Posting Expiry
Position Identification:
- Position Classification: Research Associate
- Employee Group: Faculty (Non Faculty Association)
- Faculty: Medicine
- Department: Medical Genetics
- Division: Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics
- Status of Position: Full-time; Grant funded
Job Summary:
The candidate would work within a dynamic and vibrant lab with a proven track record of outstanding achievements and contributions in translational biomedical research. This position allows the candidate to contribute bold and innovative research that can be translated to new approaches to treatments for patients.
This position’s primary focus in the lab will be to lead and participate in projects focused on investigating molecular mechanisms of Huntington disease pathogenesis and developing novel therapeutics. The position will also instruct and supervise technicians and mentor trainees.
This is a full-time grant funded position with the University of British Columbia, Centre for Molecular Medicine & Therapeutics.
Organizational Status:
This position will play a leadership role in the Hayden lab, and will be reporting directly to Dr. Michael Hayden who is the primary investigator of the laboratory. The position will directly supervise some technicians.
Work Performed:
- Providing supervision and mentorship of laboratory staff and trainees
- Performing regular reviews of the relevant literature;
- Planning and designing of projects and experiments;
- Analyzing, interpreting and compiling data in study reports, presenting results, and participating in the preparation of scientific manuscripts and grant application packages;
- Collaborating with internal group leaders and external stakeholders to further research;
- Management of multiple interdisciplinary collaborations with academic institutions and industry, locally, nationally and internationally;
- Screening, maintaining and breeding transgenic mice colonies;
- Performs complex animal surgical procedures (eg. stereotaxic injections and brain infusions); whole animal perfusion fixation; organ harvest; brain micro dissection; blood and CSF collection; and injections (eg. tail vein).
- Performs advanced techniques in immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, immunocytochemistry and neuropathology;
- Performs molecular biology techniques such as RNA isolation, qPCR, western blotting, immunoprecipitation.
- Performs cell culture specializing in complex primary neuronal cultures;
- Updating Dr. Hayden and the group on the status of projects during lab meetings, in email correspondence and phone conferences;
- Performing other related duties.
Minimum Qualifications:
- PhD degree in the biosciences
- At least 5 years of postdoctoral experience in studies related to biosciences
- Extensive knowledge of neuroscience, molecular biology, and genetics
- Experience in cell and molecular biology, cell/tissue culture and histology techniques
- Experience in behavioral studies and rodent surgeries
- Experience working with animal models of disease
- Experience in neuroscience research techniques such as stereotaxic injection, AAV/lentiviral use, complex survival procedures, terminal tissue and sample collection with expertise in cerebrospinal fluid collection, mouse brain immunohistochemistry
- Experience in brain tissue microdissection and CSF collection would be an asset
- Drive and enthusiasm, to both lead and work as a member of a team
- Creativity, initiative and good judgment
- Proven ability to multi-task in a deadline oriented environment with minimal supervision
- Effective oral and written communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to learn new skills quickly
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
- Accuracy and attention to detail required
- Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work in a highly interdisciplinary environment.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
- Works independently under direction of PI, Dr. Michael Hayden.
SUPERVISION GIVEN
- Assists and oversees research assistants and students as required
- Assists and provides guidelines to other research members, as required
CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR/JUDGEMENT
- Study may be jeopardized if not conducted according to ethical requirements as laid out by the University and by regulatory authorities
- Study files must be kept secured to ensure that patient confidentiality is not compromised
- An error within the realm of a research study may result in biased or incomplete data and skewed study results
- Errors made could influence the ability of the research team to meet critical deadlines, as well as compromise the results of research project, and therefore impact the credibility of the Principal Investigator. Poor decisions may be damaging to the reputation of the Principal Investigator, the School, and the University and could lead to incorrect or inappropriate policy recommendations being made.
How to Apply
Exceptional candidates should submit a cover letter outlining your research interests and fit with the laboratory’s research, curriculum vitae, and the names of three referees willing to provide letters of reference.
Please send all applications electronically to Dawn Ng at dng@cmmt.ubc.ca. No phone calls please.
Due to the number of resumes we receive, we are unable to confirm receipt of submissions over the phone, or provide the status of the competition. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
UBC hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We especially welcome applications from visible minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.