Research Assistant

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.

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.

• 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.
  

• 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.