Postdoctoral Research Fellow Full-time

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

We are seeking a highly motivated full-time (1.0 FTE) Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Salker research group, an innovative multidisciplinary initiative focused on improving maternal and infant health through advanced biomarkers, multi-omics, and translational research. This is a 1-year position with a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, conference travel support, and the possibility of renewal subject to external funding.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative research environment within the University of British Columbia, BC Women's Hospital + Health Centre, and the BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, working closely with clinicians, scientists, bioinformaticians, and trainees across obstetrics, neonatology, genomics, immunology, and computational biology.

Upon appointment, the Fellow will have access to well-characterized clinical cohorts and existing multi-omics datasets for analysis and publication. They will also contribute to the development of new prospective clinical studies, including the establishment of standardized clinical databases and biospecimen collection pipelines across maternal and neonatal cohorts. The Fellow will be encouraged to develop independent research questions aligned with the program and lead high-impact publications and grant applications. The Fellow may contribute to projects involving:

• multi-omics analyses (single-cell, cell-free RNA/DNA, methylation, proteomics);
• biomarker discovery for pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes;
• computational biology, machine learning, and predictive modelling; laboratory-based biomarker discovery and validation using maternal and neonatal biospecimens.
• translational studies integrating laboratory discoveries with clinical implementation.

Vancouver is a vibrant coastal city located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples. The city offers stunning natural beauty with easy access to the Pacific Ocean, Coast Mountains, and world-class outdoor recreation. Known for its diverse population, rich arts and food culture, and progressive values, Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the most livable cities in the world.

Responsibilities:

• Advance patient-oriented and clinic-based research which includes dissemination of existing data (i.e., publications and presentations) as well as launching new research.
• Contribute to prospective clinical studies and laboratory workflows, including biospecimen collection, processing, and molecular or biomarker analyses.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team at BCCHR and WHRI and mentor research trainees (e.g., undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate students).
• Participate in grant applications, including concept development, analysis of preliminary data, preparing background information, and writing grant sections.
• Apply for postdoctoral funding from federal, provincial, and other relevant agencies.

Qualifications:

• A doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in biology, biomedicine, molecular biology, women's health research, or related fields with at least 2 years post-doctoral experience.
• Experience with women's, maternal, or infant health research and molecular or cellular laboratory methods; experience with Multiomics and/or bioinformatics would be an asset.
• Demonstrated expertise with quantitative research methods and analysis.
• A strong or growing publication record as first author.
• Excellent organization, ethics/record keeping, time management, and communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills that support teamwork and professional interactions with patients.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own.
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The expected salary for this position is $55,000 to $60,000, plus benefits. Dr. Salker will cover conference registration, travel, and shared accommodations for at least 1 North American conference, if presenting first author research. The Faculty of Medicine is committed to offering equitable and competitive salaries, commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

Application Procedure:

• An application package should include:
• Cover letter describing (a) relevant experience in women's, maternal, or infant health and laboratory or translational research, (b) personal research interests, (c) reasons for pursuing a postdoctoral fellowship with the Salker research group, and (d) interest in a multi-year fellowship, pending external funding (2-page maximum);
• A detailed curriculum vitae, including a full list of publications and conference presentations;
• Names and contact information for 2-3 referees who will be able to provide a letter of reference within 5 business days upon request.
• Applications should be submitted online at https://ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/ubcfacultyjobs.

Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Please apply as soon as possible to facilitate timely review of your application. The anticipated start date for this position is November 1, 2026 or on a mutually agreed upon date.

We invite applications from qualified candidates who share our commitment to employment equity and inclusive excellence, and we welcome applications from candidates belonging to historically, persistently, or systemically marginalized groups: Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and trans and non-binary people.

The University is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable work environment for all members of its workforce. An inclusive work environment presumes an environment where differences are appreciated, recognized, and integrated into current structures, planning, and decision-making modes. Within this hiring process we are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable process for all candidates (including but not limited to people with disabilities). Confidential accommodations are available on request. Please contact Lygia Siqueira, Assistant HR manager via email at lygia.siqueira@ubc.ca. If you have any questions regarding accommodations or accessibility during the recruitment and hiring process or for more information and support, please visit UBC's Centre for Workplace Accessibility website at https://hr.ubc.ca/health-and-wellbeing/workplace-accessibility/centre-workplace-accessibility or contact the Centre at workplace.accessibility@ubc.ca.