Innovate, collaborate, cure

Atuka’s scientists, technicians, and support staff have dedicated their careers to furthering our understanding of Parkinson’s disease, advancing novel therapeutics, and alleviating the burden of those suffering from neurological disorders.

Since its founding in 2003 by Dr. Jonathan Brotchie, Atuka has been helping our partners make informed, critical decisions at the interface between the preclinical and clinical, combining our unsurpassed neuroscience and Parkinson’s expertise with an industry-leading range of rodent and NHP models to design the best-tailored program for any potential therapeutic. 

With offices and state-of-the-art facilities in Toronto and Suzhou, Atuka has been involved in the preclinical evaluation of more than 300 potential therapeutics, predominantly in Parkinson’s disease, of which more than 30 have progressed to clinical trials—a level of experience without equal in our field globally.

NEWS

OUR VALUES

Connected in purpose and mission

At Atuka, close collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to professionalism and the highest ethical standards are at the core of everything we do.

We go about our work improving the lives of those suffering from Parkinson’s disease, and the other conditions we study, with a relentless focus on the three pillars that guide us as an organization.

1. Scientific Integrity

We are committed to continuous innovation in the design and interpretation of studies, an unbending commitment to animal welfare, and an absolute dedication to quality in ensuring reliable and repeatable data, backed by the highest standards of scientific ethics and procedure.

2. Collaboration

Effective scientific collaboration begins internally, across all teams and roles, and extends to our partners, with whom we co-design the approach best tailored for them. It also means being committed collaborators in the broader scientific and Parkinson’s communities, furthering our collective understanding, knowledge, and best practices.

3. PEOPLE

We provide a space to build a lifelong career working on big scientific challenges, ensuring that our diverse team has the tools they need to grow and thrive, along with meaningful rewards and benefits. And we are committed to providing all of our people with the opportunity to contribute to our body of shared knowledge and expertise.

HOW WE’RE DIFFERENT

Combining the best of academic and commercial environments

Atuka offers a way of doing science that is different from traditional contract research organizations. Every day, in collaboration with our partners, we contribute to the development trajectories of potentially life-altering therapeutics. At the same time, our culture remains very much influenced by our roots in academic research, experimentation, and basic scientific inquiry. 

We are committed to ongoing scientific discovery in Parkinson’s and other disorders through an extensive internal research program, while actively contributing to and engaging with the scientific literature. We embrace our role in nurturing and preparing the next generation of scientists, technicians, and support teams for the crucial challenges that lay ahead.

When I started at Atuka, I was looking for a place to learn and grow in my career. Thanks to my colleagues, I’ve been able to take on much more challenging projects and develop skills that I didn’t have before.

– Donya Aref, Scientist

Working at Atuka has given me the opportunity to grow—both in my career and as a person—while meeting lifelong friends and making a difference in the world.

– Caitlyn Skeith, Senior Technician

MEet the Atuka Team

Atuka’s team is diverse both in background and expertise, bringing to every one of our partner engagements a spirit of close collaboration, along with a commitment to the highest ethical standards in scientific research.

Innovation and excellence demand true inclusivity

Inclusion isn’t just a word on a checklist for us—it’s at the heart of how we expect everybody, including our leadership, to work.

This means there are no barriers to anybody in discussions around what we are trying to achieve, and how we go about achieving it. We embrace our role in nurturing and developing the next generation of scientists, technicians, and support teams ready to work on the challenges ahead, and are proud to support and partner with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and Indigenous Works. 

Atuka is an Employer Partner with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, which provides numerous benefits that support us on our journey toward a more inclusive organization, including access to the CCDI Knowledge Repository, monthly webinars, the monthly newsletter Diversity Ink, and in-person events. 

Atuka is also a proud member of the Leadership Circle of Indigenous Works (IW), a Canadian not-for-profit with a mandate to improve the inclusion and engagement of Indigenous people in the Canadian economy.

Our sites and facilities

World class facilities, global connections

Our partners benefit from globally-recognized scientists using advanced technologies at leading-edge research and lab facilities in Canada and China.

Atuka is a world expert in NHP research and has the capacity to conduct both small and large studies that use up to 150 macaques at our newly renovated, AAALAC-accredited facility in Suzhou, China. We are able to perform studies no other CRO can, while adhering to the highest standards of animal welfare.

Suzhou, China

  • Macaque in vivo facility
  • In vivo imaging
  • Surgical studies
  • Bioanalytical services
  • Behavioural studies

Toronto, Canada

  • Rodent in vivo laboratory 
  • In vitro laboratory 
  • Administrative office 

EXCEL AT ATUKA

Innovate, collaborate, cure

Careers at Atuka