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Job Title


Research Associate, Preclinical


Company : Acuitas


Location : Vancouver, Metro Vancouver Regional Distr


Created : 2026-01-09


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Job Title: Research Associate, Preclinical Acuitas Therapeutics is seeking a permanent, full-time Research Associate with a strong background in immunology and immunological methods to work in the Preclinical team, reporting to the Senior Research Scientist, Preclinical. Acuitas Therapeutics is a private biotechnology company located at 6190 Agronomy Rd #402, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. We are the premier global provider of LNP delivery systems for nucleic acid therapeutics. Acuitas is partnered with multiple international, biotechnology and pharmaceutical partners who are focused on bringing new vaccines and drugs into clinical development and to the marketplace. At Acuitas, we believe in combining excellent science with an enviable work culture. The advanced LNP technologies we provide for our partners are made possible by our employees who apply their passion, curiosity, and knowledge every step of the way. At Acuitas, you will have the opportunity to work as part of a close-knit team of exceptional scientists, who support the production of revolutionary technology that impacts the health and wellness of society. By living our values, including honesty, integrity, innovation and openness, we have fostered a supportive work environment where our employees feel empowered, challenged, recognized and rewarded. If you would like to work for a company that is at the top of the field, Acuitas is the company for you! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law. YOU: A committed professional with experience in preclinical research looking to develop further in an innovative, fast paced biotech environment. US: Leading innovators in the lipid nanoparticle (LNP) field, looking for a talented individual to join our collaborative, passionate, and diverse results focused team. ROLE SUMMARY: Acuitas Therapeutics is seeking a permanent, full-time Research Associate with a strong background in immunology and immunological methods to work in the Preclinical team, reporting to the Senior Research Scientist, Preclinical. The role holder will be responsible for executing and supporting studies assessing the pharmacology, immunology, mechanism of action, distribution and safety profile of our LNP, executing analyses and data interpretation, and presenting results to the team and company. RESPONSIBILITIES: Executing and supporting studies to evaluate LNP activity, distribution, mechanisms of action, immune profiles and safety. Mastering established methods and developing new methods to support preclinical objectives, including ELISA, MSD, luciferase assays, qPCR, SDS-PAGE, DNA/RNA isolation and protein quantification. Cell culture and cell-based assays (including ELIspot), cell isolation, and processing tissues and fluids for downstream analysis. Handson experience in multicolour flow cytometry, intracellular cytokine staining and gating strategies. General laboratory support including preparation of reagents and solutions, laboratory organization, maintaining sample and reagent inventory, and shipping of materials. Up to date Biosafety/Biosecurity (Containment Level 2+) and WHMIS certification will be required. Maintain familiarity with relevant scientific knowledge and advancements in LNP technology. May be required to train more junior staff and coop students. QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS: BSc with 210 years experience or an MSc with up to 7 years experience; some industry experience preferred. Handson experience conducting experiments with LNP in vitro and ex vivo; knowledge of LNP formulation processes, LNP characteristics, in vivo biodistribution, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Strong background in innate and adaptive immunology. Knowledge specific to LNP preferred. Strong understanding of cell biology and human physiology with a focus on liver structure and function as well as other fenestrated organs. Background in vaccine development and experience conducting/analyzing associated assays (ELISA, EliSpot, HAI). Handson experience in tissue isolation, single cell preparation, cell culture, cellbased assays and cell differentiation. Extensive experience in multiplex immunebased assays. Specifically Meso Scale Diagnostics and multichannel flow cytometry including the development of gating strategies. Confident and proven safety when working in Biosafety Level 2+ environments. Excellent writing and presentation skills. Accurate and appropriate data analysis and use of statistics. Familiar with Spotfire and Big Omics or similar visualization platforms. Fluent working with Graph Pad and Microsoft Office. Adept utilizing Flo Jo or similar. Responsible and reliable record keeping, organization and assisting in lab management as needed. Health benefits: Dental plan Disability benefits Health care plan Paramedical services coverage Vision care benefits Financial benefits: Bonus Group insurance benefits Life insurance Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) Long term benefits: Maternity and parental benefits Other benefits: Learning/training paid by employer Onsite amenities Paid time off (volunteering or personal days) #J-18808-Ljbffr