Research Associate – International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries Research Centre

Job Category
Faculty Non Bargaining

Job Title
Research Associate – International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries Research Centre

Department
Granville Laboratory Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Faculty of Medicine (David Granville)

Posting End Date
November 21, 2022

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence.  An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged.  We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

SUMMARY:

A Research Associate (RA) position is available at the University of British Columbia, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in the laboratory of Dr. David Granville PhD, a Principal Investigator at the International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD) research centre. The overarching research interests of the Granville Laboratory are centered on the molecular underpinnings of tissue injury and repair, particularly with a goal of elucidating therapeutic targets that could ameliorate healing. Skin aging, pruritus, and proteomics are additional areas of focus. The RA will play a senior role in the laboratory and is expected to conduct and publish independent research while also mentoring a team of Postdoctoral Fellows and graduate students under the supervision of Dr. Granville. This is a full-time position available immediately for a 1-year term with the possibility of extension. Start date is flexible. Salary will commensurate with qualifications and experience.

This position is located within a health-care facility. Therefore, this position requires successful verification of full vaccination against Covid-19 provided prior to the start date, as required by the provincial health mandate.

RESEARCH PROGRAM:

Our research program spans basic molecular biology and biochemistry through to target validation, proof-of-concept in animal and human models, with multidisciplinary collaborations with clinicians and industry. The Granville Laboratory has expertise in diverse mouse models of diseases related to tissue injury, wound healing, inflammation, and aging. The Research Associate (RA) will be involved in translational research investigating the pathophysiological roles of a family of serine proteases granzymes in aging skin and/or other dermatologic conditions. The RA will be responsible for conceiving, designing, and implementing studies to further elucidate mechanisms of disease using in vitro and in vivo models. The position is highly translational and well-suited for RA seeking opportunities to advance basic bench research discoveries to clinical application and potentially commercialization. The RA will have many opportunities to work with both industry and clinical collaborators. Applicants who are highly-motivated and self-directed are especially encouraged to apply.

ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS:

The Granville Laboratory is located within the University of British Columbia (UBC), the International Collaboration for Repair Discoveries (ICORD) Centre, and the BC Professional Firefighters’ Burn and Wound Healing Laboratory at the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (www.vchri.ca ) in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. More information on the Granville Laboratory can be found at www.granzymes.com . The candidate will report to Dr. Granville directly and will play a senior leadership role in the laboratory, overseeing the research activities of Postdoctoral Fellows and graduate students.

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UBC is a hybrid, academically intensive Department within the UBC Faculty of Medicine whose activities span a broad spectrum of teaching, research, and academic service, often performed in the milieu of clinical practice, and are ultimately devoted to improving the care, treatment, and well-being of patients.  The Department offers academic degrees at the bachelor’s (Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLSc)) and graduate (MSc, PhD) levels with the graduate program, one of the largest in the Faculty of Medicine, which has been recognized by UBC for its quality. The Department plays a major role in the MD undergraduate program and offers an accredited residency-training program. Faculty members participate across a spectrum of research from basic investigative to translational to clinical applied research and are recognized locally, nationally and internationally for their excellence. 

WORK PERFORMED:

• Provide leadership and strategic direction pertaining to research in chronic and/or age-related pathologies related to tissue injury, wound healing, inflammation in the skin or other tissues
• Conceptualize novel translational research investigations and generate hypotheses
• Design and implement experimental plans
• Conduct in vitro and in vivo testing or characterization of small molecules, knockouts or antibodies in relevant models
• Scientifically document lab experiments, data analysis, interpretations
• Write manuscripts, present results at internal and external meetings
• Foster research collaborations and work jointly with academic, clinical, industry, and other partners
• Contribute to writing grant proposals as a co-applicant
• Assist in preparing reviews of grant applications and manuscripts
• Lead and trainees in the laboratory

CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR:

This is a senior research position that plays a critical role in the development of this novel field. The RA is accountable for the quality and integrity of the research and data, including analyses and interpretation, as well as the effective and efficient management of research projects and deliverables. This position requires innovation, strategic planning, and adaptability. Incorrect decisions or actions may damage the reputation of the laboratory, lead to loss of credibility in this field, and be financially costly.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

The RA will work with a high degree of independence and set priorities under broad directives from Dr. Granville. This position will also provide the candidate with a high level of exposure to translation, commercialization, and industry.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

The RA will be expected to provide direction and mentorship to Postdoctoral Fellows and graduate students under the supervision of Dr. Granville. The RA will also have access to technicians.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The candidate should have a solid scientific and technical background with excellent written and oral communication, interpersonal as well as organizational skills.

• Ph.D. in molecular and cell biology, immunology, enzymology/protease biology, experimental pathology, experimental dermatology, experimental medicine, or similar discipline
• Experience and a strong track record with mouse models of tissue injury, wound healing, dermatologic/autoimmune conditions, aging, and/or chronic disease
• Expertise and hands-on experience in animal studies, including all aspects of design, handling, breeding, tissue collection, histology, and analyses are essential
• Expertise in biochemistry, enzymology, and/or proteomics techniques is an asset
• Familiarity with testing/characterization of small molecule or antibodies in vivo is an asset
• Experience with statistical analyses and scientific writing; previous experience with grant writing is an asset
• A proven track record with a minimum of 2-3 first-author publications in reputable journals is a requirement

If you are interested in this position, please submit a cover letter and CV in 1 PDF file to Karen Jung at [email protected] .

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply.