R&D Manager

AquaTactics is seeking an experienced microbiologist and vaccine R&D manager to develop new and improve fish vaccines for AquaTactics. The position would also manage diagnostics at the AquaTactics' Kirkland site, R&D projects in the US and Canada and assist with other joint R&D projects with universities/research organizations

Responsibilities

Vaccine Development and Research

• Lead all R&D activities relevant to licensed aquaculture vaccine development throughout the US and Canada

• Develop new vaccines with AquaTactics' veterinarians for vet-exempt and autogenous vaccines

• Work closely with other team members to manage other non-vaccine R&D projects across all Bimeda sites

• Assist and help field personnel with occasional sample collection and submission

• Participation and coordination of clinical trials as required in conjunction with veterinary and field staff

• Applying and securing grants to perform studies on various disease aspects in partnership with key clients, and running both wet lab and production trials

• Develop new vaccines and evaluate new vaccine technologies that might be licensed for aquaculture vaccines

• Collaborate with and manage projects with other research institutes, including universities and private companies on new collaborative research projects for commercialization

Regulatory:

• With assistance from Bimeda's vaccine San Angelo manufacturing site, lead on getting new vaccines and potency testing methodologies approved by the USDA

• Assist Bimeda Regulatory team at keeping company compliant and working on various registration and learning it to the extent of assisting in the offering of services to external entities

• Learning regulatory affairs and assisting with various existing and new INAD packages

Microbiologist:

• Manage a fish diagnostic and microbiology laboratory, including managing new and existing fish isolates and samples

• Manage fish pathogen culture collection

• Work with production teams on managing bacterial and viral seed and cell samples

• Manage fish diagnostics for clients, with occasional field visits to obtain requisite samples

• Develop new bacterial and viral cell cultures for vet exempt vaccines, autogenous vaccine production and new licensed vaccines

Other:

• Participate and present at various fish health conferences nationally and globally.

• Publish both grey literature articles and scientific peer-reviewed papers as appropriate.

• Participate in all aspects of the company (products and services) as needed and available.

• Assist in managing the business (ie general office task and production tasks) as needed

Requirements

Essential:

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, or virology

• Master's degree in microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, or virology

• Demonstrable experience and expertise in

• Bacterial or viral vaccine development and / or

• DNA vaccine development and testing

• Self-starter with high energy level and ability to multi-task

• Commercial and customer focused mindset

• Strong verbal, presentation and writing skills in English required

• Proficiency in writing technical documents and translating technical information to a lay perspective

• People management skills

• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office

Highly desirable:

• Doctorate in microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, or virology or related degree

• Veterinary degree

• Interest in aquaculture and fish health

• AFS Certified Fish Health Inspector (or eligible)

• Experience in commercial vaccine production

• Statistical knowledge for clinical trials

• Willingness to travel

• Knowledge of USDA or CFIA or other regulatory environments

Application

Please send your resume and a cover letter to [redacted] with "Microbiologist and Vaccine R&D Manager" and your name in the Subject line.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis