Scientist, Cancer Biology - BC Cancer - Vancouver

Scientist/Assistant Professor - Cancer Biology
BC Cancer
Vancouver, BC

The British Columbia Cancer Research Institute (BCCRI; https://www.bccrc.ca/), in beautiful and cosmopolitan Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, is seeking an outstanding candidate for a full-time position at the rank of Scientist at the BCCRI. The BCCRI is a research institute of the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

The BCCRI will assist the successful candidate to secure a partnered appointment at the Assistant Professor level with an affiliated university, which is a requirement for appointment at the BCCRI.

The candidate should have proven expertise in cancer biology, with a particular focus on tumour development, possible focus on pediatric oncology research, cell plasticity and metastasis. An outstanding track record including successful publications in cancer biology is expected of the successful candidate. The position is broadly open to candidates with expertise in metabolic or proteomic analysis of tumour tissues, cellular and microenvironment crosstalk and/or functional genomics. The candidates should have experience developing or working with in vivo animal modeling of human solid tumors.

Salary will be commensurate with experience and is subject to final budgetary approval. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in cancer biology or a related area, supplemented with at least 3 years of postdoctoral or equivalent experience. Candidates must have successful postdoctoral fellowship application experiences and have demonstrated potential for outstanding research with relevance to cancer biology in areas, such as tumor metabolism (with expertise in metabolomics analysis), cancer immunotherapy development, functional genomics, and various other Omics background. Applicants must also demonstrate strong potential for excellence in teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and the ability to complement the current research themes within the BCCRI and at an affiliated university such as the University of British Columbia or Simon Fraser University.

The successful candidate will be expected to fulfill the following academic and teaching duties, including:

1.) The development of an independent, externally funded, and internationally recognized research program in cancer biology;
2.) Fostering active collaborations in biomedical research within the BCCRI, the UBC Faculty of Medicine and other affiliated universities;
3.) Teaching molecular biology and medical science-related courses at the graduate and undergraduate level within the department in which the partner appointment is secured.

The BCCRI houses an internationally renowned faculty with diverse expertise across many areas of basic and translational cancer research, and hosts an animal research core facility, a world class genomics core facility, a mass spectrometry core facility, a flow cytometry core facility, which support the research, educational, and knowledge transfer activities of the successful candidate.

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, individuals with Canadian Citizenship will be given priority.

Applicants should submit one combined PDF file including: (1) cover letter; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) statement describing the candidate’s most significant contributions to cancer science, and a five-year research plan (1-2 pages); (4) statement of teaching philosophy with evidence of potential for effective teaching (1-2 pages); (5) contact information of three references; and (6) statement identifying a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (up to 1 page). Applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted and asked to provide letters of reference.

Qualifications:

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 healthcare settings. This involves 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 BC Cancer 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, Anti-racism Data Act and how they intersect across the health care system.

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 leadership in breaking down barriers and ensuring an environment of belonging. Embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into all aspects of work. This means creating an environment where Indigenous patients feel respected, valued, and understood. Foster trust through respectful communication, active listening, and honoring equity-deserving people's perspectives on health and wellness. Commit to ongoing education and training on Indigenous health issues, cultural safety, and DEI principles. Participate in workshops, cultural immersion experiences, and continuous professional development to stay informed and responsive to equity-deserving groups. Provide patient-centred care that respects Indigenous ways of knowing and healing, respects BIPOC experiences and world views ensuring that care plans are culturally relevant and holistic.
Knowledge 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:

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 BC Cancer 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, Anti-racism Data Act and how they intersect across the health care system.

Applications and questions should be sent to:
Georgia Maniotakis
Research Administration and Operations, BC Cancer
[email protected]

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, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
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).
Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
Salary Range: $130,864 - $188,116 per year. The 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. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.
Location: 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver BC V5Z 1G1
Applications will be accepted until October 30, 2026.
Hours of Work: Monday- Friday; 0800-1630
Requisition Number: 165261E

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).

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 and BC Cancer are 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.

Attention current employees of PHSA:

You must apply via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca.

The internal job posting has expired, please e-mail [email protected] with the six-digit job requisition number and your PHSA employee ID number to be considered as a late internal applicant. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not yet set up an internal profile, please e-mail [email protected] with your PHSA employee ID number to obtain your temporary password. Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding Statutory Holidays and a Help Desk Representative will respond to you with 1-2 business days.

If you are not a current employee of PHSA and require assistance with your application, please contact the External Careers team at [email protected].