Posting Expiry
One postdoctoral fellow position is available immediately at the Child and Family Research Institute (CFRI) and B.C. Women’s Hospital in the laboratory of Dr. Sai Ma. The focus of the research program is on genetic and epigenetic investigations, at multiple levels of human development, related to the reproductive health of couples undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The overall research program is dedicated to understanding the roles of genetics and epigenetics in male infertility and the outcomes of pregnancies conceived from ART, with knowledge translation components.
Outstanding and highly motivated candidates at the Ph.D. level are invited to apply. The selected candidate will investigate the mechanisms of abnormal sperm production in infertile men, with a focus on developing methodologies to study recombination hotspots and epigenetic modification. The candidate will have opportunities to develop: 1) single allele DNA methylation and gene expression assays; 2) genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression assays with bioinformatics approaches for statistical analyses; 3) a single cell assay to study genetics and epigenetics in human embryos.
The candidate will have opportunities to develop their own area of research expertise, publish and present scholarly work, and obtain additional specialized training. The research facilities at the CFRI and hospital department offers extensive infrastructure to support the candidate in pursuing a high level of research.
A background in molecular techniques in cell biology and epigenetics is preferred. Candidates already trained in the biology of gametes, early embryonic development, and fetal development in humans would be competitive. Greater preference is given to candidates with experience in epigenetics such as the evaluation of DNA methylation and chromatin structure (histone modifications), as well as experience in genetics such as genome- wide association studies. Knowledge and experience in cytogenetic techniques such as FISH, CGH, and microscopy would be a strong asset.
Salary and Conditions
Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience
Eligibility Requirements
Well-trained in molecular and cell biology with an emphasis on genetics and epigenetics. Knowledge of bioinformatics is desirable.
Duration
One year with possible extension renewal. Deadline: Until position is filled.
Contact
Please send CV, statement of research interests, and names of three referees to:
Dr. Sai Ma
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
University of British Columbia
BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital and Women’s Health Centre
C420 - 4500 Oak Street
Vancouver, BC, Canada V6H 3N1
sai@mail.ubc.ca