Mar 13, 2018 | Careers
Company Overview
Solid State Pharma Inc. is a leader in the delivery of crystallization engineering services including
screening and selection of polymorphs, co-crystals, salts, and crystallization process development and
optimization. SPPI has experienced great success with the workflows that have been developed by
combining fundamentals of crystallization and solid form science with years of experience and high
throughput techniques. SSPI is conducting research on pharmaceutical crystallization engineering,
polymorph screening, salt screening, co-crystal screening, chiral resolution, polymorph quantification,
converting amorphous material to crystalline solid, chemical and crystallization process modeling. SSPI is
working with a large number of pharmaceutical companies across the globe to help them fully
understand the solid state and crystallization of their drug candidates.
About Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax is one of the most beautiful and historic Canadian cities. Located on the coast of the Atlantic
Ocean, there are numerous parks, campsites, trails and rivers around the city for outdoor activities. City
life is also superb. With a population of more than 400,000, Halifax is home to many cultural attractions,
museums, art galleries, pubs and clubs. The city hosts three major universities and many community
colleges. The beautiful Annapolis valley, which is home to the highest tides in the world, and also
mountainous Cape Breton, are within a few hours of drive from Halifax. Halifax has one of the mildest
winters in Canada as well as one of the most pleasant summers, which you can enjoy on the beautiful
water front boardwalk.
Summary
“Scientist” position is a key contributor to the ongoing research at SSPI reporting to senior scientist or
director. “Scientist” will contribute through conducting solid form screening experiments, characterizing
the resulting materials, performing crystallization process development for active pharmaceutical
ingredients and natural products through utilizing the physical chemistry knowledge and hands on
experience. It is expected to have 70-80% lab work.
Job Responsibility
Design and perform high throughput polymorph screening, salt screening, solubility
measurement and characterization under direction of senior scientist or director
Design and perform crystallization process development, under direction of senior scientist or
director, to achieve desired polymorph and specifications while meeting the specs
Characterize the generated samples using X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD), Differential Scanning
Calorimetry (DSC), Thermal Gravimetry Analysis (TGA), Liquid Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
(NMR), dynamic vapor sorption (DVS), Optical Microscope, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM),
Particle Size Analyzer and HPLC
Record all the details of experiments and analytical data
Analyze data that are obtained from experiments and draw conclusions
Use Deign of Experiment (DOE) software to perform statistical analysis of generated experimental data
Write high quality weekly and final reports
Routinely present the project results to the team through teleconference
Follow the safety rules and housekeeping principles to maintain the working around clean and safe
Other responsibilities as assigned
Education & Experience
PhD in chemistry, chemical Engineering, pharmaceutical sciences or related in the areas of crystallization engineering, physical chemistry, formulation, analytical chemistry, solid state characterization or organic chemistry.
Skills
Laboratory techniques for conducting wet chemistry experiments
Knowledge of technical report writing is a must
Knowledge of XRPD, DSC, TGA, STDA, SEM, DVS, NMR, HPLC and particle size analyzer is a plus
Knowledge of crystallization engineering and solid form screening principles is a plus
Knowledge of Process Analytical Technologies (PAT) tools is a plus. Specifically, FBRM, React-IR and PVM
Knowledge of statistical Design of Experiment (DOE) is a plus
Experience with DOE software, e.g. Design Expert is a plus
Ability to use Microsoft office software is a must
Excellent communication skills and the ability to present the result are required
Physical Demands
While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to talk, hear, see, stand, walk, sit, smell and use hands and fingers, to handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to pick up ordinary weights.
Closing date
Open till filled
Contact information
Please e-mail your CV and cover letter describing why you are an ideal candidate: [email protected]]]>
Mar 7, 2018 | News, SONA NanoTech
See original article here
Written by Darren Rowles , CEO of Sona Nanotech
Having been a scientist for more than 15 years, I’ve seen my fair share of science-based startups come and go.
Those that succeed tend to do so through a combination of good products, good business sense and good fortune. Often a good enough product or idea can compensate for a lack of business sense, and some companies succeed through sheer luck alone.
But many others fall by the wayside before they even get a chance to succeed. Without a good business plan and knowledge of the market even the best products and ideas can fail.
The simple fact is, many scientists lack the business acumen and motivation needed to take their idea or product to market. I don’t say this as a criticism, just an observation; many scientists have absolutely no interest in business, finance or commerce and that’s fine.
