VIDO

Vaccine Development Project Manager


Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada .
full-time . May 1, 2025

Description

The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research, is a world leader in infectious disease research and vaccine development for humans and animals. Located at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, VIDO is one of the largest and most advanced containment facilities in the world. To strengthen the preparedness for emerging infectious diseases we are currently expanding our infrastructure to include containment level 4, a GMP vaccine manufacturing facility, and new animal housing. Our vision includes having the capacity to study any emerging disease in any animal model embracing a One Health approach to prevent emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in humans and animals. 
 
One of the key areas of focus at VIDO is Vaccine Development. The Vaccine Development group focuses on helping to bring internal technologies further down the discovery/development pipeline, toward commercialization. This work requires knowledge of pre-clinical studies, bench-scale and large scale GMP manufacturing, as well regulatory requirements for clinical testing and licensing of both veterinary and human vaccines.
 
Reporting to the Director of Vaccine Development, the Project Manager coordinates with Principal Investigators, Research Technicians, Clinical Veterinarians, Animal Technicians, and other VIDO employees to manage scientific projects from proof-of-concept through to commercialization or out licensing to ensure the development project study data is reported with quality and integrity and delivered on time and budget.
 
Who you are
 
You are looking to apply your knowledge of science and project management in an interesting and diverse organization and:
  • You have 5 years' experience in an academic or industry environment,
  • You are passionate about people and developing relationships with others,
  • You like working in a fast-paced environment, working with researchers and external stakeholders in a diverse and collaborative environment.

Position Overview
 The Vaccine Development Project Manager administers scientific projects from proof-of-concept through to commercialization or out licensing. This includes:
·        Participate in the generation of funding proposals for the continued development of VIDO products.
·        Manage project financials with the finance team, including:
·        Prepare invoices and ensure timely submission.
·        Prepare and submit financial reports to funding agency.
·        Process external invoices for payment.
·        Consult with Senior Leadership and Principal Investigators to ensure scientific rigor in study conduct, animal welfare, data quality and integrity, and accurate interpretation of the study results during reporting.
·        Contributes to the preparation of ethics submissions.
·        Prepare animal services requests.
·        Coordinate with veterinary care staff to manage project scheduling, animal manipulation, protocols, and approvals.
·        Coordinate the assignment of VIDO resources required for project completion with Senior Leadership and Principal Investigators.
·        Develop project timelines in consultation with VIDO staff and ensure timelines are met.
·        Manage communication with funders, external service providers, and VIDO staff throughout the project.
·        Manage external collaborations within the Vaccine Development group, including sample shipments and scientific data review.
·        Contribute to the drafting of clinical and regulatory documents such as clinical trial protocols and Quality Overall Summaries.
·        Draft reports and peer reviewed papers, including data analysis and figure preparation.
·        Work with the Non-Regulated Process Development group to ensure bench-scale manufacturing processes are established for a smooth transfer into regulated manufacturing.
·        Assist in identifying and procuring new equipment.
·        Report project status, funding, and timelines to Senior Leadership.
·        May be assigned to manage strategic projects from conception through execution.

Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related discipline).
  • Master's degree or Ph.D. is preferred.

Experience:
  • Minimum of 5 years of project management experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with a focus on vaccine development.
  • Understanding of molecular biology, immunology, virology, and/or vaccine development.
  • Familiarity with animal models of infection.
  • Knowledge of clinical trials and regulatory submissions.
  • Proficiency in data and statistical analysis using software programs such as GraphPad Prism, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Experience with major funding agencies and managing client relations is an asset.
 
Certifications:
  • PMP (Project Management Professional) or equivalent certification is highly desirable.
 
An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
 
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: Non-Union
Shift: Monday – Friday, 7.5 hours per day (37.5 hours per week) 
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
 
The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php#Howtoapplyforaposition
 
Facility Access Screening including Criminal Record Check: Yes
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Yes
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable
 
Interested candidates are asked to submit their application including a cover letter, CV and references. Applications will be reviewed as of May 16, 2025.

We thank all applicants for their interest; only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

For more information visit: vido.org

Note: The University believes equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation, and creativity. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodation for those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.

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