Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Job Category

Job Title

Department

Posting End Date

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, and the expected salary range for this position is $55,000 to $70,000 per annum.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PDF) position in gene therapy

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

The School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver campus invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellow position in the Hedtrich lab (https://hedtrichlab.pharmsci.ubc.ca/). The initial appointment will be for one year with the possibility of reappointment subject to work performance and funding availability.

The Hedtrich lab strives to understand and tackle inflammatory and genetic diseases of human epithelia. Our research projects are highly interdisciplinary and routinely require close collaborations with groups from other disciplines. Our projects have a strong translational aspect with the ultimate goal to translate our technology from bench-to-bedside. Hence, interest in translational work at the forefront of science is a clear asset and people with entrepreneurial interests are encouraged to apply. Further, the establishment of an independent profile as well as tailored career-planning will be offered to the successful incumbent. These projects also provide the opportunity to closely work with world-leading scientists and companies in the area of gene editing and drug delivery.

The Faculties of Medicine and Applied Science have partnered to create the SBME, a new flagship entity at UBC, and a top strategic priority for the University and both Faculties. The SBME is a nucleus for education and training, research, and innovation in biomedical engineering, creating new knowledge, new academic and training programs, and fostering translation and innovation. UBC SBME distinguishes itself by deep training in biology, and engineering science and design, enabling SBME researchers to address the most pressing biomedical challenges of the day. Our SBME faculty conduct research that advances our fundamental understanding of human biology, and yields technologies and therapies that advance our health and wellbeing.

Organizational Status

Individual will report to Dr. Sarah Hedtrich.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of this position will depend on the strengths of the incumbent, but may include:

• Developing and applying novel gene delivery and editing strategies (e.g. base and prime editing) to rescue life-threatening conditions of human skin,
• Development of own research projects and ideas,
• Taking the lead within these projects, to publish manuscripts as a first author, and to present the data at conferences and lab meetings,
• High levels of participation in a collaborative team setting;
• Training of other HQP

Qualifications

• Candidates must hold a PhD obtained within the last 5 year, or MD obtained within the last 10 years.
• Applicants should have a strong research background, as demonstrated by past publications, accomplishments, and references.
• Applicants should have a background in biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, biochemistry, or a related field with relevant experience.
• Applicants with experience in (primary) cell culture work and gene therapies will be preferred.
• Practical experience in biomolecular methods is required.
• High levels of participation in a collaborative team setting, a high degree of self-motivation, time management skills, and an ability to demonstrate creativity and sound judgment will be required.

Supervision received

The incumbent will receive supervision directly from Dr. Hedtrich.

Supervision given

The ideal incumbent may be required to supervise one or more lab technician(s) and other trainees involved in the research program.

Start date and stipend

The anticipated start date for this position is February 1, 2025 or upon a date to be mutually agreed. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, and the expected salary range for this position is $55,000 to $70,000 per annum.

How to Apply

Candidates should provide a CV, names and contact information of 3 references, and a cover letter describing past achievements and future research interests. Review of applications will begin after this job posting closes, and continue until the position is filled.

We respectfully acknowledge that the UBC Vancouver campus is located on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people.

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 of Canada will be given priority.