R&D Manager

AquaTactics is seeking an experienced microbiologist and vaccine R&D manager to develop new and improve fish vaccines for AquaTactics. The position would also manage diagnostics at the AquaTactics’ Kirkland site, R&D projects in the US and Canada and assist with other joint R&D projects with universities/research organizations

Responsibilities 

Vaccine Development and Research 

• Lead all R&D activities relevant to licensed aquaculture vaccine development throughout the US and Canada 

• Develop new vaccines with AquaTactics’ veterinarians for vet-exempt and autogenous vaccines  

• Work closely with other team members to manage other non-vaccine R&D projects across all Bimeda sites 

• Assist and help field personnel with occasional sample collection and submission 

• Participation and coordination of clinical trials as required in conjunction with veterinary and field staff 

• Applying and securing grants to perform studies on various disease aspects in partnership with key clients, and running both wet lab and production trials 

• Develop new vaccines and evaluate new vaccine technologies that might be licensed for aquaculture vaccines 

• Collaborate with and manage projects with other research institutes, including universities and private companies on new collaborative research projects for commercialization  

Regulatory: 

• With assistance from Bimeda’s vaccine San Angelo manufacturing site, lead on getting new vaccines and potency testing methodologies approved by the USDA 

• Assist Bimeda Regulatory team at keeping company compliant and working on various registration and learning it to the extent of assisting in the offering of services to external entities 

• Learning regulatory affairs and assisting with various existing and new INAD packages 

Microbiologist: 

• Manage a fish diagnostic and microbiology laboratory, including managing new and existing fish isolates and samples 

• Manage fish pathogen culture collection 

• Work with production teams on managing bacterial and viral seed and cell samples 

• Manage fish diagnostics for clients, with occasional field visits to obtain requisite samples 

• Develop new bacterial and viral cell cultures for vet exempt vaccines, autogenous vaccine production and new licensed vaccines 

Other: 

• Participate and present at various fish health conferences nationally and globally. 

• Publish both grey literature articles and scientific peer-reviewed papers as appropriate. 

• Participate in all aspects of the company (products and services) as needed and available. 

• Assist in managing the business (ie general office task and production tasks) as needed 

Requirements 

Essential: 

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, or virology 

• Master’s degree in microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, or virology 

• Demonstrable experience and expertise in  

• Bacterial or viral vaccine development and / or 

• DNA vaccine development and testing 

• Self-starter with high energy level and ability to multi-task 

• Commercial and customer focused mindset 

• Strong verbal, presentation and writing skills in English required 

• Proficiency in writing technical documents and translating technical information to a lay perspective 

• People management skills 

• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office 

Highly desirable: 

• Doctorate in microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, or virology or related degree 

• Veterinary degree 

• Interest in aquaculture and fish health 

• AFS Certified Fish Health Inspector (or eligible)  

• Experience in commercial vaccine production 

• Statistical knowledge for clinical trials 

• Willingness to travel 
• Knowledge of USDA or CFIA or other regulatory environments