Co-op Student Opportunities (Summer & Fall 2025)

Co-op Student Opportunities (Summer & Fall 2025)

Genevant is a technology-focused nucleic acid delivery company with world-class platforms, the industry’s most robust and expansive lipid nanoparticle (LNP) patent estate, and decades of experience and expertise in nucleic acid drug delivery and development.

We have a dedicated and innovative multi-disciplinary R&D team with extensive knowledge and experience in developing nucleic acid-based therapeutics delivered using clinically validated lipid nanoparticle platforms. Our laboratories and offices are based in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Genevant currently has opportunities for Co-op Students pursuing a degree in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or another related discipline. Co-op placements are currently available within the following departments:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences (deadline application, January 19, 2025)
• Research (Vivarium) Assistant (deadline application, January 26, 2025)
• Research Discovery (deadline application, February 14, 2025)

In this hands-on role, you will join the Pharmaceutical Sciences team and assist in advancing LNP drug products from early-stage research to clinical trials. Aspects of the role include:

• Process Development: Work with a dedicated team to optimize and refine our LNP manufacturing process for novel mRNA compositions, learning valuable industry techniques along the way.
• Characterization & Analysis: Gain hands-on experience conducting stability studies and understand essential physiochemical properties of LNPs, such as particle size, mRNA encapsulation, and purity. Through this work, you’ll deepen your expertise in critical analytical techniques, playing a key role in advancing our understanding of LNP stability and performance!
• Presenting Breakthroughs: Take ownership of your findings by crafting reports and presenting insights to our team, honing your communication skills in a professional setting.

Are you ready to jump into the cutting-edge world of mRNA therapeutics and make an impact? Join us as a Pharmaceutical Sciences Co-op, where you’ll be at the forefront of innovation in mRNA LNP (lipid nanoparticle) technology.

Requirements, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good communication skills and a solid academic record
• Laboratory experience and ability to follow lab safety protocols required
• Self-motivated with the ability to work in a multi-tasking, fast-paced environment
• Availability and willingness to perform two consecutive work terms (8 months)
• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred; legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations
• Currently enrolled in a program in Chemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Science, or Biochemistry, with a strong foundation in relevant principles to ensure technical proficiency in laboratory tasks.
• Displays a strong willingness to learn, with keen attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Shows a genuine enthusiasm for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, eager to engage with industry-related projects.
• Available to commit to two consecutive work terms, aligning with project continuity and training requirements.
• Previous job experience, science-related or not
• Preference is given to individuals who can work for two consecutive work terms

The Research (Vivarium) Assistant will assist with multiple aspects of our in vivo research. Routine work tasks will include, but are not limited to, animal health checks, cage preparation, receiving and unpacking animal orders, cage changing and cage processing, organization, and distribution of supplies to the various areas of the Vivarium, operate animal care processing equipment, detect and report malfunctioning or defective equipment, including general facility environmental checks, such as lighting, temperature, and humidity controls.

The Research (Vivarium) Assistant will also perform other facility-related procedures such as surgical instrument preparation, record keeping, inventory maintenance, document review, and database maintenance, maintain animal data and participate in a supporting role during the execution of in vivo studies.

General technical training (typically in mice/rats) will be provided and may include, but not be limited to: Routine technical procedures in rodents, such as weight monitoring, blood sampling, test article administration (via various routes) and various other techniques, administration, maintenance, and monitoring of anesthetics (gas and injectable); and analgesics.

Requirements, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred; legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.
• Solid academic record
• Effective written and oral communication skills; strong attention to detail and fast learner
• Laboratory experience; co-op experience preferred.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work in a multi-tasking, fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of CCAC guidelines is an asset
• Experience working with small rodents in a laboratory setting is an asset
• Ability to lift up to 30lbs
• Preference is given to individuals who can work for two consecutive work terms

Research Discovery Co-op

The Research Student – Discovery Research will join a friendly and supportive team to assist with the evaluation and optimization of novel lipid nanoparticles (LNP) and conjugate formulations using various techniques. While not essential, some experience with formulation techniques and/or flow cytometry would be preferred. Routine work tasks will include, but are not limited to, the following: formulating nucleic acids (with or without lipid), running biochemical assays such as ELISAs, performing in vitro/in vivo studies, assisting with flow cytometry experiments, and presenting experimental findings. The Research Student may also be responsible for maintaining inventories and/or formulation databases as required. The candidate will be expected to sign confidentiality and/or non-disclosure agreements to ensure the protection of Genevant’s Intellectual Property.

Requirements, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred; legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.
• Solid academic record
• Effective written and oral communication skills; strong attention to detail and fast learner
• Laboratory experience; co-op experience preferred.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work in a multi-tasking, fast-paced environment.
• Experience in formulation development and/or flow cytometry is desirable.
• Preference is given to individuals who can work for two consecutive work terms.

Our co-op student positions are ideal for students who enjoy spending most of their time in laboratory experiments, enjoy working independently with little supervision, and wish to pursue a career in biotechnology to gain work experience in a fast-paced and multidisciplinary research environment. The salary for this position is CAD$3,300 monthly and we offer flexible time, free gym access, monthly lunches, and a friendly work environment. All suitable candidates are welcome to apply regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or age.

Successful candidates will be expected to sign confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements to ensure protection of Genevant Intellectual Property.

Instructions: UBC, SFU and UVic students, please submit applications directly through your University / department co-op office. Co-op Students at all other universities, feel free to submit your application directly via this posting. Applications will be accepted based on the deadlines.

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