Postdoctoral Fellow – Protein Engineering and Biomaterials Full-time

Postdoctoral Fellow – Protein Engineering and Biomaterials

The Li Group in the Department of Chemistry at The University of British Columbia is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF) to drive an innovative project focused on the design and development of advanced protein-based biomaterials. This interdisciplinary project aims to engineer novel functional proteins, construct macro-scale biomaterials (such as hydrogels or elastic networks), and evaluate their mechanical and biological properties. This position offers a unique environment bridging synthetic biology, polymer chemistry, and biophysics.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and engineer novel recombinant proteins with tailored mechanical or functional properties.
• Manage high-yield protein expression (E. coli or alternative hosts) and multi-step chromatographic purification.
• Formulate and characterize protein-based biomaterials, hydrogels, or thin films.
• Evaluate biomaterial mechanics and physical properties using rheology, tensile testing, or biophysical assays.
• Collaborate with single-molecule biophysicists to correlate macroscopic material traits with single-chain mechanics.
• Lead the preparation of high-impact manuscripts and present research at national and international conferences.
• May provide orientation and training on laboratory techniques and instruments as required.
• Maintain safe and clean lab space used
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Material Science, or a related field.
• Deep technical expertise in recombinant protein design, cloning, and FPLC/HPLC protein purification.
• Experience with biomaterials synthesis, hydrogel crosslinking chemistry, or polymer characterization is highly asset-oriented.
• A passion for interdisciplinary research; candidates with exceptional graduate records in pure chemistry or engineering looking to transition to biomaterials are encouraged to apply.
• A strong track record of scientific productivity, evidenced by first-author publications or preprints.
• Exceptional organizational, teamwork, and communication skills

Work Location:

· The primary work location is the UBC Vancouver Campus

Application Process:

· Seeking full-time PDF for 12 months with the possibility of extension.

Anticipated Start Date: Oct. 1st, 2026, or as soon as possible.

Deadline to Apply: Applications will be reviewed starting Sept. 15 until the position is filled.

Only applications received through UBC's online job board will be considered

Please submit the following documents in your application:

• A CV
• Cover Letter
• Contact Information for three referees
• Please indicate your legal status to work in Canada.

All applicants are asked to address the following points in their cover letters:

• Their technical and analytical expertise
• The earliest date that they would be available

Equity and Diversity Statement

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. Inclusion is built by individual and institutional responsibility through continuous engagement with diversity to inspire people, ideas, and actions for a better world. 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, Métis, Inuk, or Indigenous person. UBC acknowledges that certain circumstances may cause career interruptions that legitimately affect an applicant's record of research or educational leadership achievement. We encourage applicants to note in their applications whether they would like consideration given to the impact of any circumstances, such as those due to health or family reasons, in order to allow for a fair assessment of their research productivity.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority, and members of historically marginalized groups will be given special consideration.

If you have any needs or questions regarding accommodations or accessibility during the job application, recruitment and hiring process or for more information and support, please visit UBC's Center For Workplace Accessibility website or contact the Centre.