retinal biology.
• Experience with ophthalmic procedures in animal models, including intraocular procedures.
• Experience working with large-animal models.
• Experience with ocular imaging or functional endpoints, such as OCT, fundus imaging, ERG, or IOP measurements.
• Molecular biology experience, including experimental design, execution, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Gene therapy experience, including viral vector handling or production (for example, adenovirus or AAV) and an understanding of vector design.
• Experience with biomaterials, drug delivery systems, combination products, or ophthalmic medical devices.
• Exposure to PK and PD studies, product development, GLP or other regulated environments, or IND and IDE-enabling nonclinical work.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Work that matters. Help patients with ocular disease by advancing a novel platform designed to make ophthalmic treatments more precise and less invasive, with the potential to improve treatment, recovery, and quality of life.
• Visibility. Work closely with leadership, where your data and contributions are seen and valued.
• Breadth of science. Work across in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro models, histology, molecular biology, gene therapy, biomaterials, and devices, a range that is rare.
• Growth. Close mentorship from an experienced Director and multidisciplinary team, and a path from Scientist I to Scientist II and beyond, with increasing responsibility and independence over time.
• Scientific visibility. Opportunities to contribute to publications and present at conferences, subject to company review.
• Total rewards. Competitive salary, participation in the company's stock option plan, and enrollment in the company's health and dental benefits.
• Flexibility. Hybrid work for tasks that don't need you on-site, in downtown Toronto.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• This role works in laboratory, office, and animal research settings. With or without reasonable accommodation, you must be able to:
• Stand or walk for extended periods during lab and in vivo work, and sit for long periods at the microscope or computer.
• Lift and move items of up to approximately 20 kg (45 lb), including helping to position animals, and perform fine, repetitive hand work.
• Work with and around laboratory animals, including large animals, with possible exposure to allergens, chemicals (for example, formalin), biological materials (including viral vectors under BSL-2), and sharps.
• Wear required personal protective equipment and complete required safety, biosafety, and animal care training.
• Travel occasionally to partner or CRO sites, mainly within the Greater Toronto Area.
• Work occasional early mornings, evenings, or weekends when studies require it.

APPLICANT INFORMATION

Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Dragonfleye may use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position.

Dragonfleye Therapeutics Corp. is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, accommodations are available on request throughout the recruitment process. Programs referenced are investigational and not approved for commercial use.