Production Technician

BLES Biochemicals Inc. is a privately-owned, proudly Canadian pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturer and distributor. Our pharmaceutical product, BLES®, is a life-saving pulmonary surfactant used to treat premature infants who have respiratory distress syndrome. BLES® was discovered at Western University and continues to be manufactured in London, Ontario. In 2015, BLES® was ranked as one of the top five discoveries at an Ontario university, alongside insulin. Our product is the market-leading surfactant in Canada and several other countries, and it treats tens of thousands of patients annually.

The team at BLES Biochemicals works hard to manufacture exceptional products; the welfare and happiness of patients and their families are our top priorities. Our vision is to live in a world where every premature baby has access to life-saving pulmonary surfactant therapy. There is still a long way to go, and we hope that you’ll join us on this journey.

Responsibilities:

• Perform all work activities in a safe manner and in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Participate in the purification of raw material according to standard procedures.
• Participate in the compounding and filling of drug product according to standard procedures.
• Perform washing, drying, storage and preparation of production glassware and supplies.
• Verify critical manufacturing steps executed by a second technician as prescribed in the BPRs.
• Execute approved SOPs and complete accurate documentation.
• Operate manufacturing equipment safely and in accordance with standard operating procedures (ex. autoclave, depyrogenation oven, rotary evaporators, centrifuges, etc.).
• Prepare solvents and solutions for use in the manufacturing process.
• Perform sampling as required by the environmental monitoring program.
• Perform cleaning and sanitation of production areas and supplies as part of the sanitation program.
• Participate in the in-house laundry program.
• Participate in the incorporation of surfactant foam
• Participate in cleaning/sanitation of the GMP areas of the warehouse
• Provide accurate and in-depth information for deviation report investigations as required.
• Other duties that may arise from time to time relating to BLES manufacturing, as requested by the Production Management.

Qualifications:

• College diploma in laboratory sciences or a related field OR a University degree in chemistry, biology, biochemistry or a related field preferred
• 0-2 years of experience working in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment
• Positive and professional attitude
• Strong communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively and productively as part of a team
• Experience accurately following written standard procedures and policies
• Comfort working with chemicals and using standard laboratory equipment and glassware
• Ability to perform work with prolonged periods of standing and repetitive movements
• Knowledge of good manufacturing practices (GMP) an asset
• Experience working with aseptic technique is considered an asset