Laboratory Technician - Protein Expression and Analytics Lab

Laboratory Technician – Protein Expression and Analytics Lab

Position Overview

Avril Biopharma is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Laboratory Technician to work in a molecular biology lab and BSL2 lab. This role will include upstream and downstream recombinant protein expression workflows in a structured, compliance-driven environment. The ideal candidate will have experience and technical expertise in working with hen eggs ( in a hatchery,  veterinary vaccine  or disease surveillance lab). Strong skills in routine molecular biology and microbiology with a commitment to quality standards and operational excellence are desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological tasks, including working with E. coli for DNA, RNA and protein extraction and characterization, as well as streaking, agar stabs and maintaining cultures.
• Assemble DNA constructs and perform routine molecular biology workflows for protein expression.
• Conduct protein purification and quality analytic techniques (e.g. SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting, Spectrophotometry).
• Maintain sterility and contamination control throughout workflows, including preparing and sterilizing media, reagents and buffers.
• Incubation, candling, transfection, harvesting and processing of eggs.
• Document all laboratory activities in laboratory notebooks and electronic databases.
• Collaborate with senior scientists to execute experiments and refine protocols.
• Operate, calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment, troubleshooting issues as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized lab environment and ensure compliance with GMP/GLP guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and company policies.
• Support workflow optimization by identifying bottlenecks and communicating them to supervisors.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently within a structured, goal-oriented environment.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Masters, Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in protein expression and purification.

Technical Skills

• Solid understanding of microbiological practices and sterile techniques.
• Experience with microbiological practices, including working with E. coli.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, plasmid DNA mini-preps, midipreps and maxipreps, electrophoresis and analysis.
• PCR, RT-PCR and other PCR based techniques and procedures.
• Proficiency in protein analytics (e.g., SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, spectrophotometry). 
• RNA analysis, RNA preps and RNA gel electrophoresis.
• Experience with fertile egg workflows, including incubation, candling, transfections and allantoic fluid harvesting.
• ELISA and HI studies
• Skilled in protein purification techniques (e.g., ammonium sulfate precipitation, chromatography, HPLC, filtration, freeze drying, etc).

Work Environment

• Molecular Biology laboratory environment with exposure to biological materials.
• BSL-2 Lab works in a biosafety cabinet working with live BSL-2 safe live virus.
• Requires manual dexterity for precision tasks and tolerance for repetitive workflows.
• Flexibility to work extended hours or weekends to meet company deadlines.

Application Process

Submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience. Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews and assessments.