Posted: May 28, 2026
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Postdoctoral Fellow, Nutrition & Metabolism – Vancouver, BC is listed at UBC in UBC Hospital Site - Vancouver, BC. The Beaver Board aggregates this opening from the employer's career page — apply using the button below to reach the official application.
The Department of Medicine at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PDF) to join a dynamic research program focused on nutrition, metabolism, and energy balance in humans. The successful candidate will contribute to a translational research program examining the role of ovarian sex hormones in regulating appetite, energy intake, and energy expenditure across various physiological states, including the menstrual cycle, hormonal contraceptive use, and energy deficit conditions.
This is a full-time, two-year term position based at the UBC Hospital Site in Vancouver, BC, with the possibility of renewal depending on funding and performance. The PDF will work under the supervision of Dr. Purcell, collaborating closely with graduate students, undergraduate trainees, research staff, and external collaborators within interdisciplinary teams spanning nutrition, exercise physiology, and endocrinology.
This position offers strong opportunities for first-author publications, grant writing experience, and extensive collaboration within a multidisciplinary research environment. The expected base salary for this position is $60,000 per year. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2026, although the start date may be flexible. Applications will be accepted until June 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
The Postdoctoral Fellow will lead and contribute to the study design, development of protocols, and implementation of human nutrition and metabolism studies. This includes conducting analyses of energy intake using methods such as weighed records, in-lab assessments, and 3-day food records, as well as measuring energy expenditure through resting metabolic rate and total energy expenditure.
You will oversee and/or conduct physiological data collection, including appetite ratings, dietary intake assessments, and metabolic testing like indirect calorimetry and body composition. A key aspect of the role involves examining relationships between ovarian sex hormones, such as estradiol and progesterone, and metabolic outcomes, including appetite regulation, energy intake, and energy expenditure.
Responsibilities also include performing advanced statistical analyses using appropriate methods, such as linear mixed models. The PDF will lead manuscript preparation, including drafting and submission of peer-reviewed publications, prepare abstracts, and present findings at national and international conferences. Additionally, you will contribute to grant applications and funding proposals, support research ethics applications, protocol amendments, and study documentation, and provide mentorship and technical guidance to graduate and undergraduate trainees. Participation in regular lab meetings and contributing to the intellectual development of the research program are also expected.
Candidates must possess a PhD in Nutrition, Physiology, Exercise Science, Metabolism, Endocrinology, or a closely related field, along with demonstrated experience in human physiology, nutrition, and/or metabolism research. Experience conducting or analysing dietary intake data and/or energy expenditure measurements is essential, supported by a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals commensurate with the stage of training. Experience with human research ethics and/or clinical or laboratory-based studies is preferred.
A strong background in human nutrition, energy metabolism, and/or exercise physiology is required, coupled with knowledge of endocrine physiology, particularly ovarian sex hormones and their metabolic effects. Advanced quantitative and statistical skills, utilising software such as R, SAS, or SPSS, are necessary, including experience with repeated measures and longitudinal data analysis.
Excellent scientific writing skills and a demonstrated ability to publish peer-reviewed manuscripts are expected. Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and deadlines are crucial. The successful candidate will be able to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment, demonstrating strong interpersonal and communication skills, and a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in research and training environments.
Additional assets include experience with appetite research methodologies, such as VAS scales and ad libitum intake tests, experience with metabolic testing equipment like indirect calorimetry and DXA, and experience with the collection of blood samples.
To apply for this position, please submit a one-page cover letter outlining your research interests and how they align with the position, along with your curriculum vitae. Applications should be sent directly to sarah.purcell@ubc.ca. Please note that applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the posting end date of June 27, 2026.
