Current Positions

Dr. Anna Blakney at UBC Michael Smith Laboratories and School of Biomedical Engineering is recruiting a Lab Manager. The position could start as soon as May 1, 2021.

A more detailed description of the position and to apply, please go to the University of British Columbia’s Human Resources job portal, found here: https://ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/ubcstaffjobs/job/UBC-Vancouver-Campus/Lab-Manager_JR1668

Closing Date: April 14, 2021

Job Summary
To manage all facets of daily operations, maintenance, and finances of a research laboratory. Emphasis for this position is lab management and there is also an expectation to carry out molecular and cellular experiments as part of an active research project. The individual will be joining a dedicated and highly motivated team of bioengineers, molecular biologists and immunologists. The work and environment are interdisciplinary, with the research focused on development of clinically translational RNA vaccines and therapies.

Organizational Status
The Lab Manager will assist the Principle Investigator in all parts of their research program. The individual will interact closely with members of the research group including graduate and undergraduate students; UBC and department staff and administrators; funding agency administrators on matters of progress and finance reports; and scientific sales managers. The lab management position is fundamental to the ongoing success of the lab.

Work Performed

Technical duties

• Designs and clones new plasmids and synthesizes RNA
• Plans, designs and conducts standard molecular and cell biology experiments on mammalian cells
• Conducts tissue culture of skin explants
• Performs in vivo vaccine studies and imaging of protein expression
• Develops novel techniques and methodologies to achieve research goals
• Assist lab members in troubleshooting experiments
• Analyses and compiles data in report preparation, presents results, and participates in the preparation of scientific manuscripts

Lab Management duties

• Identifies and implements strategies and procedures to ensure the safe operation of research laboratories. Ensures compliance with safety regulations in the lab.
• Maintains a clean and fully functional lab environment
• Responsible for training and on-boarding of lab personnel
• Oversees maintenance of all equipment in the laboratory, which includes maintaining contracts with equipment manufacturers, and coordinating repairs with vendors and suppliers
• Orders laboratory supplies and equipment, including coordination of bid and tendering process with Finance Procurement for larger equipment
• Maintain complete and accurate financial records related to ordering of materials and supplies for all research grants and prepares financial progress reports for funding agencies as needed
• Ships hazardous and non-hazardous reagents in accordance with TDG regulations
• Coordinates weekly meetings for research team
• Facilitate appointment and reappointments for staff and students with department HR representative and provides feedback on staff performance for hiring and retaining decisions
• Carries out any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification

Consequence of Error
Exercises a considerable amount of judgement, responsibility, and initiative related to the functioning of the lab. Incompetence or incorrect decisions could jeopardize research progress, collaborations, finances and employee safety, and adversely impact future project objectives and personnel. Poor judgment would result in loss of experimental data and delay in conducting research.

Work will be discussed with the Principle Investigator in weekly meetings or as needed. The successful applicant will be responsible for errors in their work, for reporting problems and mistakes in a timely way, and for correcting those errors.

Supervision Received
Reports directly to the Principle Investigator to ensure priorities are addressed. Works under minimum supervision, receiving specific instructions only on unusual problems or on matters which depart significantly from established policy and procedure.

Supervision Given
The applicant will work as part of a team. They may have joint responsibility for supervising and training more junior personnel and graduate students.

Qualifications

Experience:
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or Graduation from a technical college or institute. Relevant undergraduate degree, and preferably a MASc or MSc, in the field of bioengineering, immunology, molecular biology or related fields. Minimum of 4 years of related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated experience working in laboratory setting is required, and lab management experience would be beneficial. Computer experience with word processing (MS Word), spreadsheets (MS Excel), and figure design in BioRender is an asset.

Skills:

• Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to work with the Principal Investigator to plan and implement experiments and to analyze data
• Demonstrate initiative in determining work priorities and meet deadlines
• Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal, analytical, supervisory, multi-tasking, and organizational skills are required
• Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness to changing needs
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Seeking one Postdoctoral Fellow for single-molecule studies of mRNA loading and size characterization of lipid nanoparticle drug-delivery vehicles

Summary

The Leslie Single-molecule Biophysics Laboratory is looking for an exceptional PhD scientist to apply a new biophysical technique to the development of drug-delivery vehicles for oligonucleotide therapeutics. The research project will focus on developing a new application of CLiC single-molecule imaging technology to simultaneously measure the size and mRNA cargo loading of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). The successful candidate will join a fast-paced interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers working in the newly built Leslie Lab at UBC’s Michael Smith Labs, in collaboration with the Nanomedicine Innovation Network (NMIN) and our industry partner ScopeSys Inc. Applicants should have a strong interest in pioneering new biophysical techniques and measurement capabilities, and establishing a career in biotechnology.

