Company Description
Zymeworks is a publicly listed (NASDAQ:ZYME) R&D and clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of next-generation, bispecific and multifunctional biotherapeutics, initially focused on the treatment of cancer. Zymeworks' suite of complementary therapeutic platforms and its fully-integrated drug development engine provide the flexibility and compatibility to precisely engineer and develop highly-differentiated product candidates. We are a global company headquartered in Vancouver, BC, with operations in Bellevue, WA, Dublin, Ireland, Singapore and Redwood City, CA. 

About the Position

We are currently seeking a Co-op Student to join the Antibody Discovery and Engineering group in the Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) Therapeutic Development department. The Antibody Discovery and Engineering group is responsible for the discovery of therapeutic antibodies against tumour-associated antigens for the treatment of cancer - encompassing antibody generation, humanization, formatting, and functional characterization – as initial stage on a path towards generating Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) therapeutics. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting experimental tasks related to antibody discovery. The Co-op Student will frequently be challenged to critically analyze results and contribute to the Zymeworks team effort to create best-in-class therapeutics.  

This position reports to a Senior Research Associate in Antibody Discovery and Engineering and will be based in our laboratory in Vancouver, BC. The candidate must be available to work on site without relocation assistance. 

The hourly wage for this co-op position is $21.00 CAD. 

What You'll Do

• Support mammalian tissue culture, maintaining numerous tumor cell lines using sterile technique. Works with team to ensure cell lines are properly expanded, cryopreserved, and databases updated as required. 
• Qualify antigen and perform sera titering to support immunization campaigns. 
• Performs high throughput antibody characterization using Octet antibody quantification, flow cytometry (cell or bead based), ELISA, and cytotoxicity assays.
• Performs various molecular biology techniques (PCR, cloning, plasmid preparation & purification, etc.) to support antibody discovery platform. 
• Perform and optimize high throughput assays using automation (liquid handlers). 
• May perform FACS to interrogate immune repertoires. 
• Performs experiments, interprets, and analyzes data, and prepares and disseminates data presentations for group meetings. 
• Adheres to Zymeworks standard procedures for generating, documenting, and archiving data, maintaining an accurate, up-to-date electronic laboratory notebook. 
• Conducts all activities in accordance with scientific standards, OS&H regulations and established Zymeworks policies and practices. 
• Contributes to a safe and highly efficient laboratory environment through ordering of consumables, preparation of solutions, stocking of consumables, and maintaining a clean working environment. 

What You'll Bring

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program in Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology or a related discipline . Successful completion of at least one relevant co-op term is preferred.  Availability for an 8-month co-op term is also required. 
• Experience involving mammalian tissue culture, FACS, flow cytometry, ELISA, high-content analysis, fluorescence imaging or basic molecular biology techniques would be an asset.  
• Good organizational skills and the ability to work effectively in a high paced, fast changing environment. Results-oriented.  
• Proven interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively as a member of cross-functional team. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.  
• Good computer skills particularly with Excel and PowerPoint. Experience with or knowledge of GraphPad and FlowJo software considered an asset.  
• Basic working knowledge of antibody and antibody-drug conjugate structure and function considered an asset. 

Why Work for Us? 

Zymeworks’ employees are passionate, engaged and extremely motivated to succeed. We are excited by the cutting-edge science and technology, the endless possibilities this union holds and the sheer opportunity to be a part of something big. 

As a Co-op Student, you’ll get to work directly with the teams to learn and contribute to creating the best-in-class therapeutics.  Our Co-op Program is designed to challenge students to think critically by actively participating in projects, and to develop professionally and personally. 

Our competitive program makes your time at Zymeworks worthwhile. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or disability. 

This role is not eligible for relocation or immigration support. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or disability.

NOTE TO AGENCIES:  Zymeworks values our relationships with our recruiting partners. We only accept resumes from those partners who have been contracted with us. Zymeworks is not responsible for any fees related to resumes that are unsolicited or are received without contract.