Research Associate - UBC, Vancouver

About the role

The Michael Smith Laboratories at the University of British Columbia invites applications for a Research Associate position in Next-Generation RNA Therapeutics to join a dynamic and multidisciplinary team under the co-supervision of Dr. Anna Blakney and Dr. Jay Kizhakkedathu. This position falls under Faculty Non Bargaining administration jobs UBC Vancouver Campus - Vancouver, offering an opportunity to contribute to UBC careers in cutting-edge nanomedicine.

The successful candidate will work on a project to develop new polymeric strategies for delivery of RNA. The Blakney Lab develops next-generation RNA vaccines and therapies based on self-amplifying RNA using interdisciplinary approaches including bioengineering, immunology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. Meanwhile, the Kizhakkedathu lab develops novel polymers and biomaterials as therapeutics and devices.

Who we're looking for

The project requires specific technical expertise and collaborative skills suited for rigorous academic research environments.

• Polymer chemists with a background in polymer synthesis, organic chemistry and or lipid synthesis
• Candidates must have a Ph.D. in chemistry, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, or similar fields with excellent publication record
• Ability to work well on a team, even in situations where an opportunity is more exciting and time-sensitive than normal
• Creative individual with great interpersonal skills and excellent communication, both written and verbal

Day-to-day

RNA medicines have gained considerable momentum in recent years. While lipid nanoparticles are the state-of-the-art delivery system for RNA, polymeric nanoparticles have been discovered to be less inflammatory and induce higher protein expression. For this project, the focus is on exploring the polymer design space for RNA delivery across various applications.

The appointee will work with the Blakney and Kizhakkedathu labs to carry out the following duties:

• Design and synthesize novel polymers
• Test novel polymers for RNA delivery and immunogenicity in vivo in preclinical models
• Contribute to projects intended for clinical translation in the field of RNA therapeutics

Who you'll work with

You will be a member of a fun, diverse, and interdisciplinary group co-supervised by Dr. Anna Blakney and Dr. Jay Kizhakkedathu at UBC. The position provides opportunities to learn about RNA gene therapies and their delivery mechanisms, while collaborating with world-class leaders in the field through the Nanomedicine Innovation Network at UBC Vancouver.