About Qeen Biotechnologies

Qeen Biotechnologies manufactures GMP-grade bacteriophages and phage cocktails for therapeutic use. We are a small, quick-growing team building a manufacturing and quality platform from the ground up, which means the work here is hands-on, varied, and visible.

Sequencing sits at the centre of that platform. Every phage and every bacterial host we work with is characterized by whole-genome sequencing, for identity, purity, genome stability, and release-supporting data. We run an Oxford Nanopore GridION in-house alongside cloud-based analysis pipelines.

Job Summary

We are hiring a Genomics Platform Associate to run day-to-day operations on our nanopore sequencing platform. You will own the bench workflow end to end: sample intake, DNA extraction, library preparation, sequencing runs, and first-pass data QC. You will work closely with the Sequencing and Bioinformatics Lead, and with the microbiology, manufacturing, and QA teams who depend on the data you generate.

We expect you to arrive comfortable at the bench and with molecular biology fundamentals. We will train you on nanopore chemistry, our pipelines, and our quality systems – although prior experience with nanopore sequencing & bioinformatics analysis is an asset.

What You'll Do:

Sequencing operations, data handling, and first-pass QC

- Extract high-molecular-weight genomic DNA from bacterial cultures and purified phage lysates
- Perform DNA quantification and quality assessment (Qubit, spectrophotometry)
- Prepare multiplexed nanopore libraries at scale, with commercially available kits or custom protocols
- Set up, launch, and monitor GridION runs; manage flow cell loading, washing, storage, and reuse
- Track flow cell health, pore counts,



and run yields; troubleshoot underperforming runs and escalate as needed
- Review run-level and sample-level QC metrics against defined acceptance criteria, and flag failures
- Maintain accurate sample-to-barcode-to-dataset traceability from intake through to final result

Laboratory and quality

- Maintain sample and reagent inventory
- Execute SOPs accurately and contribute to writing and revising them
- Keep complete, contemporaneous records in lab notebooks and quality documentation
- Support instrument qualification, preventive maintenance, and calibration activities
- Work within a GMP-adjacent quality framework and support QA on documentation, deviations, and change control

General

- Prepare bacterial cultures and media as needed to support sequencing workflows
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace, including biosafety compliance for BSL-2 organisms
- Participate in team meetings and contribute ideas for improving throughput, cost, and data quality

What We're Looking For:

Required:

- BSc or MSc in molecular biology, biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related field
- 2+ years of hands-on wet-lab experience
- Strong molecular biology technique: accurate micropipetting, nucleic acid extraction, PCR, gel or automated electrophoresis
- Aseptic technique and comfort working with bacterial cultures
- Demonstrated attention to detail and disciplined record-keeping - in a multiplexed sequencing workflow,



a single mis-set pipette or transposed barcode invalidates a whole batch
- Comfort with computer work: spreadsheets, file management, and a willingness to learn command-line basics
- Ability to manage several parallel workflows and prioritize under deadlines

Preferred:

- Direct experience with Oxford Nanopore sequencing (MinION, GridION, or PromethION) and/or with Illumina library preparation
- Experience with high-molecular-weight DNA extraction
- Familiarity with the Linux command line, or any scripting experience (Bash, Python, R)
- Bioinformatics and pipeline-building experience (Nextflow/Snakemake, Docker/Singularity)
- Prior work in a GMP, GLP, ISO, or otherwise regulated environment
- Experience with liquid handling automation
- Experience with bacteriophage biology, plaque assays, or phage propagation and purification

You're the kind of person who:

- Works independently and takes ownership of your results
- Has sharp attention to detail and produces audit-ready work
- Applies strong technical judgment when something doesn't look right
- Digs into atypical or failed results rather than just flagging them

Why join us:

- Own a platform rather than a task list - you will be the person who knows this instrument best
- Work on an innovative therapy that is reaching patients directly
- Direct mentorship in nanopore sequencing and a clear path into bioinformatics or quality-focused work, depending on where your interests take you
- Small team, short decision cycles, real influence on how the lab is built

Pay: $48,000.00-$55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- Casual dress
- On-site parking
- RRSP match
- Health & dental plan

Work Location: In person (Gatineau, QC)

Start date: October 2026

📌 Genomics Platform Associate (Gatineau)
🏢 Qeen Biotechnologies
📍 Gatineau