About Vitacore:
At Vitacore, we integrate cutting-edge research and technology with a profound commitment to sustainability and innovation. Established in 2020, Vitacore is driven by our mission to develop transformative products and services that address critical global issues, ensuring ethical practices and effective outcomes for the betterment of humankind and the planet.
Our journey began with a focus on the healthcare sector, where we became leaders in manufacturing recycling single-use protective equipment. Today, we apply our expertise and innovative spirit to broader challenges, developing advanced technologies, sustainable practices, and innovative manufacturing processes that redefine what is possible across various industries.
As we continue to expand into new product lines and markets, we are eager to welcome diverse talent to our team. Join us in our mission to innovate and create solutions that care for and protect people and the environment globally.
About the Role:
Vitacore is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to support its Research and Development (R&D) team.
This role is ideal for a candidate with hands on experience in molecular biology techniques, including PCR/qPCR, who is eager to contribute to both experimental work and broader R&D initiatives. You will be involved in designing, optimising, and executing assays, while also supporting cross-functional projects and ensuring high-quality data collection and documentation.
Working in a fast-paced environment, you will play a key role in advancing ongoing research projects, troubleshooting experimental challenges, and maintaining strong alignment across teams.
Responsibilities include:
- Manages and replies to R&D project-related correspondence, such as regulatory bodies, external laboratories, etc.
- Collaborate with different teams to ensure alignment and timely completion of project deliverables.
- Participate in data collection and coordination of study activities and field testing.
- Quality inspection and testing of R&D prototypes and/or final products following internal protocols.
- Meets regularly with supervisor to discuss research assignments.
- Replenish inspection tools and/or materials as needed from equipment suppliers and vendors.
- Prepare study progress and internal test reports.
- Conduct literature reviews and regulatory research to identify medical device performance requirements for product development.
- Analyze research data, interpret results, and prepare presentations and meeting minutes.
- Support Quality department and participate and contribute to regulatory audits on a needed basis.
Project Specific Responsibilities may include:
- Optimize, design, and run PCR/qPCR experiments and cycling conditions, particularly for short primers and low-literature contexts, by systematically iterating annealing temperatures, annealing durations, touchdown strategies, cycle counts, and extension times.
- Perform qPCR assay setup and optimization targeting a range of viral and bacterial DNA.
- Validate qPCR products by preparing, running, and troubleshooting agarose gel electrophoresis workflows to confirm expected amplicons.
- Maintain detailed experimental documentation including reagent volumes, tube mapping, cycling conditions, run data, and troubleshooting notes to ensure repeatability and data integrity.
- Assist in troubleshooting experimental issues and refining protocols to improve performance and reproducibility.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Science background or science-related experience is an asset.
- Hands-on experience with PCR/qPCR and general molecular biology techniques is strongly preferred.
- Experience in regulatory affairs is an asset.
- Highly organized and always punctual.
- Strong attention to detail.
- A level of education, training, and experience equivalent to Grade 12 plus graduation from a science or engineering program.
- Ability to work independently.
- Demonstrated ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, presentation software, and Microsoft Office Outlook calendar management at advanced levels.
- Demonstrated flexibility to meet and adapt to changes in organizational priorities.
- Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload and work under time pressures to meet deadlines, including demonstrated time management skills to assist others with meeting deadlines and objectives.
- Demonstrated ability to exhibit tact and discretion in preparing, disclosing, and handling information of a confidential and/or sensitive nature.
Compensation:
- From $25 to $28 CAD per hour, depending on experience.
- Comprehensive medical and dental benefits.
- 2 weeks vacation.
- Tuition Assistance Program.
- Multiple company events throughout the year.