Take my company, Sona Nanotech, for example. The team at Sona comprises brilliant scientists who have developed unique products – the world’s first toxin-free gold nanorods. But they lacked the knowledge and contacts to gain the vital market access they needed to make the products a commercial success.
Over Sona’s brief history there has been no shortage of would-be investors willing to back the company and its products, but it was difficult for the team to properly capitalize on these offers without a solid commercial strategy.
That’s why I was brought on board as CEO and president at the end of last year, because I know the market, I am comfortable in business environments, I can talk the language and I can build relationships and partnerships.
Read our Report on Sona’s Plan To List on the TSX Venture
Coming from the U.K., I am having to learn how to navigate an entirely new and unfamiliar system here in Nova Scotia, so I can understand some of the difficulties other life science startups in the province face when it comes to commercializing their own products.
For example, after an initial successful application a couple of years ago, we applied to the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency for further funding, but not being very familiar with the system and wanting to get the best out of it meant we needed help.
So, we brought in a consultant to help us better understand the system and how to access the different tiers of funding programs. As a result, our current application stands a better chance than most.
There are also operational issues to consider. Take facilities, for example. We are incredibly lucky and grateful that we have been able to operate the company out of lab space at St. Francis Xavier University. But now we need a new space to accommodate our growth and have been looking around for somewhere suitable.
Many life sciences startups will no doubt be in the same position, having spun out of one of the province’s excellent universities they will be looking for a permanent base from which to grow.
Luckily there are options for us in the Halifax area, and for startups there are several incubation hubs in the region that can offer superb facilities. However, finding those facilities and negotiating a good deal can be difficult if you aren’t commercially minded.
Logistics is another issue. We recently needed to buy in some specialist equipment from the U.S., but to do so we had to use brokers to deal with the import/export costs and supply chain logistics, something which came as a bit of a surprise.
ABK Raises $9M in Equity Financing
Nova Scotia has a healthy and growing life sciences sector. Worth around $300 million and centered on the Halifax area, it is home to more than 50 companies that employ around 1,100 people.
There are also some incredible life science startups dotted throughout Nova Scotia, but unless they receive proper business support many are going to struggle to fully realize their potential.
Life sciences if a fast-moving global sector, and startups need interaction with industry partners, access to programs of funding and, most importantly, access to the market.
And this can’t just be access to market reports, because those can be sourced online, but real market access, company databases, contact info and the opportunity of actually getting in front of the key decision-makers in their specific part of the life sciences sector.
Ideally, they need to obtain access or incorporate an individual or organization into their setup that can bridge the gap between science and business, which can be worlds apart.
That’s why something like BioNova, the life sciences body for Nova Scotia, is so vital. BioNova aims to advance life sciences in the province and accelerate the commercialization success of its businesses and organizations by building relationships and by creating networking and educational opportunities. Additionally, it offers programs that allow life sciences SMEs to apply for project funding or work with collaborators. As a member we have made vital connections in the sector both inside and outside the province.
If the potential of Nova Scotia’s life sciences sector is to be fully realized in the increasingly competitive global marketplace, its science and business communities must work more closely together in future.
Darren Rowles is CEO of Sona Nanotech, a biotech firm based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He has 15 years’ experience in product manufacture and development in the area of gold nanoparticles and lateral flow diagnostics.]]>
Mar 6, 2018 | ADDText, News
Turning experience into a business to help others
Today, Gelhorn is a learning strategist, ADHD coach, and entrepreneur who founded ADDvocacy, a coaching and training company based in Halifax that is committed to helping clients excel in their personal, scholastic and professional lives.
“Our coaches collaborate with clients on how to master executive function strategies, such as organization, time management, goal-setting, emotions management and communication skills,” says Gelhorn. “We also help them navigate community programming and relevant funding opportunities.” In addition, Gelhorn provides professional development training for educators and employers on how to boost productivity in a diverse workforce.
As ADDvocacy’s coaching is one-on-one, and disability and mental health resources are stretched thin in Nova Scotia, Gelhorn realized there was a bigger opportunity to help more of his target demographic (ages 16 to 39) by incorporating technology.
“What if we could develop a platform that enables 24/7 text-based learning strategies and real-time support between coaching meetings, or as a stand-alone service?” The app ADDtext was born, and like its potential clients, it needed help.
