Research Associate 1 or 2, Biology

at  Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc

WHO WE ARE:

Xenon Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: XENE) is a neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical company committed to discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative therapeutics to improve the lives of people living with neurological and psychiatric disorders. We are looking for great people who thrive in a respectful, collaborative, inclusive, and productive culture to join the Xenon team.

WHAT WE DO:

We are advancing an exciting product pipeline to address indications with high unmet medical need, including epilepsy and depression. Our flagship azetukalner program represents the most advanced potassium channel modulator in clinical development for multiple indications. Building upon the positive results and compelling data from our Phase 2b “X-TOLE” study in adult patients with focal epilepsy, our Phase 3 epilepsy program includes multiple clinical trials evaluating azetukalner in patients with focal onset seizures and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. In 2024, we are planning to initiate a Phase 3 azetukalner program in major depressive disorder, based on topline data from our Phase 2 “X-NOVA” clinical trial. In addition, we are proud of the leading-edge science coming out of our discovery labs, including early-stage research programs that leverage our extensive ion channel expertise and drug discovery capabilities to identify validated drug targets and develop new product candidates. Backed by a strong balance sheet to support our growth plans, we continue to build a fully integrated, premier neuroscience company with strong discovery, clinical development, corporate, and commercial operations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience or Pharmacology or related field with up to two years of relevant experience.
• Prior practical experience with brain slices and electrophysiology is required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and takes initiative.
• Excellent record keeping and attention to detail.
• Prior experience with microscopy, immunohistochemistry is a plus.
• Knowledge in the study of ion channels and pharmacology is a plus.
• Knowledge and practical experience with current/voltage clamp approaches in the study of ion channels and pharmacology will be a plus.
• Knowledge in in silico modeling to complement our drug efforts is a plus.
  The base salary range for this role is $54,100 to $75,000 CAD; we will consider above this range for exceptional candidates. Base salary is determined by a combination of factors including, but not limited to, education and other qualifications, years of relevant experience, and internal equity.
  Our Total Rewards program includes base salary, target bonus, and stock options, as well as a full range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short-& long-term disability, accidental death & dismemberment, and life insurance programs, Employee Assistance Program, travel insurance, and retirement savings programs with company matching contributions.
  Xenon encourages time to rest and re-charge through vacation, personal days, sick days, and an end-of-year company shutdown. Xenon highly values employee development and has an expanding Training, Learning & Development program, including a Tuition Assistance program for advanced degrees.
  US positions only: Xenon Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. participates in the E-Verify program in all states in which we hire. Learn more about the E-Verify program here.
  To apply for this position, click Apply Now to complete the application. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, due to the volume of applicants, only those chosen for interview will be contacted

ABOUT THE ROLE:

We are seeking Research Associate 1 or 2, Biology with experience in brain slice electrophysiology to join our team for a nine-month contract. The candidate must be interested in neuroscience and/or pharmacology with a knowledge of electrophysiology to work with cutting edge techniques in our industry lab setting. The electrophysiologist will contribute to characterizing and elucidating the effects of novel agents on the function of target ion channels. The primary role is to perform experiments using patch clamp electrophysiology in acute rodent brain slices. There is opportunity to work with transgenic mouse lines, neuronal cultures and various imaging and electrophysiology techniques. This candidate will join a passionate, diverse, and dynamic team focused on developing treatments for epilepsy and other neurologic conditions.
The Research Associate 1 or 2, Biology reports to the Research Scientist 3, Biology. This position is located in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The level of the position will be commensurate with the candidate’s education and industry experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently design and execute electrophysiological recordings from brain slices.
• Aid the ex vivo team in performing viral injections in neonatal mice for expression of various exogenous proteins, such as fluorescent markers or opsins.
• Conduct tissue culture, immunohistochemistry and microscopy as required.
• Keep up to date and detailed records of experiments and data analysis.
• Report writing, documentation and presentations including detailed write-ups of functions and capabilities of newly developed analysis toolboxes.
• Ensure the laboratory environment safe and well-organized; follow and keep up to date with Health & Safety; other general lab maintenance duties.
• Keep up to date and detailed records of experiments and data analysis within an Electronic Lab Notebook system. Ensure experiments are counter-signed on a monthly basis.
• Ensure the laboratory environment is safe and well-organized; follow and keep up to date with Health & Safety policies.
• Act in accordance with Company policies, including, for example, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and ensure policies are understood and followed by direct reports, if any.
• Other duties as assigned.