Qualifications

PhD required. The successful candidate will be a well-organized, enthusiastic team player with excellent communication skills, who enjoys lab work, creative trouble-shooting, and who isn’t afraid of trying new things. Although the position is based in an academic research lab, the research will be heavily driven by real and immediate problems in the development of novel nanomedicines and there will be a commensurate emphasis on developing solutions that are proven, robust, and ready for use by external collaborators and industry.

Developing a new single-molecule application or assay is a complex undertaking and this project will require an interdisciplinary skill set, combining physical, chemical and biological expertise. The ideal candidate will possess experience and interest in many of the following areas:

Physics and chemistry:

• Nanoparticle engineering and characterization
• Single-molecule biophysics
• Optics and electronics
• Surface science and chemistry

Biochemistry and molecular biology:

• Design and structural analysis of DNA/RNA oligomers
• Lipid and micelle interactions with oligonucleotides
• Nanomedicine and oligonucleotide therapeutics

Instrumentation:

• Single-molecule fluorescence microscopy – wide field and confocal
• Biophysical assay and protocol development
• Micro/nano-fabrication and lithography
• Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF)

Responsibilities will include:

• Working with Leslie Lab, NMIN and ScopeSys collaborators on background research, literature reviews, and analysis of competing/existing methods/technologies
• Designing and modifying experimental setups to support research. This may include modifying instruments, consumables, reagents, protocols, analysis methods.
• Planning and executing detailed experiments. This will entail individual and collaborative work from bench level pipetting through to analysis and reporting.
• Regularly reporting and documenting plans and results in different formats and timescales, from weekly meetings to grant reports and publications.

Project overview

Our single-molecule imaging technology, Convex Lens-induced Confinement (CLiC), works by squeezing nanoparticles and/or molecules into arrays of nanometer- to micrometer-scale “traps” that are large enough to allow them to move and interact freely, but small enough to keep them confined so they can be imaged over extended periods with a high-powered optical microscope. By using distinct fluorescent labels for vehicle and cargo, CLiC is capable of simultaneously measuring the size and loading of individual nanoparticle-drug complexes, with high throughput and under cell-like conditions.

Our research program is focused on drug uptake and release by nanoparticle delivery vehicles, as well as elucidating the mechanism of complex drug-target interactions. Our goal is to accelerate the development of complex macromolecular therapies based on antibodies, oligonucleotides, and nanoparticles.

Other considerations

The Leslie laboratory is situated on UBC Vancouver campus in the Michael Smith Laboratories. Aspects of this project may be performed in part as a collaboration with an industry partner. Experience and co-op internships in industry will be considered strong assets, especially with a fast-paced start-up work on applied research.

This position is available from May 1st, 2021 and will be based on a one-year renewable contract, extendable depending on funding availability. The successful candidate will be supported by an NMIN Strategic Initiative grant.

A letter of application, accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae including a list of publications, and contact details for 3 references, should be sent by email to:
Professor Sabrina Leslie
contact.leslielab@gmail.com

Please include “PDF search” in the e-mail subject line. Applications will remain open until the position is filled. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. We will contact you only if invited for an interview.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Dr. Sabrina Leslie (https://leslielab.msl.ubc.ca) at UBC Michael Smith Laboratories and Physics & Astronomy is recruiting graduate students with interdisciplinary interests ranging across biophysics, nanoscience, biotechnology, engineering and computational analysis.

Research Program: Our group develops and utilizes single-molecule fluorescence microscopy techniques to study interactions of biomolecules in cell-like environments. We’ve developed the Convex Lens-induced Confinement (“CLiC”) imaging platform, which makes it possible to watch individual, naturally fluctuating biomolecules as they search for and bind to each other, allowing us to make measurements that are not possible with other methods. We apply this technique both to basic biophysical research and development of drugs and therapeutics.

Training: Graduate students in the Leslie Lab will receive training in single-molecule microscopy, specializing in the CLiC imaging technique pioneered in our lab; bulk characterization techniques such as Dynamic Light Scattering, fluorimetry, and gel electrophoresis; and computational modelling and analysis. The candidates will work with sophisticated DNA/RNA constructs as well as complex lipid nanoparticle formulations, with exposure to molecular design of oligotherapeutic compounds and biomimetic delivery vehicles.  The training environment will include interactions with a start-up company, ScopeSys Inc., which is commercializing CLiC technology; as well as collaborators in pharmaceutical science, biochemistry and medicine.

On-going projects:

Effects of topology on DNA interactions
We study the effects of supercoiling on DNA-DNA, and protein-DNA interactions both in vitro and in live cells. The goal of the research is to better understand the role of DNA structure in gene regulation.

Nanoparticle analytics
We study the structure and structural transitions of nanoparticles in controlled environments, to help develop nanoparticle-based drug delivery platforms. Nanoparticles are an emerging technology used to encapsulate drugs for delivery into the body. Upon an environmental shift, the structure of the nanoparticle changes, releasing the drug. The goal of our research is to characterize these dynamics and understand drug delivery mechanisms.

