Job Description

Job Category: Research & Research Support
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This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.
This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).
In accordance with the , this position has a comprehensive and an annual salary range of . This position has an initial appointment of 1 year,
Location - This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.
The purpose of this Research Associate Position is to provide high-level research and operational support to the Hendzel Laboratory. The successful candidate will design and conduct experiments to study DNA damage repair, chromatin dynamics and epigenetic regulation using live-cell imaging, confocal microscopy, biochemical assays and molecular biology. They will manage day-to-day laboratory operations, ensure compliance with safety protocols, maintain equipment, coordinate ordering and inventory and assist in supervising graduate and undergraduate trainees. This position will play a central role in integrating the laboratory's basic research with translational efforts to understand aging and cancer, live-cell imaging and organoid culture.
Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be accountable for multiple key areas of responsibility. The following summarizes the
major duties; additional related tasks may be assigned as research evolves: * Research design and execution

• Develop and implement experimental protocols to investigate DNA damage repair pathways, chromatin compartmentalization and epigenetic regulation in mammalian cells. This includes performing live-cell imaging and time-lapse microscopy to study nuclear protein dynamics, using techniques such as laser micro-irradiation and ionizing radiation-induced foci to induce DNA double-strand breaks.
• Use confocal microscopy, electron spectroscopic imaging and fluorescence microscopy to examine chromatin organization and nuclear compartments; assist with development and

application of "colour" transmission electron microscopy probes. * Perform cell and tissue culture (adherent, non-adherent, primary mammalian cells, organoids and PBMCs); conduct molecular biology and biochemical assays such as DNA damage assays, qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, clonogenic and cell survival assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation and RNA analysis.

• Expertise in nucleoside chemistry to synthesize fluorescent or chemically modified nucleoside analogs and small-molecule probes that modulate or report on epigenetic mechanisms and poly(ADP-)ribose.
• Coordinate with collaborators and core facilities (e.g., imaging, genomics, proteomics) to

perform high-throughput sequencing, mass spectrometry and advanced imaging as required
by research projects. * Data analysis and dissemination

• Analyze quantitative imaging data (single-molecule tracking, FRAP/FRET), biochemical

assays and sequencing results; perform statistical analyses using GraphPad Prism and other software. * Maintain detailed experimental records and laboratory notebooks; prepare figures, tables and written summaries for grant proposals, progress reports and manuscripts.

• Contribute to the writing and revision of manuscripts and presentations; assist in preparing fellowship and grant applications by providing preliminary data and methodological expertise.
• Laboratory management and safety

• Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, including ordering and tracking of reagents and

supplies, equipment maintenance and calibration, and organization of communal
workspaces. * Perform routine instrument maintenance (e.g., microscopes, incubators, flow cytometer) and liaise with vendors for repairs or upgrades.

• Maintain and update standard operating procedures and safety protocols; conduct regular

biohazard and chemical hazard audits; ensure compliance with institutional and
governmental regulations. * Manage budgets for consumables and small equipment, reconcile expenses and
communicate with departmental finance personnel. * Supervision and training

• Assist in the supervision and mentorship of graduate students, undergraduate trainees and new hires; provide hands-on training in cell culture, imaging, biochemical assays, nucleoside synthesis and data analysis.
• Schedule and coordinate weekly lab meetings and journal clubs; present current literature

relevant to DNA repair, chromatin biology, aging and epigenetics. * Encourage a collaborative and supportive environment that fosters innovation and adherence to best laboratory practices.

• Communication and collaboration

• Serve as a primary point of contact between the Hendzel Laboratory and collaborators within the Cross Cancer Institute and broader University of Alberta community.
• Prepare and deliver presentations for internal seminars, conference posters and external

collaborators; disseminate research findings through talks and publications. * Promote knowledge translation by assisting with interactions between basic research and
clinical partners engaged in cancer and aging studies.
Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or a related discipline, with significant postdoctoral or professional experience in DNA damage and repair, chromatin biology or epigenetics.
• Demonstrated expertise in mammalian cell culture (primary, adherent and suspension), organoid culture and PBMC isolation; experience with animal handling and in vivo studies is an asset.
• Hands-on proficiency in molecular biology and biochemical techniques, including Western blotting, qPCR, ELISA, DNA damage assays (e.g., ?H2AX foci assays, comet assays), clonogenic and cell survival assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation and immunohistochemistry.
• Advanced microscopy skills, including bright-field, confocal and live-cell imaging; familiarity with laser micro-irradiation or ionizing radiation-induced DNA damage and analysis of nuclear compartments.

Experience with electron spectroscopic imaging and development of fluorinated or boronated probes is desirable. * Experience synthesizing and characterizing nucleoside analogs or small-molecule inhibitors (e.g., via organic synthesis, chromatography, NMR, mass spectrometry) and evaluating their biological activity; ability to translate chemical insights into biological experiments.

• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals; experience presenting at national/international conferences.

Technical and analytical skills

• Proficiency with data analysis software (GraphPad Prism, ImageJ, Imaris or equivalent) and knowledge of statistical methods.
• Ability to interpret and integrate complex datasets from imaging, biochemistry and genomics; experience with coding (e.g., R or Python) for image or sequence analysis is an asset.

Project management and interpersonal skills * Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.

• Experience managing laboratory operations, including ordering and budgeting, equipment maintenance and hazard assessments; ability to develop and enforce standard operating procedures.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively mentor trainees, collaborate with diverse teams and communicate complex scientific concepts.
• Commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive and safe laboratory environment; ability to provide constructive feedback and encourage team development.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn and apply new techniques, and to participate in interdisciplinary collaborations.

About Us:
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. .
At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms-physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Metis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L'Universite de l'Alberta s'engage a creer une communaute universitaire ou chaque personne se sent valorisee, ou les obstacles a la reussite sont elimines et ou des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se developper. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiees. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premieres nations, Metis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapees; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identite et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer a la diversification des idees et a l'universite a postuler.
About the Team: The is one of the world's top academic health science centres. With 21 departments, multiple research institutes and centres, and a focus on excellence in education, research, and clinical care, the faculty trains outstanding medical and dental professionals and drives global health innovation in collaboration with partners across sectors.

Skills Required