Postdoctoral Research Fellow Full-time NEW

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The Sugioka Lab at the University of British Columbia seeks a postdoctoral researcher in developmental cell biology to study the developmental control of cell division and the cytoskeleton using the C. elegans embryo as a model system. The researcher will work with the supervisor Dr. Kenji Sugioka in the Department of Zoology, Life Sciences Institute at UBC's Vancouver campus.

The postdoctoral researcher will lead projects investigating how cortical flow, concerted actomyosin flow, regulates embryonic morphogenesis, including asymmetric cell division and left-right asymmetry. In the past few years, our lab has identified novel mechanical regulation of cortical flow and its role in asymmetric regulation of cytokinesis (Khor et al., Current Biology, 2025; Hsu et al., Nature Communications, 2023). Building on this work, the successful candidate will investigate the molecular mechanisms and cellular information-processing principles underlying these processes.

Work will be developed in close collaboration with the supervisor, with significant opportunity for independent project development. The candidate will use a combination of C. elegans genetics, live imaging, quantitative image analysis, and molecular perturbation approaches. The candidate will also have opportunities to mentor junior researchers and contribute to a vibrant and collaborative research environment. The Sugioka Lab shares space with two other C. elegans research groups, providing strong opportunities for scientific interaction and collaboration.

Required qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Biophysics, Genetics, Molecular Biology, or a related field (PhD students in their final years are also eligible)
• Strong background in cell biology, developmental biology, or genetics
• Experience with molecular biology, genetics, live imaging, or image analysis.
• Strong collaborative skills and effective professional communication.
• Demonstrated writing skills and evidence of research productivity.

Desired qualifications:

• Experience with C. elegans genetics.
• Experience with single-cell RNA-seq or other genomics approaches.
• Experience with quantitative live imaging and computational image analysis.
• Interest in mentoring undergraduate or graduate students.
• Desire to contribute to a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative research environment.

The position will start on September 1, 2026, or after, and will be based in the Life Sciences Institute at UBC's Vancouver campus. The expected salary range is CAD $60,000–70,000 per year + benefits, depending on qualifications and experience. Information on benefits is available at www.postdocs.ubc.ca. The initial appointment is 1.5 year(s) in duration, with the possibility of extension contingent on satisfactory work performance and funding availability.

Successful applicants will join a dynamic research environment with opportunities to interact with researchers in developmental biology, cell biology, mechanobiology, quantitative biology, and C. elegans genetics at UBC. The position also offers an exceptional training opportunity within the scientific community and quality of life of Vancouver.

Applications should be submitted as a single PDF attachment by email to kenji.sugioka@ubc.ca with the subject “Sugioka Lab postdoc application” and file name “LastName.FirstName.pdf”, and should include:

• A 1-page cover letter stating research interests and key qualifications,
• CV including contact information for 3 references, and
• Copies or links for 1–3 writing samples, such as recent peer-reviewed publications.

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 an Indigenous person.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.