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Sr. Research Associate, Yeast Expression and VLP Production

Molagri· Science, Biotechnology
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Hybrid (Toronto, ON, CA)CA$85k - CA$105k + equityFull-timePosted 2w ago

About the role

Hands-on research associate to produce engineered virus-like particles (VLPs) in yeast, build production/purification/QC workflows, and support stability and characterization efforts for a novel bioinsecticide platform.

Responsibilities

  • Engineer strains of yeast to achieve efficient cell growth and VLP yields at manufacturing scale.
  • Work with viral and biochemistry teams to genetically modify yeast strains to test new VLP variants in a timely manner.
  • Transform yeast with VLP expression constructs and screen clones for expression, yield, and particle quality.
  • Produce VLPs in shake flasks and small-scale bioreactors.
  • Test and optimize production conditions (growth media, induction strategy, temperature, harvest time, etc.).
  • Run harvest, lysis/clarification, purification, buffer-exchange, and concentration workflows.
  • Run routine QC assays for expression, particle assembly, purity, aggregation, RNA packaging, and RNA integrity.
  • Support stability screens across pH, salt, excipients, temperature, freeze-thaw, and storage conditions.
  • Troubleshoot low-yield expression, poor recovery, particle instability, aggregation, RNA loss, and inconsistent QC results.
  • Maintain SOPs, batch records, assay records, and sample inventories.

Qualifications

  • BSc or MS in biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemical engineering, biotechnology, or a related field.
  • Hands-on experience expressing recombinant proteins, VLPs, or other biological products in yeast or microbial systems.
  • Experience with yeast transformation, clone screening, shake-flask expression, and small-scale fermentation or bioreactor runs.
  • Experience with protein and/or particle purification methods (chromatography, filtration).
  • Working knowledge of routine QC methods (SDS-PAGE, Western blot, ELISA, qPCR, HPLC/SEC, DLS, plate-based assays).
  • Precise/meticulous bench technique and ability to reproducibly run many small production and QC experiments.
  • Strong recordkeeping, batch/assay/sample tracking, and SOP updating skills.
  • Ability to troubleshoot production workflows and communicate results across virology, protein biochemistry, and insect biology.
  • Motivation to work hands-on in a small team building production workflows.

Skills

Required:Yeast expression and transformationVLP purificationQC methods for proteins/particlesSmall-scale bioreactor experienceDocumentation and SOPs
Last updated Oct 25, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
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About Molagri

Biopesticides that are safe for humans and bees.

Molagri develops safer, more effective pesticides for agriculture. We design biopesticides that hit a precise molecular target unique to pest insects, knocking out pests while sparing pollinators, beneficial insects, and the wider ecosystem. By modeling how pests are likely to evolve, we stay a step ahead of resistance, keeping our products effective against the pests of today and tomorrow. The higher efficacy and biobased production will also contribute to emissions reductions in both manufacturing and field use. Our founders are PhD lab mates from the University of Toronto who have worked together for six years and published in Nature Communications and Nature Microbiology.

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