Job Description

Academic

Job Category Faculty Non Bargaining

Job Title Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Cancer Biology & Proteomics

Department Lange Laboratory | Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine | Faculty of Medicine (Philipp Lange)

Posting End Date March 11, 2024

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date Dec 31, 2025

The expected pay range for this position is $5,000/month to $6,667/month.

The Lange Lab is a creative, forward looking and nimble team of scientists that analyzes and decodes the human proteome to find new treatment opportunities for children with cancer. In our latest research published in Nature Communications, we establish a strong rational for starting personalized precision diagnostics immediately at diagnosis. We embrace tough challenges and take pride in pushing fundamental research all the way to improving patient\xe2\x80\x99s care \xe2\x80\x93 today. Together with our partners, we informed the treatment of patients and paved the way to bring precision oncology to the next level.

If you are a self-motivated Postdoctoral Fellow with strong ability to lead & work collaboratively and well-rounded, hands-on expertise in cancer biology, protein biochemistry and mass spectrometry we would like to hear from you!

JOB SUMMARY:
For our research projects in the Canadian Pediatric Cancer Consortium (CPCC) we are seeking highly skilled and passionate Postdoctoral Fellows. The successful candidate will develop and lead a research project focusing on spatial and single cells proteomics in high-grade childhood brain tumors, sarcomas or infant leukemias. Alternatively, they will advance plasma and extracellular vesicle proteome and immunopeptidome analysis with the goal to establish liquid biopsy testing for select pediatric malignancies.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the Canadian Pediatric Cancer Consortium that brings together Clinicians, Scientists, Patients and Policymakers across Canada to re-think pediatric cancer research and care from the ground up. The successful candidate will have direct access to TimsTOF-ultra and Q-Exactive HF mass spectrometers, laser capture microdissection, unique open-flow microfluidic probe systems, clinical specimen and diverse patient derived model systems. There will also be the opportunity to supervise graduate and undergraduate students, gain leadership experience in collaborative projects and contribute to grant applications. If of interest, we will work with the successful candidate in the latter half of their fellowship to develop a secondary project that provides preliminary data for a first independent position and grant.

The successful candidate will be mentored by Dr. Philipp Lange, PhD (Canada Research Chair in Translational Proteomics of Childhood Cancer). The position is fully funded for 2 years with the possibility of extension. We are looking for a team member to spearhead and shape the project over a period of 3-5 years and provide a very dynamic yet supportive interdisciplinary environment with dedicated mentoring and excellent opportunities for continued career development. The start date is flexible.

WORK PERFORMED:

• Conduct basic/translational research in cancer proteomics
• Design, implement and execute research plans
• Provide leadership and strategic direction in collaborative research projects
• Implement and advance new mass spectrometry approaches
• Perform and document lab experiments, data analysis, interpretations with exceptional care and attention to detail following rigorous scientific principles
• Write manuscripts, and present results at internal and external meetings
• Foster research collaborations and work jointly with academic, clinical, industry, and other partners
• Identify funding opportunities and contribute to grant proposals with mentor as a lead or co-applicant
• Lead and mentor junior trainees in the laboratory
• Capable of working independently and in teams
• Attentive to details
• Excellent social, networking and interpersonal skills
• Comfortable with responsibility and uncertainty

QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD with expertise in proteomics, mass spectrometry and/or cancer biology
• A proven track record with a minimum of 2-3 first author publications in reputable journals
• Strong statistical foundation and expertise in R or python for data analysis
• Fluent in written and spoken English and demonstrated excellence in scientific writing
• Previous experience in proposal/grant writing is an asset
• Exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills
• Hands-on expertise in spatial or single cell proteomics, cell surface characterization, plasma proteomics, extracellular vesicle or PTM analysis, immunology, microfluidics and/or histo-pathology are important assets

RESEARCH TEAM & ENVIRONMENT:
Located at the BC Children\xe2\x80\x99s Hospital Research Institute (BCCHR) ( ), the leading pediatric research center in Western Canada, the successful candidate will be embedded in the highly innovative and interdisciplinary research environment spanning BC Children\xe2\x80\x99s Hospital, UBC and BC Cancer. Vancouver repeatedly ranks among the most livable places in the world and combines excellence in research with high quality of life. Excellent opportunities for personal and professional development are available.

The successful candidate would be part of a dynamic team of experimental and computational scientists and part of local and national collaborations. And will have direct access to state-of-the-art cell and molecular biology facilities, mouse and chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) modeling platforms, mass-spectrometry, next-generation sequencing, flow cytometry, imaging and compute infrastructure. More information on the Lange Laboratory can be found at .

The successful candidate would be part of the Canadian Pediatric Cancer Consortium and the PROFYLE precision oncology study where you will interact with interdisciplinary teams. This provides an exceptional opportunity to establish a Canada wide network and reputation and an excellent foundation from which to launch into a diverse palette of careers spanning from research faculty and management to health regulation and policy making.

ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS:

The successful candidate will be employed by the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia and will be based at the Lange Laboratory located within BC Children\xe2\x80\x99s Hospital Research Institute. The successful candidate will report directly to Dr. Lange and will play a senior leadership role in the laboratory that includes overseeing the research activities of graduate students, undergraduate students, and technicians.

CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR:

This is a senior research position that plays a critical role in the development of this novel field. The PDF is accountable for the quality and integrity of the research and data, including analyses and interpretation, as well as the effective and efficient management of research projects and deliverables. This position requires innovation, strategic planning, and adaptability. Incorrect decisions or actions may damage the reputation of the laboratory, lead to loss of credibility in this field, and be financially costly.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

The successful candidate will work with a high degree of independence and set priorities under broad mentorship from Dr. Lange. This position will also provide the candidate with professional development opportunities as well as a high level of exposure to research translation and policy development if of interest.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

The successful candidate will be expected to provide direction and mentorship to graduate and undergraduate students under the supervision of Dr. Lange.

How to apply:

Please send the following as one PDF file to : cover letter expressing your long-term research vision, career goals and fit for the position); CV; contacts for three references; copies of your most impactful papers (max 3, submitted OK). The position will remain open until filled.

This position is located within a health-care facility. Therefore, this position requires successful verification of full vaccination against Covid-19 provided prior to the start date, as required by the provincial health mandate.

University of British Columbia