Development Lab Associate

About Fortis Life Sciences

Fortis Life Sciences is a global leader in life sciences and diagnostic reagents and solutions. We partner with our customers to design, validate, and manufacture solutions that solve complex development challenges. Our teams collaborate across multiple sites, functions, and scientific disciplines to help customers bring their innovations to market with confidence.

International Point of Care Inc. (IPOC), a Fortis site based in Toronto, Canada, is a leading provider of innovative solutions for the in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) industry and the research and development community.

With a strong focus on rapid point-of-care testing, IPOC provides:

• Contract IVD manufacturing
• Lateral flow components including the PrimeCare™ blood separation membrane
• Custom lyophilization services

Job Description

Fortis-IPOC is seeking a Development Associate for a full-time contract position at our Toronto facility.

The initial contract duration is eight (8) months, with the possibility of extension or permanent employment based on performance and business needs.

Reporting to the Director of Development Science, the Development Lab Associate will support the Development of our various products.

Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on laboratory activities, including buffer and solution preparation, aliquoting, sample handling, and packaging.
• Operate standard laboratory equipment, including micropipettes, microbalances, centrifuges, and other routine laboratory instruments.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment in accordance with established procedures and safety requirements.
• Execute laboratory activities to support development, testing, and technical operations projects.
• Support process scale-up and technology transfer activities from the laboratory to the manufacturing environment under established procedures and guidance.
• Maintain accurate and timely laboratory documentation, including laboratory notebooks, experimental records, SOP inputs, batch records, and other technical documentation.
• Prepare basic technical summaries, figures, data tables, and reports for internal review.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and other cross-functional teams to support product development activities.
• Participate in project meetings and provide updates on assigned experiments, activities, and results.
• Provide technical data and product information to internal stakeholders as required.
• Communicate effectively with team members to ensure alignment on priorities, deliverables, and timelines.
• Follow established Quality Management System (QMS) procedures, laboratory standards, and applicable quality requirements.
• Support the preparation and maintenance of SOPs, batch records, work instructions, and other technical documents.
• Assist with QC testing activities, data recording, and basic laboratory troubleshooting.
• Follow applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements in all daily activities.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within laboratory, development, and manufacturing workflows.
• Identify opportunities to improve laboratory efficiency, experimental execution, and routine processes.
• Support special projects and other activities as assigned to meet team and business objectives.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or College Diploma in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• 1+ year of relevant industry or laboratory experience is preferred; candidates with strong academic laboratory experience may also be considered.
• Experience in process development, diagnostics, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or regulated manufacturing environments is an asset.
• Experience with laboratory documentation, including laboratory notebooks, SOPs, batch records, reports, or experimental records.
• Familiarity with Quality Management Systems (QMS), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is an asset.
• Strong technical communication skills, with the ability to accurately document and communicate experimental activities and results.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, follow established procedures, and work effectively in a fast-paced laboratory environment.

Skills

• Solid technical foundation in molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or related scientific disciplines.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when performing laboratory procedures and documenting results.
• Basic analytical thinking, data interpretation, and scientific problem-solving skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a cross-functional team.
• Demonstrated initiative, reliability, and accountability.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Willingness to learn new laboratory techniques, processes, and technologies.
• Adaptability and ability to work effectively in a dynamic development environment.
• Commitment to laboratory safety, quality, and compliance.

Working Environment

• Combination of laboratory and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to stand and sit for extended periods.
• Ability to lift/move materials weighing up to 8 kg.
• May involve working with biochemical materials.
• Required to follow applicable safety procedures and PPE requirements.

Our Mission & Values

At Fortis Life Sciences, our mission is:

“Pursuing a Healthier World by Creating Tomorrow's Science Today.”

Our core values (EXCITE) guide our work:

• Excellence – Solving problems at the root cause with no shortcuts
• Customer First – Prioritizing the success and outcomes of our customers
• Integrity – Acting with honesty and accountability
• Trust – Empowering our teams to make the right decisions
• Entrepreneurship – Encouraging innovation and smart risk-taking

Additional Job Posting Information

Existing Vacancy: This job posting is for an existing vacancy within the organization.

Use of Artificial Intelligence: The company may use automated tools or artificial intelligence (AI) to assist with screening or evaluating candidate applications during the recruitment process.

Candidate Communication: Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility

Fortis Life Sciences and International Point of Care Inc. are equal opportunity employers committed to creating an inclusive workplace.

We prohibit discrimination or harassment based on race, colour, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Accessibility Accommodation:
In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment and selection process upon request. Applicants requiring accommodation should notify Human Resources.