Postdoctoral Fellow - UBC, Vancouver

AI Summary

This Postdoctoral Fellow position at UBC Hospital Site in Vancouver, BC, offers an exceptional opportunity for scientists seeking UBC jobs UBC Hospital Site - Vancouver. The role focuses on designing and executing research projects related to regulatory T cell (Treg) therapies for autoimmune disease and transplantation. A recent PhD in immunology or a related field, along with a strong publication record, is required for this research-intensive position.

About the Role

The Postdoctoral Fellow will be instrumental in designing, executing, and interpreting advanced research projects within the Levings Research Lab at the UBC Faculty of Medicine's Department of Surgery. This role offers a unique ability to contribute to the entire translational pipeline, from fundamental discoveries in Treg biology and synthetic immunology to manufacturing and first-in-human clinical trials. The primary goal of these research projects is to develop precise and durable regulatory T cell (Treg) therapies aimed at restoring immune tolerance and replacing lifelong immunosuppression. This is an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious scientist to conduct innovative research with direct clinical impact, while receiving training in one of the world's premier Treg research programs. The incumbent will join a dedicated faculty, students, and staff engaged in leading-edge research, education, and community service across British Columbia.

The Department of Surgery is renowned for educating students at various levels and pursuing research to make innovative advancements in knowledge and practice. Reporting directly to Principal Investigator Dr. Megan Levings, the Postdoctoral Fellow will collaborate with faculty members, research technicians, and trainees within the lab. Current areas of research include engineering next-generation Tregs using synthetic biology, developing in vivo strategies for antigen-specific Tregs, discovering novel mechanisms of immune tolerance, designing combination therapies, and advancing manufacturing processes for engineered Treg therapies into clinical trials. The role also involves supervising undergraduate and junior graduate students, as well as technicians, within the lab, alongside developing and writing funding proposals and research projects for publication.

Qualifications and Environment

Candidates for this Postdoctoral Fellow position must possess a PhD, completed within the last five years, in Immunology, Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline, with provisions for career gaps. A strong publication record demonstrating research excellence is essential, including a minimum of one first-author publication. Required experience includes immunology, molecular biology, and animal models, complemented by excellent written and verbal communication skills. The successful applicant must demonstrate the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. Experience in research using relevant techniques such as cell or gene therapy culture, animal models of immune disease, genome engineering, lipid nanoparticle technologies, synthetic biology, or translational immunology, particularly in Treg biology, will be considered a significant asset.

The role demands excellent organizational skills, an outstanding level of accuracy, and meticulous attention to detail, alongside proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and data analysis software. The incumbent will operate in a laboratory setting at the translational research building at BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute. The quality of work performed directly impacts the success of future projects and funding, highlighting the importance of sound judgment and appropriate consultation to maintain UBC's ability to secure grant-based funding for future research projects. While reporting directly to Dr. Megan Levings, the Postdoctoral Fellow will also be expected to mentor junior trainees and collaborate with technicians in a team-based environment, contributing to a respectful, cooperative, and supportive work culture. The ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize work effectively, and adapt to a flexible schedule, including additional hours as required, is also crucial.