We are looking for a manager to lead the development and operations of the Preclinical In Vivo Modeling & Evaluation of RNA Therapeutics Platform (PRIME-RNA), a new translational platform of the Sidney-Altman Hub at the Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM).
You will play a central role in the day-to-day management of operations and the execution of activities, ensuring a harmonious workflow and fostering collaboration between multidisciplinary teams. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research on RNA therapies and to stimulate innovation in RNA biology.
Tasks and responsibilities
- Project management and execution:
- Own the end‑to‑end user workflow: intake, scoping, scheduling, execution, reporting.
- Develop, optimize experimental procedures and carry out laboratory work in collaboration with the technical team to support the following services:
- In vivo feasibility studies for ASO/siRNA/mRNA-LNP (dose‑range, schedule, route)
- Target engagement assays (qPCR/ddPCR, splice modulation, western blot, RNA‑seq)
- PD biomarkers and on/off‑target analyses
- Efficacy testing with electrophysiological, behavioural, and imaging endpoints
- Safety and toxicology assessment (clinical chemistry, hematology, histopathology)
- Quantitative PK/PD modeling
- Longitudinal in vivo imaging
- Develop and maintain a complete project plan, including timelines, deliverables, and resource allocation.
- Compile results and produce reports to deliver to clients
- Contribute to the development of the business model and service offering of the IRCM’s Sidney-Altman Hub in therapeutic RNA.
- Operational and Budget Management:
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the PRIME-RNA platform and its installation, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
- Collaborate with scientists, researchers, technicians, and industry partners to coordinate workflow, resolve issues, and implement improvements.
- Manage internal and external client relationships.
- Manage and optimize the allocation of resources, including personnel, equipment and materials, to ensure projects are executed on schedule and within budget.
- Collaborate with finance management to track expenses and optimize profitability.
- Collaboration and Communication:
- Foster a collaborative and communicative environment among team members, researchers and external collaborators.
- Regularly communicate project updates, challenges and achievements to stakeholders.
- Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance:
- Maintain and evolve SOPs for dosing routes (IT, ICV, parenchymal/CED, SC, IV, IO), tissue processing, analytics, imaging, and PK/PD modeling.
- Stay up to date with relevant techniques, regulations and industry standards related to RNA-based therapeutic approaches.
- Ensure that the PRIME-RNA platform complies with all applicable guidelines and regulations.
Job Requirements
- Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Immunology, or a related field, with demonstrated hands-on experience in laboratory research and/or in vivo drug discovery.
- Demonstrate solid expertise in mouse experimentation (colony monitoring, cohort planning, injections, tissues harvest, drug treatments, in vivo imaging) and molecular assays.
- Experience in IND-enabling project management in an industrial or academic research context is a very strong asset.
- Experience with IACC/CCAC animal ethics, strong documentation discipline and SOP authorship are preferred. Previous experience as a Study Director in a GLP/non-GLP work environment will be an asset.
- Expertise with small animal imaging (bioluminescence, fluorescence, etc.) and/or with drug pharmacodynamics and toxicity profiling in mice is an asset
- Demonstrate strong organizational and leadership skills, with teamwork ability and to prioritize effectively.
- Master advanced communication and interpersonal skills to foster collaboration between diverse teams.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
- Life and health insurance plans.
- RREGOP pension plan: benefit from an advantageous retirement plan to help secure and plan your future.
- 12 paid statutory holidays and 10 paid sick or personal days per year.
- 20 vacation days after one year of service within the reference period.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and telemedicine services.
- 35-hour workweek with a 3-year contract.
How to Apply
Please submit your résumé and cover letter to the following address: RecruteRH@ircm.qc.ca, indicating the position “Prime-RNA Platform Manager” in the subject line of your email.
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
