Research Associate

Academic

Job Category
Faculty Non Bargaining

Job Title
Research Associate

Department
Vallance Laboratory | Department of Paediatrics | Faculty of Medicine (Bruce Vallance)

Posting End Date
April 26, 2024

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

Job End Date
Apr 30, 2025

Minimum salary will be $72,000 per annum, however, candidates that possess full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position will be offered a higher salary.

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.

The UBC Department of Pediatrics based at the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, invites applications for a Research Associate to join a multidisciplinary translational research program with specific goals of applying intestinal organoid research in intestinal diseases.

The Vallance lab (https://www.bcchr.ca/vallance-lab ) is a world leading research group that studies inflammatory bowel disease and enteric bacterial infections. In particular, the Vallance lab focuses on bacteria – host interactions at the intestinal mucosal interface. We are looking for a motivated and talented individual to join our team as a Research Associate. The successful candidate will work on cutting-edge projects using pre-clinical organoid models to develop novel therapies for Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Specifically, the successful candidate will lead and develop research projects relating to primary intestinal organoid and aid in setting the scientific direction at the Vancouver node of the newly formed Canadian National Organoid Network (CNON). Further, the successful candidate will assist and advise senior staff and trainees in culturing and analyzing organoids, using modern techniques, performed under minimal supervision. The Research Associate’s role requires extensive laboratory and cell culture experience. It is expected that the successful candidate has mastered specific technical skills underlying primary cell culture technique, and be sufficiently skilled to independently perform such work and instruct others as well. As well the role will involve the incumbent working closely with an interdisciplinary team to tackle cutting-edge challenges in organoid work.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will play a leadership role in the Vallance lab and the Canadian National Organoid Network, providing oversight on scientific and training aspects of the lab while leading their own scientific projects.

Specifics tasks for this position may include:

• Leadership role in advancing primary organoid research

• Human and mouse intestinal organoid culture including maintenance, expansion and characterization

• Genetic engineering of intestinal organoids

• Assisting with the designing and implementation of new research projects

• Managing and running projects

• Overseeing and leading trainees within projects

• Collaborating with other researchers and clinicians to share knowledge

• Presenting research findings at conferences and related research events

• Preparing and leading the development of content for academic manuscripts, technical reports, research proposals, and presentations

• Assisting in grant applications and regulatory documents (animal ethics, REBs, biosafety, etc.)

• Keeping up-to-date with new applications, technology and supporting best practices.

• Training and mentoring lab personnel

• Helping to enhance our collaborative research environment

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• A level of education, training, and experience equivalent to a PhD in a relevant field and a minimum of seven (7) years of laboratory research experience

• Extensive experience with primary cell culturing techniques

• An established track record of developing and completing research projects in experimental biology as demonstrated by past publications, accomplishments, and references

• Ability to function in a self‐directed manner

• Excellent ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills with a variety of people

• Excellent time management skills

• Preference will be given to candidates who have >2 years of experience in a postdoctoral role

CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR

The successful applicant will exercise a considerable amount of judgment, responsibility, and initiative in determining work procedures and methods, and coordinating the work of the unit. Poor judgment could result in loss of experimental data and delay in conducting research.  This could impact publications, collaborations, and future findings.

Dr. Vallance’s laboratory is situated within the Childhood and Disease Theme of the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute. Errors and poor decisions could compromise the results of research projects, and therefore could be damaging to the reputation of the Principal Investigator, other investigators, the Unit, the Research Centre, and the University.

Supervision Received
The incumbent will receive supervision directly from Dr. Bruce Vallance.
Supervision Given
The incumbent will supervise trainees involved in the research program.
The position will begin as soon as possible; funding has already been received. The position is full-time for one year with extension subject to work performance and funding availability. Minimum salary will be $72,000 per annum, however, candidates that possess full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position will be offered a higher salary.

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. Please submit your applications directly via Workday.
 

This position is located within a health-care facility, therefore, the successful candidate will be required to provide verification of full vaccination against Covid-19 provided prior to the start date, as required by a provincial health mandate.  This offer is conditional upon successful completion of a Criminal Record Check.