BioInnovation
Scientist (BIS) Program
Winter 2026 Applications
Now Open
Canada’s life sciences sector is growing fast, and it needs professionals ready to lead in biomanufacturing, therapeutic innovation, and drug development. Whether you're a scientist looking to break into industry or a non-scientist supporting R&D teams, the CASTL BioInnovation Scientist (BIS) Program, developed by adMare, offers two targeted learning pathways to help you thrive.
Choose Your Path
Foundations
Stream
For early-career scientists ready to transition into industry
If you're nearing the end of your academic training and wondering how to launch your career in biotech, the Foundations stream was developed for you. This fully virtual program equips you with the industry context, professional network, and strategic mindset needed to succeed in therapeutic R&D and beyond.
Your Pathway to Industry Readiness
- Gain an industry-focused perspective on drug development, from discovery to commercialization
- Learn from industry experts about career pathways and sector trends
- Develop essential decision-making skills for life sciences innovation
- Build your professional network and explore new career opportunities
- Participate in a flexible online format designed for working and learning remotely
- Applications due: January 5, 2026
- Program runs: from January 19 to March 16 (+ additional dates for the enhancement option)
- Program fee: $250 + tax
- Delivery: 100% virtual
As an optional enhancement to the BIS Foundations program, participants can deepen their industry readiness by gaining practical exposure to core biomanufacturing operations through a blend of online learning and in-person training at one of CASTL’s GMP-simulated facilities. This added component is particularly valuable for those interested in how early-stage drug discovery progresses into scalable, compliant production, providing applied skills that complement the scientific focus of BIS Foundations and strengthen overall job preparedness.
The enhancement includes self-directed virtual learning through CASTL Online Academy (COA) courses, Holland College microcredentials in effective communication, leadership and team building skills, pre-recorded lectures, and three days of hands-on technical training.
Fee: additional $250 + applicable taxes
- Course 1: Therapeutics Development and the Life Sciences Industry
• Industry Overview | IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access) | Intellectual Property - Course 2: Introduction to Therapeutics Discovery
• Drug Discovery Process | Small Molecules | Antibodies - Course 3: Preclinical and Clinical Development
• Preclinical Studies | Clinical Trials - Course 4: Therapeutics Commercialization
• Development Planning | Target Product Profile
"Nearing the end of my neuroscience PhD, I wanted to leave academia but was uncertain if the pharmaceutical industry would be a good fit. The adMare program gave me a detailed view of how drug development works in the real world and made me aware of career paths that seemed stimulating, rewarding, and relevant for my experience."
— Daryan Chitsaz, Ph.D. Candidate
"The course was concise and comprehensive, and I find the context incredibly valuable to my current position in therapeutic research."
— Vivian Zhihui Li, Associate Research Scientist
Industry Essentials
Stream
For professionals without a science background who support innovation in life sciences
Are you a project manager, administrator, policy advisor, or operations professional working alongside scientists? The Industry Essentials stream introduces you to the language, process, and business of drug development so you can contribute more confidently and effectively in biotech environments.
- Gain a foundational understanding of therapeutics development from discovery to commercialization
- Strengthen your decision-making abilities through real-world case exercises
- Engage in peer discussions and expert-led webinars
- Learn core biotechnology concepts relevant to non-scientific roles adjacent to R&D
- Enjoy a virtual, cohort-based format designed for busy professionals
- Duration: 4 weeks
- Time Commitment: 8–15 hours total
- Program Fee: $175 + applicable taxes
- Delivery: 100% virtual, cohort model
- Course 1: Life Sciences Industry
Current State of Drug Development | Key Factors Driving Success/Failure) | Discovery to Treatment
- Course 2: Impact of IDEA in Therapeutics
Importance of IDEA in Drug Development | IDEA and Unmet Patient Need
- Course 3: Regulatory and IP Considerations
Regulatory Bodies and Pathways | Intellectual Property | Patents and Claims
- Course 4: Commercialization Decision Making
Integrating Commercialization Decision Making into Drug Development | Decision Points in Planning Phases
- Course 5: TPPs to Guide Decision Making
Commercial Potential | Target Product Profile and Product Labels | TPPs: Strategic Planning Support | Building TPPs
Why Choose CASTL?
As Canada’s Biomanufacturing Training Partner, CASTL delivers sector-specific training aligned with real workforce needs. Both BIS streams were developed in collaboration with adMare Academy, a leader in life sciences talent development. You'll graduate with the confidence, language, and insight to take the next step in your career—wherever innovation takes you.
Get started today. Applications are now open for January 2026.
Whether you’re launching your career or expanding your industry knowledge, the CASTL BIS Program has a path for you. Choose your path and apply above.
Unlock a world of knowledge.
Subscribe to our newsletter today.
 |
.svg) |
.svg) |
(1).svg) |
National Headquarters
302-134 Kent Street
Charlottetown, PEI
C1A 8R8
Canada
Charlottetown
35 Regis Duffy Drive, Unit 1
Charlottetown, PEI
C1E 0K6
Montreal
4100 Molson Street, Suite 120
Montréal,QC
H1Y 3N1
Richmond
280-3820 Cessna Drive
Richmond, BC
V7B 0A2
Lead National Partner
Global Partner
