Onda is an R&D and contract service organization focused on the application of biotechnologies to improve productivity, efficiency and sustainability in aquaculture and related industries. The company operates two facilities with world-class biocontainment labs for in vivo and in vitro experiments, two feed extruders for custom aquatic diet manufacturing, multiple dry labs for a range analytical testing, and a GMP vaccine batch release suite. This infrastructure, combined with the specialist teams working within it and our best-in-class biological resources and models, set Onda as a global leader in aquatic animal and environmental research.
We are seeking a Research Associate to play a significant role within the Laboratory Technologies Department supporting services and operations. Reporting to the Laboratory Manager, the successful candidate will be an integral member of the dry lab team, contributing to efficient service delivery through the generation of high-quality data and the timely delivery of results to internal and external stakeholders.
As a valued member of the team, the candidate will engage in all activities carried in the dry lab. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, sample intake and storage, adherence to project schedules, following work instructions and SOPs, reporting on laboratory progress and KPIs, flagging results outside defined assay parameters, maintaining laboratory equipment, and adhering to safety, biocontainment, and GxP standards.
Key Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Actively promotes a culture of safety, efficiency, scientific integrity and transparency
- Execute high quality, efficient benchtop procedures, including, but not limited to, qPCR, cell culture,
functional compound screening across two facilities and multiple laboratories
- Contribute to studies involving a broad range of aquaculture species
- Train in and adhere to GLP, GDP, GCP, and ISO standards
- Proactively ensure that samples, consumables, equipment, task instructions, timelines, and personnel training are appropriate and in place before commencing work
- Contribute to a high-performing team by communicating tasks clearly, coordinating responsibilities, troubleshooting technical issues, and establishing clear expectations
- Operate advanced scientific equipment, including lab robotics, and perform
routine maintenance and calibration of lab equipment
- Follow lab schedules while effectively navigating changing priorities
- Support the development and revision of Standard Operating Procedures
- Support Research & Development of novel tests and applications
- Help drive laboratory workflows toward greater efficiency
Desired Qualifications/Skills/Abilities:
- More than three years of laboratory experience in bioscience or biotechnology
- Extensive experience with nucleic acid extraction, purification, and amplification
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and follow‐up skills
- High attention to detail, with the ability to distinguish critical steps from routine activities
- Professional communication skills including proficiency in English and the ability to proactively communicate scientific information appropriately including written and oral communications.
- Professionalism and strong ethical standards
- Ability to multitask, prioritize, and balance competing workloads with appropriate supervision
- Proficiency in Microsoft applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Copilot) with an aptitude to learn other tools and applications presently in use
- Demonstrated ability to proactively troubleshoot and collaborate with colleagues across departments and with external stakeholders to develop effective solutions
Compensation and Benefits:
- Competitive annual salary ranging from CAD $60,000 - $72,000
- Generous paid time off policy, including 3 weeks of paid vacation time and 10 days of personal/sick time
- Comprehensive group health benefits package, ensuring the well-being of team members
- Company-matched RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan) to support long-term financial goals
To apply for the position, please visit our website at onda.ca/careers and submit your application through our online portal. We encourage you to include your relevant qualifications and experience, as well as any additional documents that showcase your expertise in the field.
We will continue accepting applications until we identify a suitable candidate. Please note that only applicants selected for the next phase of the competition will be contacted. We appreciate your understanding and thank all candidates for their interest in joining our organization.