Oligonucleotide therapeutics
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are an emerging treatment for genetic diseases. They are snippets of modified DNA designed to bind to mRNA produced by a detrimental gene and targeting it for destruction. The goal of our research is to characterize ASO-mRNA binding dynamics to improve drug and treatment development.

Prospective students: We are looking for well-organized, enthusiastic team players who enjoy lab work and troubleshooting scientific instrumentation. Experience with microscopy, image processing, or experimental biophysical techniques is an asset. Proficiency with a musical instrument and/or dungeons and dragons are also assets. The successful candidates must have a passion for innovation and pushing scientific and engineering capabilities to the forefront of what is possible today. Prospective students are encouraged to contact: contact.leslielab [at] gmail.com.

Seeking one Postdoctoral Fellow or Research Associate to work on NEXT GENERATION CELL THERAPY PROCESS ENGINEERING

Research Program Overview

One position is available in the Zandstra Stem Cell Bioengineering laboratory (http://stemcellbioengineering.ca/), in the School of Biomedical Engineering, affiliated with the Michael Smith Laboratories, at the University of British Columbia’s main Vancouver campus. The successful candidate will be expected to investigate the use of stem cells, including pluripotent stem cells (PSC), to develop manufacturing platforms to grow blood stem and progenitor cells towards T-cell progenitors and other differentiated blood cells (e.g. natural killer cells) using bioprocess engineering strategies. Experience that matches our goals and efforts in the automation and feedback controlled sensor space is of particular interest. Our well-funded multidisciplinary program integrates researchers in stem cell biology, biological computation, microfabrication, developmental biology, process engineering and cell therapy, with the goal of developing new cell-based therapeutics to treat disease. The incumbent would be expected to take leadership roles in connection to our fundamental stem cell engineering work on cell and tissue manufacturing strategies, working both on new projects and in collaboration with industry to accelerate our efforts to manufacture therapeutically relevant blood cells from stem cells.

Qualifications

PhD required.  Background in bioengineering and process engineering required, with a focus on bioreactor technology and cell therapies.

Seeking a creative individual who can integrate bioengineering, genomic and developmental biology strategies on projects focusing on blood and/or pluripotent stem cell differentiation to blood lineages using bioreactor systems.  The ability to further integrate with related projects in the lab involving synthetic biology and computational biology, artificial intelligence, and automation technologies is desirable. Ideal candidates must have experience in some or all of the below:

• Bioreactor design and operation – essential
• Cell therapy applications – essential
• Process engineering
• Blood systems and/or developmental biology
• Mammalian cell and molecular biology
• Stem cell biology
• Flow cytometry
• Computational biology
• Automation
• AI

Individuals must also:

• Work well in a goal-oriented team environment
• Have a proven track record of research accomplishments (i.e. publication record)
• Possess excellent communication skills – both verbal and written
• Have the ability to work independently and organize own workload
• Have the ability to design and analyze experiments, keep meticulous records of experiments and data, report on research progress and outcomes openly, and review methodologies in response to feedback &
• Have the ability to update knowledge in their specialized area and implement relevant technologies to advance the project.

Project overview

Bioreactor-led processes for blood cell production at scale

 To transform bench-top stem cell biology research into commercially viable bio-manufacturing practices, we are focusing on the core engineering principles of bioreactor design, feedback control, automation and scale-up, and mathematical modeling.  We use a variety of bioreactor designs e.g. development of suspension bioreactors for PSC or closed-system bioreactors for feedback regulated growth of blood stem cells.  Our foundational work in PSC-derived mesoderm and blood development complements our leadership in establishing new technologies to accelerate the therapeutic use of human umbilical cord blood (UCB) derived blood stem cells. We pioneered strategies for the production of these cells in automated feedback controlled bioreactors, which we moved forward into clinical trials with key collaborators.  Our ability to efficiently generate adult stem cell and PSC-derived blood progenitor cells opens exceptional opportunities to generate functional differentiated cell types. We recently demonstrated that progenitor T-cells can be generated in a defined artificial thymic niche.  This project will work to combine PSC and blood stem cell engineering and bioreactor expansion strategies with our in-house platforms to grow blood cells at scale.

Other considerations

The Zandstra laboratory is situated on UBC Vancouver campus in the Biomedical Research Centre, and is also affiliated with the Michael Smith Laboratories.  Aspects of this project may be performed in part as a collaboration with an industry partner.

This position is available from July 1^st, 2019 and will be based on a one-year renewable contract, extendable depending on funding availability. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.  Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for competitive fellowship awards.

A letter of application, accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae including a list of publications, and contact details for 3 references, should be sent by email to:

Professor Peter Zandstra
zandstra.lab@ubc.ca

Please include “Bioreactor PDF search” in the e-mail subject line.  Applications will remain open until the position is filled.  Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  We will contact you only if invited for an interview.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.