Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Host-Pathogen Interactions & Host-Directed Therapeutics Full-time NEW

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Host-Pathogen Interactions & Host-Directed Therapeutics

The Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join the laboratory of Dr. Jim Sun. The Sun Lab uses multidisciplinary approaches, spanning microbial genetics, cell biology, immunology, high-throughput screening, omics, and in vivo models, to study host immunity to pathogens (such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis), macrophage biology, host-directed therapies, antimicrobial drug development, wastewater surveillance, and cancer therapeutics.

The successful candidate is expected to lead a project examining the interplay between host immune pathways and microbial pathogenesis, with the goal of identifying and validating novel host- and pathogen-directed therapeutic targets. The candidate will also contribute to other ongoing projects in the lab, and assist with training junior lab members. We are looking for a motivated, well-organized candidate who enjoys collaborative, cross-disciplinary research and is comfortable working across microbiology, immunology, and translational drug-discovery approaches.

The successful candidate will report directly to Dr. Jim Sun (PI). The candidate will initially work under close supervision and training, with the expectation of increasing independence, ultimately leading one or more projects through to manuscript and grant submission.

• Conceptualize novel project(s) related to objectives of the lab.
• Design and execute experiments investigating host immune responses to bacterial pathogens, macrophage biology, and host-directed therapeutic strategies.
• Perform bacterial culture, genetics, and molecular cloning, such as targeted gene deletion and overexpression.
• Develop and run high-throughput fluorescence- and luminescence-based screening assays for drug and target discovery.
• Conduct quantitative real-time PCR and related molecular assays.
• Perform mammalian cell culture and genetics, such as primary cell culture, PBMC isolation, CRISPR-based approaches, transfection/transduction, and in vitro bacterial infection models.
• Apply omics approaches (e.g., epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) to support drug target identification and validation.
• Carry out in vivo animal model work, including pathogen infection models where applicable, under approved animal care protocols.
• Perform multi-color flow cytometry, ELISA, Western blotting, and widefield/confocal microscopy.
• Work within Containment Level 3 (CL3) facilities following strict biosafety protocols.
• Analyze, interpret, and summarize experimental data, and prepare figures and reports.
• Write and co-write manuscripts, reviews, and grant applications with the PI.
• Present research findings at internal and external meetings and conferences.
• Apply for postdoctoral fellowships and external funding, with support from the PI.
• Train and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
• Contribute to lab organization and duties.
• Maintain clear, open, and consistent communication with the PI and other members of the lab.
• Be a team player and contribute positively to lab culture.

A high degree of organization, sound judgment, integrity, and attention to detail is required. Work will be reviewed by the PI in regular one-on-one and lab meetings, and as needed. Errors or inappropriate decisions will impact research milestones, compromise valuable reagents or animal cohorts, or result in loss of research time and funding. Work involving CL2 and CL3 pathogens, animal models, and human specimens requires strict adherence to biosafety and ethical protocols, failure to do so may risk infection or harm to the candidate, colleagues, or research animals.

All experiments and administrative tasks are performed under the direct supervision of the PI and other trained senior lab personnel. Written protocols will be provided for key procedures. As the candidate becomes proficient, supervision will be adjusted based on demonstrated competency and project needs.

The successful candidate will be expected to train and mentor graduate students, undergraduate students, and other trainees as they become proficient in relevant techniques and protocols, and to support day-to-day supervision of these trainees' work in the lab.

• A completed PhD in microbiology, immunology, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline.
• Experience with bacterial culture and genetics, and molecular cloning techniques (targeted gene deletion/overexpression).
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, including primary cell culture and standard immunology/cell biology assays (e.g., flow cytometry, ELISA, Western blotting, microscopy), macrophage signaling pathways.
• Willingness to work under Containment Level 3 (CL3) conditions; prior CL3 experience is an asset but not required.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including those in conflict with one's own, and a demonstrated commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

• Experience and/or demonstrated ability with:
• In vivo animal models, particularly pathogen infection models related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) or Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (STm).
• High-throughput screening assays (fluorescence- and luminescence-based).
• CRISPR-based gene editing, cell transfection/transduction, and primary cell/PBMC isolation.
• Omics technologies (epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) and drug target identification/validation.
• A strong track record of publishing in top-tier, peer-reviewed journals is preferred.
• Manuscript and grant writing, and protocol development (biosafety, animal care, human and animal REB).
• Training and mentoring students or junior researchers.
• Ability to:
• Work effectively both independently and within a collaborative team environment.
• Be thorough, accurate, and maintain a high level of attention to detail and record-keeping.
• Prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Communicate clearly, attentively, and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Develop and maintain cooperative, productive working relationships with colleagues and collaborators.

The Sun Laboratory is in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at UBC, and is a core member of the Prepare for Pandemics through Advanced Research in Evolution (PrePARE) Research Cluster. Multidisciplinary approaches are used to study host immunity to pathogens (such as Mtb and STm), macrophage biology, host-directed therapies, antimicrobial drug development, wastewater surveillance, and cancer therapeutics. The lab integrates microbial genetics, high-throughput screening, immunology, and in vivo models to identify and validate novel therapeutic strategies against infectious and malignant disease.

Applications should be submitted through the UBC Careers Portal no later than the posting end date. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter describing their research interests, relevant experience, and career goals, a curriculum vitae (CV), including a complete list of publications, and contact information for three professional references.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. The University of British Columbia recognizes that an open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the British Columbia 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, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.