Research Associate

Job Title

Research Associate

Job Category

Faculty Non Bargaining

Job Family Group

Academic

Department

Cullis Laboratory | Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Faculty of Medicine (Pieter Cullis (Retired - Active))

Job End Date

February 28, 2029

Posting End Date

December 9, 2026

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

The expected salary for this position is $98,000.

Job Summary:

The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at the University of British Columbia will be hiring a Research Associate at 100% FTE to join the laboratory of Dr. Pieter Cullis. The expected start date is March 1, 2027.

For more than fifty years, the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology has played an active and important role at UBC and in the greater scientific community. The Department is home to approximately 90 research laboratories from fifteen Departments organized into nine research clusters, fostering a strong foundation for innovation and collaborations. All members of the Department maintain active, well-funded research programs that encompass many areas of modern biochemistry, and molecular and structural biology. The Department hosts an active Graduate program with more than 90 students and offers over fifteen undergraduate courses and laboratory courses for honours, major and minor Undergraduate programs.

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following:

• Formulation of lipid nanoparticles and optimization of lipid nanoparticles for in vitro and in vivo systems.
• Assay development and physicochemical characterization of lipid nanoparticles LNPs using biophysical and analytical techniques.
• In vitro and in vivo testing of lipid nanoparticles.
• Working closely with a multi-disciplinary sepsis research team led by Jim Russell (attend regular meetings, prepare and execute work plans, communicate experimental results etc.).
• Training junior laboratory members and students.
• Preparing manuscripts for publication and supporting grant proposals.
• Attending meetings and seminars.
• Initiating and directing collaborations with other laboratories.
• Performing other related duties as required.

The successful candidate should have the following:

· A PhD in a relevant scientific discipline, with a minimum of three years of postdoctoral experience in RNA therapeutics, drug delivery, nanomedicine, or a related field.

· Demonstrated expertise in lipid nanoparticle formulation, characterization, and evaluation.

· A strong scientific and technical background, with evidence of research productivity.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and dynamic research environment.

· Strong leadership skills, with the ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team.

· A high level of initiative, motivation, and enthusiasm for advancing innovative therapeutics.

· Has the drive and enthusiasm to lead and work as a member of a team.

Candidates interested must apply via the UBC Careers website.

UBC - One of the World's Leading Universities

As one of the world's leading universities, the University of British Columbia creates an exceptional learning environment that fosters global citizenship, advances a civil and sustainable society, and supports outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada and the world.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

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.