Bioprocess Technician Co-op

ABOUT LUX BIO

We are a bioluminescence company focused on developing long-duration light. We engineer proteins to generate safe, sustainable, and stable light. Our mission is to replace all uses of chemiluminescence and expand the possibilities of light. The chemiluminescence industry generates over 250 million tonnes of carcinogenic waste every year, all housed in single-use plastic. We can replace all that with our non-toxic and biodegradable technology. We are developing applications ranging from commercial fishing, search and rescue, aerospace, healthcare, entertainment, and more.

Lux Bio was founded in 2021 and is a cleantech startup powered by biotech. We are located in Vancouver and have a team of 10 working at our South Vancouver facility. We have inbound interest, repeat customers, and paid pilots with companies such as NASA, Stellantis, BBC, Stanford, and more. Additionally, we are supported by the University of British Columbia, Creative Destruction Lab, Brickyard, IndieBio, and SOSV – one of the world’s leading venture capital firms. For more information about Lux Bio, please visit our website: https://luxbio.ca/

ABOUT THE POSITION

We have developed core technology and intellectual property around a water-activated bioluminescent light source. As a Bioprocess Technician Co-op Student at Lux Bio, you will gain hands-on experience with the entire design cycle for the development of a novel bioprocess of a recombinant protein, from strain cultivation, to fermentation optimization, to downstream purification parameterization As a Bioprocess Technician Co-op Student at Lux Bio, you will be at the heart of our bioprocess development efforts, supporting the development and refinement of our bioluminescent technology as we scale up production. You will work closely with our scientific and engineering teams, performing experiments, analyzing data, and ensuring that our lab and production operations run smoothly. Your work will directly contribute to the scaling of our innovative products for commercial applications.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct laboratory experiments and tests following SOPs and as directed by senior scientists and engineers
• Assist with designing and executing bioreactor experiments (prepare solutions, operate and maintain equipment)
• Collaborate on developing and optimizing bioreactor-based fermentation for recombinant protein production
• Develop automation scripts to control pumps, sensors, and valves in a closed-loop system.
• Implement serial communication using Python (PySerial) with RS485 and Modbus protocols to interface with industrial hardware.
• Design and develop a Python-based GUI using PyQT for real-time control and monitoring keeping in mind SOLID software engineering principles.
• Integrate relays and other electronic components into the control system.
• Perform light computer image processing tasks to enhance process monitoring.
• Ensure high attention to detail in system implementation and design.
• Troubleshoot and optimize automation processes for efficiency and reliability.
• Experimental design, data collection and analysis of experimental data
• Maintain detailed records of experiments, including procedures, results, and observations
• Write SOP’s and technical documents as needed for process improvement and documentation
• Prepare, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring it is calibrated and in good working order
• Maintain inventory of lab supplies, solutions, and materials, ensuring that stock levels are adequate
• Ensure that lab operations comply with health and safety regulations
• Support the training and onboarding of new lab personnel as needed
• Prepare reports and presentations on lab findings for internal and external stakeholders

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL

• Enrolled as a full-time or part-time student at a Canadian post-secondary education institution (e.g. chemical engineering, bioprocess engineering, biochemistry, etc.)
• Basic knowledge of bioprocess equipment and laboratory techniques
• Experience with conducting and documenting lab experiments
• Familiarity with laboratory best practices, including cleanliness, safety, and organization
• Basic proficiency in Python
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data and make informed decisions
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Good written and oral communication skills, for reporting results and working collaboratively with R&D, engineering, and manufacturing teams
• Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
• Willingness to learn new techniques and procedures
• Ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols

NICE TO HAVE

• Eligible for the BioTalent Student Work Placement Program https://www.biotalent.ca/programs/student-work-placement-program/
• Experience in a startup or research lab environment
• Passion for sustainability, the environment, and fighting climate change
• Experience with quality control processes and lab equipment maintenance
• Ability to communicate scientific concepts to non-technical stakeholders

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, AND PERKS

• $18-22/h salary
• Flexible with unpaid time off
• Paid day off for birthdays
• Be a part of a mission-driven company that helps people, animals, and the planet

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Lux Bio’s leadership team is diverse and is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its practices – especially when it comes to growing our team. Our culture promotes inclusion and embraces how rewarding it is to work with people from all walks of life.

We recruit Lux Bio team members based on who you are as an individual — regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, lifestyle, age, national origin, religion, and mental or physical ability. We are an equal opportunity employer – let us know if you are eligible by noting in your cover letter or email correspondence.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply using our Google Form: https://forms.gle/7G9YLrJBgUb21rJM7 

To confirm that applicants have thoroughly read the job posting, please include the word “Illuminated” in the “Anything else you would like us to know?” question or subject line of your application.

HESITANT TO APPLY? Even if you do not meet 100% of the skills or experiences listed above but believe this role is the right fit, we would still like to hear from you!

Thank you for your time, consideration, and interest!

Paige Whitehead, Co-Founder & CEO of Lux Bio