Mycologist

Job Title: Mycologist 

Shields Pharma Inc.
Address: 60 Shields Court, Markham, Ontario, L3R 9T5

Job Type: full-time, permanent
Work Location: in person
Language of Work: English
Work Hours: 40 hours per week / 8 hours per day
Wage: $40 per hour
Vacation: 2 weeks
Health Benefits: Health care, dental, and vision

About Shields Pharma Inc.

Shields Pharma Inc. is a Health Canada approved GMP organization located in Markam, Ontario.

We offer Laboratory R&D and QC testing services as well as production and formulation of certain psychedelic therapeutics for treatment of certain mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and problematic substance.

Shields Pharma Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion for everyone. We are continuously looking for smart-minded, skilled, qualified, experienced, independent, reliable, and detail-oriented candidates to join our successful team.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do.

You can count on;

• Safety as our first core value,
• Integrity,
• Accountability, and
• Continuous Training and skill development.

Job Description:

The Mycologist is responsible for conducting advanced research on fungal biology, with a primary focus on Psilocybe species. This role supports the development, optimization, and scaling of fungal cultivation methods, contributes to new product development, and ensures compliance with product quality and safety standards. The Mycologist will work collaboratively across research and operations teams to translate scientific findings into practical, commercial applications.

1. Conduct research into the structure, function, ecology, biotechnology and genetics of fungi, with an emphasis on Psilocybe species.
   - Perform research into strain variation, phenotypic expression, and yield optimization across multiple Psilocybe species.
2. Conduct research on the effects of environmental factors, such as temperature, light, and humidity, on mushroom growth.
3. Conduct research into the structure and functioning of fungi tissues and mycelium.
   - Prepare, maintain and characterize fungal cultures using agar media, slants, liquid cultures, and controlled bioreactors.
   - Conduct experiments related to strain identification, selection, and genetic stability to develop improved cultivation or production methods, and maintain a genetic library of fungal strains
4. Investigate microbial contamination, pathogens, and deviations by performing environmental monitoring, colony-forming units (CFU) tracking, and contamination control assessments, and by developing corrective and preventive strategies.
5. Participate in feasibility studies related to commercialization of fungal-derived products or processes.
6. Apply biostatistical and data-driven analytics to cultivation outcomes to refine processes and improve predictability to develop new methods of optimal growth of fungi.
7. Develop, refine, and validate cultivation methods, workflows, and protocols related to fungal cultivation, environmental control, and product development.
8. Maintain laboratory quality systems and documentation in accordance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP), internal SOPs, and regulatory expectations, including recording experimental data, procedures, and analysis.
9. Ensure a sterile and compliant laboratory environment by performing equipment operation, sanitation, calibration, and safety checks aligned with standard laboratory practices.
10. Work collaboratively with the Operations team to align research outputs with production requirements, and provide technical support, training or supervisory guidance to laboratory technicians. 
11. Conduct research to develop new product formulations derived from fungal biological materials.
12. Conduct data analysis, modelling, and preparation of internal research reports.

Job Requirements and Qualification: (Work Status, Qualification, Knowledge, and Experience)

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, biology, Mycology, Biotechnology or similar applied scientific disciplines.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in mycology, microbiology, or mushroom cultivation, preferably in a GMP-regulated environment.
• Understanding of aseptic techniques sterile, and sanitation practices.
• Working knowledge in microbiological and/or mycology laboratory techniques and instrumentation.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with MS office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

How To Apply:

Please reference “Mycologist” in subject line and submit resume with cover letter to hr@shieldspharma.com.

We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants. We are committed to adhering to our company objectives and requirements outlined above. Kindly refrain from applying if you are not qualified.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those qualified and selected shall be contacted for an interview.

No phone calls please.