Postdoctoral Research Fellow - UBC, Vancouver

Position summary

The University of British Columbia is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our interdisciplinary research team. This fully-funded position focuses on the design, formulation, and evaluation of advanced lipid-based delivery systems targeting dermal and transdermal applications.

The successful candidate will lead projects centered on developing novel lipidic nanocarriers such as liposomes and LNPs, and testing their transport properties across biological barriers. You will use synthetic membranes, biomimetic permeation systems, and bioengineered 3D skin models to evaluate formulation efficacy, kinetics, and biocompatibility.

Day-to-day

As part of the research team at the Kalra Lab, you will execute a range of experimental, analytical, and leadership responsibilities supporting lipid-based delivery systems and skin permeation models.

• Formulation & Characterization: Design, optimize, and scale the production of lipid-based drug delivery systems using techniques such as microfluidics, thin-film hydration, and high-pressure homogenization. Characterize formulations using DLS, Zeta potential, cryo-TEM, and HPLC.
• Permeation Studies: Design and execute transport/permeation assays using Franz diffusion cells with synthetic membranes and lipid-based biomimetic barriers like PAMPA.
• 3D Skin Modeling: Culture, maintain, and use 3D reconstructed human epidermis or full-thickness human skin equivalent models to evaluate the dermatokinetics, efficacy, and localized toxicity of the lipid formulations.
• Data Translation: Correlate data between synthetic models and 3D biological models to establish robust predictive frameworks for transdermal delivery.
• Leadership: Prepare high-impact manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, present findings at international conferences, and mentor graduate and undergraduate students in the laboratory.

Who we're looking for

Candidates for these UBC jobs must meet specific academic and technical qualifications to support advanced research activities.

• A Ph.D. completed within the last 2 years in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in the physical chemistry and manufacturing of lipid-based delivery vehicles.
• Hands-on experience with in vitro permeation testing and release kinetics modeling.
• Required specialized knowledge: Proven experience working with mammalian cell culture, specifically the development, handling, and application of 3D skin equivalents/models for pharmacological testing.
• Strong analytical skills, including proficiency with chromatography like HPLC or UPLC and spectroscopic techniques.
• A track record of first-author publications in relevant peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English, with the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, multidisciplinary team environment.

Why you'll love it here

Joining UBC careers provides access to fantastic professional development opportunities, world-class facilities, and comprehensive benefits while living in Vancouver, BC.

• Competitive salary aligning with Canadian Institutes of Health Research and UBC Postdoctoral guidelines.
• Access to UBC's Postdoctoral Fellows Office resources, including grant writing workshops, career coaching, and leadership training.
• Access to world-class core facilities encompassing imaging, flow cytometry, sequencing, and nanofabrication nestled in the vibrant city of Vancouver.
• Eligibility for a comprehensive benefits package provided through UBC HR.