Research Associate Full-time NEW

Research Associate

The Hayden Lab at the CMMT studies Huntington disease with the goal of developing therapies that slow, stop, or prevent disease progression. The lab's research focuses on reducing the toxic mutant huntingtin protein while preserving the normal, essential huntingtin protein, using multiple complementary strategies that selectively target the mutant gene and enhance clearance of the mutant protein.

The ultimate goal of the Hayden Lab's research is to develop new therapies that slow down or reverse progression of HD and lead to preventative therapy for pre-symptomatic individuals.

The candidate will work within a dynamic and vibrant lab with a proven track record of outstanding achievements and contributions in translational biomedical research. This position allows the candidate to contribute bold and innovative research that can be translated to new approaches to treatments for patients.

This position's primary purpose in the lab will be to lead studies into the molecular pathogenesis and treatment of Huntington disease, including the development of genetic and cell-based studies and methodologies. The position will instruct and supervise technicians and mentor graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.

This is a full-time grant funded position with the University of British Columbia, Centre for Molecular Medicine & Therapeutics.

Strong applicants should demonstrate a passion for studying brain disease, a proven track record of productivity, a strong work ethics, and evidence of creativity and scientific independence.

This position will play a leadership role in the Hayden lab, and will be reporting directly to Dr. Michael Hayden who is the primary investigator of the laboratory. The position will directly supervise technicians, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows.

The work performed includes:

• Management, training, and supervision of technicians
• Mentoring and supervision of graduate students
• Mentoring and supervision of postdoctoral fellows
• Management of the Huntington disease genetics group
• Support of the Huntington disease therapeutics group
• Performing regular reviews of the relevant literature
• Planning and designing of projects and single experiments
• Planning and overseeing human genetic studies relevant to disease pathogenesis
• Designing and developing genetic approaches to the investigation of trinucleotide repeat instability in human tissue
• Designing and developing cell-based disease models and approaches for genetic and preclinical studies
• Analyzing, interpreting and compiling data in study reports, presenting results, and participating in the preparation of scientific manuscripts and grant application packages
• Management of multiple interdisciplinary collaborations with academic institutions and industry, locally, nationally and internationally
• Updating Dr. Hayden and the group on the status of projects during lab meetings, in email correspondence and phone conferences
• Performing other related duties

Minimum qualifications include:

• PhD degree in Genetics, Molecular Biology, or equivalent degree
• At least 4 years' experience in laboratory research involving human disease genetics, preferably repeat disorders
• Experience with development of genetic assays in human tissue, preferably directed to tandem repeats or other complex sequences
• Experience in biobank management and the organization of human DNA and tissue with associated genetic and phenotypic data
• Experience with high throughput methods for preclinical screens, preferably for gene therapies or nucleic acid therapeutics
• Proficiency with the identification of human cell lines for genetic studies and preclinical screens
• Proficiency with the use of genetic databases for the identification and interpretation of human gene sequences and genetic variants
• Proficiency with the establishment and maintenance of cultured human cells
• Experience mentoring and supervising students and technicians in a wet lab environment
• Extensive knowledge of molecular biology, genetics, and genomics
• Proficiency with a range of in vitro genetic and molecular biology methods, including PCR, qPCR, SNP genotyping, cloning, and sequencing
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Adobe Photoshop and/or Illustrator
• Proficiency with statistical analysis methods (knowledge of R is a plus)
• Proven ability to multi-task in a deadline oriented environment with minimal supervision
• Effective oral and written communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational skill and ability to learn new skills quickly
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment
• Accuracy and attention to detail required
• Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work in a highly interdisciplinary environment
• Experience in collaboration with industry partners is preferred

Study may be jeopardized if not conducted according to ethical requirements as laid out by the University and by regulatory authorities. Study files must be kept secured to ensure that patient confidentiality is not compromised. An error within the realm of a research study may result in biased or incomplete data and skewed study results.

Exceptional candidates should submit a cover letter outlining your research interests and fit with the laboratory's research, curriculum vitae, and the names of three referees willing to provide letters of reference. Due to the number of resumes we receive, we are unable to confirm receipt of submissions over the phone, or provide the status of the competition. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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.