Postdoctoral Research Fellow Full-time NEW

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The Finbloom lab at UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences is seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher to work on a CIHR-funded project involving the development and delivery of bacterial therapeutics. This opportunity will involve bacterial synthetic biology for therapeutic bacteria production, biomaterial engineering, and in vivo murine models of inflammatory bowel diseases and bacterial infection.

About the Lab: The Finbloom lab located within the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver campus) designs nanomaterials that interface with bacterial communities to advance human health. By working at the intersection of chemical biology, nanotechnology, and bioengineering, the Finbloom lab tackles challenges in the pharmaceutical sciences – treating bacterial infections and improving the oral delivery of probiotics.

Position Start Date: May 2027 (flexible)

Application Deadline: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Salary: The expected salary for this position is $60,000 CAD. The initial appointment is for 1-year with the possibility of renewal subject to availability of funds and work performance. More information on postdoc salary and benefits can be found here.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or related field (completed within 5 years prior to start date).
• A strong track record of first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating research productivity and scientific writing ability
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more areas:
• Bacterial synthetic biology, genome engineering, strain development, and quantitative phenotyping of bacteria. Candidates should have experience in E. coli; additional experience with gram-positives such as lactobacillus will be viewed favorably.
• Molecular biology techniques (PCR, molecular cloning, Western blots, etc.)
• Mouse models of disease (preference for infections or IBD models)
• Prior experience in biomaterials or drug delivery is preferred but not required.

Work Performed

• Independently design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments in bacterial engineering and synthetic biology
• Lead genetic engineering of bacterial strains and associated in vitro and in vivo (mouse model) studies, under the general guidance of the PI.
• Conduct mechanistic investigations into nanomaterial-bacterial interactions and interfaces using a combination of microbiology, molecular biology, and materials science techniques.
• Analyze, interpret, and summarize experimental data; prepare figures and contribute to manuscript and grant writing.
• Attend and present at weekly lab meetings, and present research findings at conferences and in peer-reviewed publications
• Mentor and assist graduate students and/or undergraduates with their projects

How to Apply:

Email a single PDF to Prof. Joel Finbloom with the subject line “Postdoctoral Candidate – [Insert Name Here]”. The PDF should contain:

• Cover letter (2 pages maximum) describing your background and interest in the position
• CV (5 pages maximum), containing contact information for at least 2 references

Selected candidates will be asked to conduct a virtual interview, with additional details provided in advance.

This position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package. For details, see https://hr.ubc.ca/benefits

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 Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.