Research Associate Position – Russell Lab

Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa

Position Type: Full-time Research Associate
Duration: 1 year, renewable pending grant renewal/acquisition
Start Date: November 1, 2025 or later
Application Deadline: November 15, 2025

Job Summary

The Russell Lab in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Ottawa invites applications for a Research Associate position to join our team investigating VHL tumor suppressor biology. Dr. Ryan Russell, Associate Professor and Director of the Genome Editing and Molecular Biology Core, leads a dynamic research program focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying VHL function in cancer biology.

Research Focus

The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research examining VHL tumor suppressor pathways, with particular emphasis on cellular stress responses, transcriptional regulation, and cancer cell biology. This position offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment utilizing state-of-the-art facilities and advanced molecular biology techniques.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or closely related field

Essential Technical Skills:

• Mammalian cell culture: Demonstrated expertise in primary and established cell line maintenance, transfection techniques, and sterile culture methods

• Western blot analysis: Proficiency in protein extraction, SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting, and quantitative analysis

• Immunofluorescence microscopy: Experience with cell fixation, staining protocols, fluorescence microscopy, and image analysis

Additional Qualifications:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Excellent written and oral communication abilities

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively

• Experience with experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation

• Proven track record of maintaining detailed laboratory records

Preferred Qualifications (Assets)

The following skills are not required but would be considered strong assets:

• Metabolomics: Experience with metabolite extraction, analysis, and pathway interpretation

• CUT&RUN: Chromatin profiling and epigenetic analysis techniques

• ChIP-Seq: Chromatin immunoprecipitation and next-generation sequencing

• Synthetic biology: Design and construction of biological systems and circuits

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze complex molecular biology experiments

• Maintain mammalian cell cultures and perform routine laboratory procedures

• Collaborate with team members on research projects and publications

• Present research findings at lab meetings and scientific conferences

• Assist in training graduate students and research assistants

• Contribute to grant writing and manuscript preparation

• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure compliance with safety protocols

Application Requirements

Interested candidates must submit the following materials to [Please click the Apply button for the link or address]:

1. Cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience, and career goals

2. Curriculum vitae including complete publication list

3. Top 3 published research papers with the following for each:

   • PMID (PubMed ID number)

   • 3-5 sentence description of the study and your specific contribution to the work

4. Contact information for three professional references

Compensation

Salary will be determined according to University of Ottawa guidelines and commensurate with experience level.

Application Process

Application Deadline: November 15, 2025
Contact: Dr. Ryan Russell, Associate Professor
Due to the high volume of applications, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Ottawa is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. All qualified candidates are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

If you are invited to continue in the selection process, please notify us of any particular adaptive measures you might require during the interview process.

Tagged as: Life Sciences