Research Technician - Lead Biology

Research Technician - Lead Biology at AbCellera

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Technician to join our Lead Biology team at AbCellera. This role offers an exciting opportunity for individuals passionate about cell biology, immunology, and oncology to contribute directly to our innovative drug discovery efforts. As a key member of the team, you will be responsible for developing, executing, and analyzing complex in vitro functional assays that support our antibody discovery pipeline.

The position requires a hands‑on approach, strong organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. You will play a crucial role in maintaining cell cultures, assisting in assay development, and ensuring data accuracy, all within a fast‑paced, innovative environment dedicated to transforming therapeutic discovery.

Key facts

• Location: Vancouver
• Engagement: Full-time
• Team: Lead Biology

What you'll do

• Plan, execute, and analyze both high-throughput and low-throughput cell-based functional assays to evaluate antibody activity and immune responses.
• Develop and optimize high-throughput functional assays, leveraging automation and liquid handling systems to increase efficiency and reproducibility.
• Maintain, characterize, and troubleshoot mammalian cell cultures, including stable cell lines and primary cells, ensuring sterile techniques are rigorously followed.
• Perform transient transfections, cell freezing, and thawing procedures to support assay development and cell line maintenance.
• Prepare cell isolates from primary tissue sources, including blood and other biological specimens, to generate primary cell assay systems.
• Assist in establishing ex vivo and co‑culture assay systems that mimic physiological conditions, providing relevant biological insights.
• Manage laboratory inventory, including reagents, cell stocks, and freezer inventories, ensuring proper labeling, aliquoting, and documentation.
• Record experimental procedures and results meticulously using electronic laboratory notebooks, ensuring data integrity and reproducibility.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including immunologists, biochemists, and assay development scientists, to meet project milestones and deliverables.
• Present research findings and assay data during team meetings, contributing to ongoing discussions and project planning.
• Contribute to troubleshooting assay issues and optimizing protocols to improve assay robustness and sensitivity.
• Support the onboarding and training of new team members, sharing best practices and technical expertise.
• Assist in preparing technical reports and summaries for internal documentation and external presentations.
• Stay current with scientific literature and technological advancements relevant to cell-based assays and immunology.
• Participate in safety and compliance training, ensuring laboratory practices meet regulatory standards.

Requirements

• Availability for an interview on August 13, 2026.
• Bachelor's degree in Cell Biology, Immunology, Biochemistry, or a related Life Science field.
• Hands‑on experience working in a wet lab environment, particularly with cell culture techniques and sterile procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain and characterize mammalian cell cultures, including primary and stable cell lines.
• Familiarity with performing transient transfections, freezing, and thawing of cells.
• Experience with preparing primary cell isolates from biological specimens such as blood or tissue samples.
• Knowledge of in vitro assay development, especially related to immune cell function, is preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple experiments and maintain detailed records.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective collaboration and data presentation.
• Ability to troubleshoot experimental issues and optimize protocols independently.
• Self‑motivated, proactive, and eager to learn about drug discovery processes, especially early antibody development.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment, demonstrating flexibility and a collaborative attitude.
• Attention to detail, with a focus on accuracy and reproducibility of experimental data.
• Willingness to adhere to safety protocols and laboratory standards.

Nice to have

• Experience with automation tools and liquid handling systems in a laboratory setting.
• Familiarity with flow cytometry, microscopy, and related imaging techniques.
• Prior exposure to assay development for immunology or oncology applications.
• Knowledge of laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or electronic lab notebooks.
• Understanding of ITAR regulations and handling of sensitive biological materials.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in cell culture techniques, including maintenance of mammalian cell lines and primary cells.
• Experience with flow cytometry, microscopy, and related imaging methods.
• Familiarity with electronic laboratory notebooks and data analysis software.
• Ability to operate laboratory automation equipment and liquid handling systems is a plus.
• Strong record‑keeping skills and attention to detail in data documentation.

Practical notes

AbCellera offers a competitive salary range of CAD $51,000 to CAD $64,000 annually, depending on your experience and qualifications.

In addition to base salary, we provide equity options, an annual performance‑based bonus, and a 6% non‑matching RRSP contribution.

• CAD $1,500 annual Active Lifestyle Allowance
• comprehensive health coverage
• vacation time
• opportunities for professional development.

We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, emphasizing mentorship, scientific excellence, and community engagement through various social initiatives and events.

Our team values innovation, curiosity, and a passion for scientific discovery.

We are committed to supporting your growth and success within our organization.

You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources to advance your skills and contribute meaningfully to our mission of transforming therapeutic discovery.

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