Postdoctoral Fellow (Experimental/Wet-Lab) – Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Tai Laboratory, Department of Basic and Translational Research - BC Cancer Research Institute & The University of British Columbia

Postdoctoral Fellow (Experimental/Wet-Lab) – Gastrointestinal Cancer Research
Tai Laboratory, Department of Basic and Translational Research
BC Cancer Research Institute & The University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC

Position Overview

A postdoctoral position is available immediately for a highly motivated recent PhD or MD/PhD graduate to join a dynamic translational research group headed by Dr. Isabella Tai, Associate Professor in the Division of Gastroenterology, University of British Columbia, and Senior Scientist in the Department of Basic and Translational Research, BC Cancer Research Institute. Our team combines hands-on cell and molecular biology using cancer cell lines, 3D organoids, and mouse tumor models with genomic, proteomic, and spatial profiling to advance understanding of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. The goal is to identify novel therapeutic targets and improve screening and surveillance tools. We are seeking a bench scientist with strong wet-lab skills to lead the experimental and functional validation arm of these research projects.

The successful candidate will contribute to one or both of the following active research projects:

Project 1: Cell-Intrinsic PD-1 in Colorectal Cancer

Advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) carries a five-year survival rate below 20%, and the majority of tumors are refractory to conventional therapies. The programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint, classically associated with T-cell exhaustion, is also intrinsically expressed by a subset of CRC tumors. Patients with high tumor PD-1 expression show inferior survival, elevated mutational burden, and microsatellite instability. Using CRC cell lines, patient-derived organoids, and mouse models, this project interrogates the functional role of tumor cell-intrinsic PD-1 in CRC biology and its interactions with current therapeutic strategies.

Key Aims:

Use gain- and loss-of-function approaches (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9, shRNA, lentiviral overexpression) in CRC cell lines and organoids to define how cell-intrinsic PD-1 regulates cancer cell proliferation, survival, and chemotherapy resistance
Dissect PD-1 downstream signaling pathways using Western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation, and pharmacological inhibition
Establish co-culture systems of tumor cells or organoids with immune cells to define how tumor PD-1 shapes interactions within the tumor microenvironment
Develop engineered cell libraries for high-throughput screening and experimentally validate candidate targets emerging from scRNA-seq and global proteomic datasets

Project 2: Spatial Biology of Gastric Cancer Progression

Gastric cancer (GC) remains one of the deadliest malignancies worldwide, with limited options once metastasis has occurred. This project uses spatial transcriptomics and multi-omics profiling of patient tissues to map the molecular landscape of GC progression – i.e., from normal gastric mucosa to early precursor lesions through to advanced disease. Cell populations, signaling axes, and microenvironmental cues identified in these datasets will then be tested functionally in gastric cancer cell lines, organoids, and in vivo models to determine which truly drive disease advancement and therapeutic resistance, with the longer-term goal of developing clinically actionable biomarkers. The postdoctoral fellow will lead this experimental validation, working alongside the lab’s computational collaborators.

Key Aims:

Functionally validate candidate drivers and biomarkers identified from spatial transcriptomic profiling, using gastric cancer cell lines and organoid models
Model how signaling axes and microenvironmental cues identified in patient tissues drive tumor growth, invasion, and therapy resistance in vitro and in vivo
Confirm key spatial findings at the protein level by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and multiplex imaging, and prepare high-quality tissue samples for spatial profiling

Key Responsibilities:

Design, plan, and execute experiments using mammalian cell lines, patient-derived 3D organoids, and mouse tumor models
Establish, maintain, and characterize cell line and organoid models, including genetically modified lines
Perform core molecular and cellular biology techniques, including Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, cloning, qPCR, and flow cytometry/FACS
Carry out in vitro functional assays such as proliferation, viability, apoptosis, migration/invasion, drug-response, and co-culture assays
Process tissue and cell samples for histology, immunostaining, and downstream sequencing, proteomic, and spatial platforms
Troubleshoot and optimize experimental protocols, and share technical expertise with junior lab members
Collaborate with bioinformaticians and multidisciplinary teams to design experiments and interpret genomic, proteomic, and spatial datasets
Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to funding applications
Maintain accurate experimental records and ensure compliance with biosafety, ethical, and animal welfare regulations

Qualifications

Required:

PhD or MD/PhD in cancer biology, cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, or a closely related discipline
Strong publication record commensurate with career stage, built primarily on experimental (wet-lab) research
Extensive hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and in vitro functional assays
Demonstrated proficiency in core molecular and protein biochemistry techniques, including Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, recombinant DNA/cloning, and qPCR
Practical experience with flow cytometry
Strong sense of curiosity, careful experimental design, and an aptitude for troubleshooting and problem solving

Highly Desirable:

Experience establishing and maintaining 3D organoid cultures (patient-derived or murine)
Experience with genetic manipulation of cells, such as CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, shRNA/siRNA knockdown, or lentiviral/retroviral transduction
Experience with mouse tumor models (e.g., xenograft, orthotopic, or patient-derived xenograft) and animal handling
Experience with primary T-cell or other immune cell culture, or tumor–immune co-culture systems
Experience with histology, immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, or tissue preparation for spatial platforms (e.g., 10x Visium/Xenium, NanoString CosMx)

How to Apply

Please submit a single PDF containing: (1) a cover letter describing your previous research experience. Please highlight the laboratory techniques and experimental models you have worked with hands-on. Describe your long-term career goals, and interest in molecular oncology or GI cancer biology; (2) your full curriculum vitae; and (3) the names of three referees willing to provide letters of reference.

Core Competencies

Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated initiatives in breaking down barriers and ensuring a safe environment ensuring a sense of belonging to all and informed by Indigenous Cultural Safety.
Awareness of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (the Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).

You have:

Demonstrated knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in social and health contexts, including supported by significant knowledge of Indigenous-specific mandates, including clear understanding of and commitment to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination and embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility.
Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within health care settings. This involves familiarity and understanding Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within [insert name of Program Area] contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study - BC Human Rights Code, BC Anti-racism Act and how they intersect across the health care system.
Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and/or continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach.

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth and development.
Access to professional development opportunities through our 2,000+ in-house courses including a range of experience level, profession-specific, or other essential training on Indigenous Cultural Safety; Indigenous-specific anti-racism; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and accessibility, mental health and well-being, and more.
Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
Perks include access to fitness classes and discounts to 350 BC-wide recreational programs, travel, technology, car and bike sharing, and more.

Job Type: Temporary, Full-Time (Until January 31, 2028)Salary: Starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan.Location: 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver BC V5Z 1G1 Hours of work: Monday - Friday;0830-1630Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2027. Requisition Number: 202504E

What we do

BC Cancer provides comprehensive cancer control for the people of British Columbia.

BC Cancer is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Create equity – Be courageous.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA is committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.

One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at [email protected].

Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.