How SmartBusiness helped
Gelhorn met with the Halifax Partnership’s SmartBusiness account executive, Minder Singh, in November 2016. Singh introduced Gelhorn to Dr. Adrian Kelly, grants facilitator at Saint Mary’s University, who sourced the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) as the right fit for ADDvocacy’s growing needs.
IRAP helps businesses with advice, funding, access to global markets and support for hiring youth; a perfect fit for ADDvocacy, which employs young coaches who have experienced and managed similar emotional and mental challenges as their clients.
Through IRAP, ADDtext received advisory services and funding in January 2017, and the app was up and running within a month. The current platform has room for up to 5,000 early adopters to help fine-tune the service. In mid-2018, the full version of the app will launch to an expected 600 million users worldwide.
From Singh’s many introductions, Gelhorn learned about an opportunity to pitch his company and network with like-minded developers and entrepreneurs at a Propel ICT event. “Singh is methodological in his approach. For example, he recognized I needed a programmer and provided connections through Saint Mary’s University to find one. It’s been priceless working with him because every contact he has given me has been influential in my work.”
“Gelhorn made the most of SmartBusiness,” says Singh. “He followed up on every introduction to gain the information and connections to help his business take the next step,” a head-on, diligent approach to success even a former principal would have praised. To learn more about how the SmartBusiness Program can help your business, click here.]]>
Mar 2, 2018 | Densitas Inc., News
510(k) clearance of Densitas’ advanced machine learning algorithm empowers radiologists with on-demand actionable information at point-of-care
VIENNA, Austria – March 1 2018 – Breast imaging analytics innovator Densitas Inc. announced today that it has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its machine learning breast density assessment software. The software empowers radiologists with standardized, personalized and automated density reports to optimize women’s breast health and follow-up care decisions.
“Receiving 510(k) clearance marks a significant milestone in our company’s growth as we expand our global reach into the U.S. market with our flagship product,” said Mohamed Abdolell, CEO of Densitas. We are delighted to be entering the largest medical device market in the world, especially as 31 states have passed mandatory breast density notification laws.”
Breast density has been shown to be strongly associated with cancer risk. Densitas has the distinct advantage of facilitating breast density assessments of routinely stored standard processed images and their priors because the technology processes the same standard digital mammograms that radiologists view. This provides a practical solution for integrating breast density into risk-based models in population-based screening.
The software is cleared for clinical use in the U.S., Europe, Canada and Australia, and is the first of several follow-on products. The software is being showcased at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR 2018), booth 114 at the Austria Center Vienna.
About Densitas
Densitas develops advanced imaging analytics technologies powered by machine learning that deliver actionable insights at point-of-care for personalized breast health. Our products address the key challenges facing breast imaging today, including mammography quality, workflow efficiencies, compliance with national guidelines and standards, and delivery of appropriate care at sustainable costs. For more information, visit www.densitas.health.
Contact
Alex Morris
[email protected]
Mobile: 1-647- 470-4363]]>
Mar 1, 2018 | Densitas Inc., Members, News
See original story here
Breast imaging analytics innovator Densitas Inc. announced today that it has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its machine learning breast density assessment software. The software empowers radiologists with standardized, personalized and automated density reports to optimize women’s breast health and follow-up care decisions.“Receiving 510(k) clearance marks a significant milestone in our company’s growth as we expand our global reach into the U.S. market with our flagship product,” said Mohamed Abdolell, CEO of Densitas. We are delighted to be entering the largest medical device market in the world, especially as 31 states have passed mandatory breast density notification laws.”
Breast density has been shown to be strongly associated with cancer risk. Densitas has the distinct advantage of facilitating breast density assessments of routinely stored standard processed images and their priors because the technology processes the same standard digital mammograms that radiologists view. This provides a practical solution for integrating breast density into risk-based models in population-based screening.The software is cleared for clinical use in the U.S., Europe, Canada and Australia, and is the first of several follow-on products. The software is being showcased at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR 2018), booth 114 at the Austria Center Vienna.About Densitas
Densitas develops advanced imaging analytics technologies powered by machine learning that deliver actionable insights at point-of-care for personalized breast health. Our products address the key challenges facing breast imaging today, including mammography quality, workflow efficiencies, compliance with national guidelines and standards, and delivery of appropriate care at sustainable costs. For more information, visit www.densitas.health]]>
