Current Positions

A Research Associate position is available in the Michael Smith Laboratories at The University of British Columbia, under the supervision of Prof. Brett Finlay. This position is being created to provide high level support for a diverse group of researchers working with mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis.

The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in Cell Biology or related discipline, and at least two years of post‐doctoral research experience in host-microbe interaction, molecular and cellular biology, and a solid publication record. Moreover, candidates should have a strong research acumen in in vivo and in vitro models of bacterial infection, with expertise in the role of the bacterial secretion systems and effector proteins in interbacterial competition, and host-microbiome interaction being an asset. Technical expertise in cell culture infections, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, plasmid construction and primer design, growth assays, metagenomics and quantitative proteomics is highly desirable. The ability to work and lead in a high‐collaborative team environment and to partake and support inter-departmental collaborations is a necessity, demonstrated ability to write research proposals and obtain research funding, experience in and commitment to supervising students and training students and postdocs in research procedures are also required.

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter including contact information for three professional references, and a curriculum vitae including a list of publications. Application materials should be combined into a single PDF document and sent to Dr. Brett Finlay at bfinlay@msl.ubc.ca. Please, include “Research Associate position – E. coli Bacterial Pathogenesis” in the email subject line; incorrectly addressed applications will not be considered.

The closing date for applications is September 28, 2021. The position will commence January 2022 with a minimum salary commensurate with the rank of Research Associate at the University.

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.

Research Associate – Immunologist

The University of British Columbia is seeking an outstanding Immunologist for a Research Associate position. This is a unique posting where the Research Associate will be employed by the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Eyam Vaccines and Immunotherapeutic (EYAM) and will have the opportunity to experience collaborative research with leading industry and academic experts. Under the direction of Dr. Wilf Jefferies at UBC’s Michael Smith Laboratories, the Research Associate will design and conduct immune assays to measure immune responses from immunizations for COVID-19, other infectious diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. This lab-based position is a great opportunity to conduct preclinical assays that will help validate vaccine candidates for clinical development. The Research Associate will play an integral role in the development of EYAM’s rapidly growing research program and will act as a mentor for junior scientists and postdoctoral fellows, working collaboratively with the Research and Development team at EYAM and the academic research team at UBC.

Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology, Microbiology (Virology), Cancer Immunology, Cell Biology or other related fields or MSc. with 5+ years experience in virology and immunological assays in an academic or industry wet laboratory environment
• 3-5 years of postdoctoral (or equivalent) independent research experience
• Working experience in biosafety containment level CL2 (required) and CL3 (ideal) laboratories
• Working experience with infectious disease and/or cancer mouse models
• Working knowledge and experience of cell-culturing, flow-cytometry, tetramer assays, molecular techniques and animal tissue and serum extraction
• Self-motivated and works independently
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively
• Excellent documentation and organizational skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

About Eyam Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics

Eyam Vaccines and immunotherapeutics is a private, Canadian based company focused on the research and development of vaccines that are safe, efficacious and low dose. Eyam, was named to honour the village in Derbyshire that, in 1665-1666, chose to stay and brave near certain death rather than travelling and risk transmitting the plague to their neighbouring towns. In the end, 75% of Eyam’s residents did indeed die, but their surrounding neighbours were saved due to Eyam’s heroic and selfless quarantine.

Today, the world is in need of heroic, selfless acts to halt the COVID-19 spread in its tracks. Eyam Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics is joined in the cause to be “right to market” with a vaccine to end the death and suffering caused by COVID-19.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a brief paragraph statement describing why you are applying to the position and how you see your lived experience aligning with the role to pamela.lincez@msl.ubc.ca. We will only be in contact with applicants invited for an interview but we thank you in advance for you time put into your application.

Review of applicants will begin immediately and the position will remain open until filled. The appointment will initially be one year, extendable depending on funding availability. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

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 Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

The Tokuriki Lab at the Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia (https://tokurikilab.msl.ubc.ca/) is looking for postdoctoral researchers and graduate students for evolutionary biochemistry and experimental evolution.

Research projects will study the evolution of antibiotic resistance (genes and/or organisms), e.g., beta-lactamases, polymyxin resistance genes. The projects will involve in large-scale bioinformatics (sequence similarity networks, phylogenetic tree analysis and ancestral sequence reconstruction), high-throughput antibiotic resistance gene phenotyping (deep mutational scanning using illumine deep sequencing) and directed experimental evolution. But we can get excited about other questions and targets in evolutionary biochemistry!

Postdoctoral fellow candidates must possess a doctoral degree in biochemistry, microbiology, bioengineering or a related discipline. Compensation is commensurate with experience and aligned with UBC postdoctoral salaries . The ideal candidate will either have wet-lab experience or computational expertise in particular in the generation and analysis of large protein libraries (deep mutational scanning, directed evolution).

Interested candidates should reach out to Dr. Tokuriki directly with CV and one page research interest: (tokuriki@msl.ubc.ca). 

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.

PhD Candidate Position – Protein phase separation and Microbiology

A PhD position is available in the Life Sciences Institute/ Michael Smith Laboratories at the University of British Columbia. The successful candidate will conduct interdisciplinary research in the areas of protein phase separation and microbiology in the laboratories of Drs. Jörg Gsponer and Yossef Av-Gay. S/he will investigate in vivo phase behaviour of a virulence factor of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The project builds on this recent publication: https://www.pnas.org/content/116/33/16326.long.  

A successful candidate would have demonstrable (via publications, preferably) experience with biochemical, cell biology and imaging techniques. Good oral and written communication skills and the ability to work on a team project are essential.

Applicants should send, no later than May 15, 2021 their:

• curriculum vitae,
• a 1-page statement of research interests,
• and the names of at least two referees

Send application to:

Dr. Jörg Gsponer

University of British Columbia,
Michael Smith Laboratories,
2125 East Mall

Vancouver, BC, Canada  V6T 1Z4

Email:  gsponer@msl.ubc.ca

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.