Postdoctoral Research Fellow - UBC, Vancouver

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Endometriosis Oncogenomics and Pathology Research Lab (EDGE Research) at the University of British Columbia. Based at the UBC Hospital Site in Vancouver, this academic position is integral to advancing our understanding of the processes driving malignant transformation of endometriosis to clear cell and/or endometrioid ovarian carcinomas. This critical research aims to form the basis of prevention, treatment, and etiological understanding of disease, significantly impacting women's health. The project is funded by a four-year US Ovarian Cancer Research Program grant, highlighting its importance and potential for impactful discoveries.

What you'll do

Working within a multidisciplinary team, the successful candidate will integrate molecular biology, genomics, epigenomics, microbiome science, proteomics, and clinical research. Key responsibilities for this Postdoctoral Research Fellow position include:

• Project management and co-ordination of incoming specimens, including maintaining ethics, operational approvals, and relationships with contributing hospitals.
• Support assay development and validation activities involving cellular and genotoxic stress, predominantly IHC/IF based assays.
• Lead review and enrichment (laser capture) of endometriosis, cancer, and control tissues for whole genome sequencing, including co-ordination of external sequencing contracts and bioinformatics.
• Contribute to study design, data interpretation, quality control, and experimental troubleshooting.
• Lead genomic analysis and integration of multi-omics data, including microbiome and cell stress phenotypes.
• Lead collaboration with spatial transcriptomics and functional genomics teams (external).
• Assist with the development and optimization of laboratory and analytical workflows.
• Contribute to grant applications, manuscripts, reports, and presentations, demonstrating strong scientific writing skills and attention to reproducibility.
• Collaborate with clinicians, laboratory scientists, trainees, and external partners, including supervision, training, and recruitment of junior trainees (e.g., undergraduate and graduate students involved with aspects of the project).

Skills and experience

UBC is seeking a scientifically rigorous, highly organized, and adaptable individual excited to work at the interface of molecular biology, translational medicine, and biomarker development. The required qualifications for this academic research role include:

• PhD in molecular biology, translational research, genomics, bioinformatics, proteomics, cancer biology, reproductive biology, or a related field. Experience in gynecologic cancer genomics is an asset.
• Experience with whole genome next-generation sequencing analysis and related approaches.
• Strong understanding of molecular pathology and biomarker development.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and work independently.
• Demonstrated commitment to research reproducibility and rigorous scientific practices.
• Excellent written communication skills, including experience assisting with grant writing, manuscripts, and scientific reports.

Preferred qualifications that will enhance your application for this Postdoctoral Research Fellow position include:

• Experience working with clinical specimens.
• Experience integrating multiple data types within translational research projects.
• Familiarity with women's health, reproductive biology, gynecologic cancers, and microbiome research.
• Experience collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.
• Flexibility to travel to international conferences and collaborating sites in Canada, the US, and overseas.
• Eligibility for post-doctoral funding from MITACS (Elevate) and/or Canada Postdoctoral Research Award program (CPRA).

What's on offer

This Postdoctoral Research Fellow position at UBC offers a competitive salary range of $65,000 - 75,000 per annum, commensurate with experience, plus benefits including extended health. Candidates with external funding will be eligible for incentive-award/top-up funding. The University of British Columbia is committed to attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce, fostering excellence in research, innovation, and learning. As one of the world's leading universities, UBC provides an exceptional learning environment that supports outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada, and the world. The Faculty of Medicine, where this role is situated, is a leader in both the science and practice of medicine, dedicated to transforming health for everyone. UBC is committed to employment equity and inclusive excellence, encouraging applications from all qualified candidates, including those from historically marginalized groups. Confidential accommodations are available upon request to ensure an inclusive and equitable recruitment process.