Job Description

Description

The

Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

in the

Cumming School of Medicine

invites applications for a

Research Associate

. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.


Reporting to the Principal Investigator.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

(job functions include but are not limited to):


Lab Management and Supervision

Responsible for maintaining a personal workbench area within the laboratory Collaborate with the Principal Investigator to design experiments for studying L-asparaginase-induced apoptosis in aLL cells Lab set up (lab organization and management of equipment) Management of safety issues Preparation of grant proposals

Budget and Administrative Responsibilities

Responsible for ordering and stock checking: Maintain an inventory of lab supplies and equipment, placing orders as needed to ensure uninterrupted research activities, with ordering done by our lab manager

Research and Development

Design and conduct experiments to investigate the role of PAR2 and OPRM1 pathways in ASNase-induced apoptosis of aLL cells Conduct literature review, surveys, data analysis and interpretation, laboratory experiments, and other research for use in scholarly publications Develop and optimize protocols for precise measurement of intracellular calcium levels ([Ca2+]i) in aLL cells Computational biology skills + Data processing: Adobe PhotoShop, Sigma Plot and biological graphic program
+ Statistical analysis (EXCEL, GraphPad)
Development of animal model systems (Mostly cancer and angiogenesis animal models) + Animal toxicology experiments for industrial chemicals and drugs: LD50, LC50
Knock-down/-out and overexpression vector systems + Design complex plasmids including mammalian or viral vector, PiggyBac-transposon system and execute the cloning, using either PCR, restriction enzymes
+ Producing Adenovirus, Retrovirus and Lentivirus for gene overexpression or knock-down/out
+ Establishment of stable cell lines
Establish and maintain inventory of chemicals and biologicals + Keep accurate records of experiments and laboratory samples
+ Prepare for presentation at scientific meetings and for publication


Communication and Reporting

Prepare and present research findings at lab meetings, conferences, and in scientific publications Write initial drafts of manuscripts detailing experimental results and their implications for the development of novel aLL therapies Communicate effectively with team members and external collaborators to ensure the successful completion of research projects

Collaboration and Relationship Management

Regularly update the Principal Investigator on project progress and any issues that arise, ensuring transparency and efficient problem-solving

Qualifications / Requirements:

PhD degree in a related scientific subject area, with strong publication record and hands-on experience using Flowjo, Image J, SARS, SPSS, Prism are required Minimum 4 - 5 years of experience in a molecular biosciences research area, working specifically with aLL cell lines, required Post-doctoral experience is strongly required Ability to write and communicate in English, including writing first drafts of scientific manuscripts for publication and a demonstrated successful publication record as first or senior author Expertise with molecular biology techniques such as qPCR, qRT-PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays, nucleic acid extraction, primer design, genotyping, and analysis techniques including analysis of microarray data Familiarity using mammalian and avian animal model systems for immunohistochemistry (IHC) and with isolating and processing their biological samples (eg. blood, tissues, urine) Experience in the areas of cell biology and cellular immunology; antibody-based immunoassays: ELISA, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, FACS Expertise in computational biology, bioinformatic analyses, data processing: Adobe Photoshop, Sigma Plot and biological graphic programs; statistical analysis (EXCEL, GraphPad), required In depth knowledge of scientific, clinical and technical issues in the area of blood cancers and specifically aLL Experience with animal models of inflammation-related diseases, including setting up lifecycles of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis and isolation and culture of primary cells Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet skills WHIMS Certification

Application Deadline:

January 5, 2026


All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following question: are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (Yes/No).

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.


This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the

Technical Job Family, Phase 2. (Salary range $32.69 - $47.33/hour)


To Apply, please visit the University of Calgary's career opportunities page;


http://careers.ucalgary.ca/. Job Opening ID #36360


Business address: 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary AB T2N 1N4



Contact information: hrhire@ucalgary.ca





For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our

Management and Staff Careers website

.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.


The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.


The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (

oic@ucalgary.ca

) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture (

hrhire@ucalgary.ca

).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.