Pardee lab is always interested in connecting with potential undergraduate / graduate students, post doctoral fellows and research associates. We encourage interested individuals to reach out with their qualifications at [email protected] or keep an eye on this space for future announcements for possible research opportunities.
New position: Research Opportunity in Engineering for Protein Therapeutics Device Development
Research Opportunity in Engineering for Protein Therapeutics Device Development
Start Date: August / September 2025
The Pardee Lab (www.pardeelab.org) at the University of Toronto is seeking a Research Assistant with expertise in engineering to join our multidisciplinary team. The researcher would work alongside synthetic biologists in the lab to develop the next generation of devices for the distributed production of protein therapeutics and other molecular medicines at the point-of-need.
The recently funded project (https://cepi.net/transatlantic-scientists-transition-traditional-vaccinedevelopment-rapid-response-platform-faster) marries engineering method-side innovation with cell-free synthetic biology and vaccine production, with a focus on the development of devices for the distributed production therapeutic proteins in benchtop, accurate, automated deploymentready units. Through broader efforts in the lab, the student will also have an opportunity to work on projects dedicated to bringing biomanufacturing to the point-of-need, with implications for patients in Canada’s North, low- and middle-income countries, and personalized medicine.
Project Overview
This project focuses on designing, prototyping, and testing next-generation fluidic devices for automated, cell-free protein synthesis and purification. The successful candidate will be responsible for engineering a fluid-handling system that integrates precise temperature control, real-time optical monitoring, and automated process control. This involves developing and implementing fluidic and electronic systems and hardware-software interfaces to enable dynamic control of cell-free synthetic biology reactions.
Required Skills and Experience
The ideal applicant will have experience in most or all of the following areas:
• A strong engineering background in Mechanical, Electrical, Biomedical, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.
• Experience in device design and fabrication, including CAD software (e.g., Fusion 360), 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC machining.
• Proficiency in mechatronics and hardware development, including sensor integration, electronics, and automation.
• Experience with systems integration, including hardware-software interfacing, graphical user interface development, real-time control, and automation.
• Strong programming skills for device control and data acquisition (e.g., Python, C++).
• Experience with microprocessor programming (e.g., Raspberry Pi, Arduino) and embedded systems.
• Experience in electronic circuit design, PCB layout, and circuit debugging. Familiarity with molecular biology, biochemistry, and protein engineering principles is a bonus.
Required qualifications
A Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field, with demonstrated experience in device design, prototyping, and hardware-software integration.
Opportunities for Growth
• Work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment at the forefront of biomanufacturing and synthetic biology.
• Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge device prototyping, automation, and bioprocess integration.
• Collaborate with a diverse team of engineers, biologists, biochemists.
• Opportunity to learn protein expression and purification techniques, directed evolution, and computational protein design.
• Exposure to biomanufacturing process development for therapeutic proteins.
Contract Duration
The position is offered as a full-time temporary appointment for a period of 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and project needs.
Application Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials as a single PDF file via email to [email protected]:
· Curriculum Vitae (CV)
· Copy of transcripts
· Statement of Research Interests and Experience (specifically addressing your experience related to the responsibilities outlined above)
· Contact Information for Three References
Application closing date: June 13, 2025, 11:59PM ET
Join us in advancing biomanufacturing innovation to make life-saving therapeutics more accessible worldwide!
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority
Start Date: August / September 2025
The Pardee Lab (www.pardeelab.org) at the University of Toronto is seeking a Research Assistant with expertise in engineering to join our multidisciplinary team. The researcher would work alongside synthetic biologists in the lab to develop the next generation of devices for the distributed production of protein therapeutics and other molecular medicines at the point-of-need.
The recently funded project (https://cepi.net/transatlantic-scientists-transition-traditional-vaccinedevelopment-rapid-response-platform-faster) marries engineering method-side innovation with cell-free synthetic biology and vaccine production, with a focus on the development of devices for the distributed production therapeutic proteins in benchtop, accurate, automated deploymentready units. Through broader efforts in the lab, the student will also have an opportunity to work on projects dedicated to bringing biomanufacturing to the point-of-need, with implications for patients in Canada’s North, low- and middle-income countries, and personalized medicine.
Project Overview
This project focuses on designing, prototyping, and testing next-generation fluidic devices for automated, cell-free protein synthesis and purification. The successful candidate will be responsible for engineering a fluid-handling system that integrates precise temperature control, real-time optical monitoring, and automated process control. This involves developing and implementing fluidic and electronic systems and hardware-software interfaces to enable dynamic control of cell-free synthetic biology reactions.
Required Skills and Experience
The ideal applicant will have experience in most or all of the following areas:
• A strong engineering background in Mechanical, Electrical, Biomedical, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.
• Experience in device design and fabrication, including CAD software (e.g., Fusion 360), 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC machining.
• Proficiency in mechatronics and hardware development, including sensor integration, electronics, and automation.
• Experience with systems integration, including hardware-software interfacing, graphical user interface development, real-time control, and automation.
• Strong programming skills for device control and data acquisition (e.g., Python, C++).
• Experience with microprocessor programming (e.g., Raspberry Pi, Arduino) and embedded systems.
• Experience in electronic circuit design, PCB layout, and circuit debugging. Familiarity with molecular biology, biochemistry, and protein engineering principles is a bonus.
Required qualifications
A Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field, with demonstrated experience in device design, prototyping, and hardware-software integration.
Opportunities for Growth
• Work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment at the forefront of biomanufacturing and synthetic biology.
• Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge device prototyping, automation, and bioprocess integration.
• Collaborate with a diverse team of engineers, biologists, biochemists.
• Opportunity to learn protein expression and purification techniques, directed evolution, and computational protein design.
• Exposure to biomanufacturing process development for therapeutic proteins.
Contract Duration
The position is offered as a full-time temporary appointment for a period of 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and project needs.
Application Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials as a single PDF file via email to [email protected]:
· Curriculum Vitae (CV)
· Copy of transcripts
· Statement of Research Interests and Experience (specifically addressing your experience related to the responsibilities outlined above)
· Contact Information for Three References
Application closing date: June 13, 2025, 11:59PM ET
Join us in advancing biomanufacturing innovation to make life-saving therapeutics more accessible worldwide!
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority
