Job Description

Position Information

Position Title

Research Associate

Department/Unit

Pathology

Research Project

Regulation of NOD1 and NOD2 by plasmalemmal lipids

Location

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Posting Number

GP86-25

Employee Group

Grant-Paid (PSAC local 86001)

Position Type

Term

Duration of Contract (if applicable)

18 months

Employment Type

Full Time

Full-time Equivalency (FTE)

1.0

Salary

$53,423 - $67,644 per annum

About the Organization

The Fairn Lab is in the Department of Pathology and is located in the Life Sciences Research Institute on Dalhousie's Carleton campus. The research examines novel modes of regulation of the peptidoglycan receptors NOD1 and NOD2 and how they contribute to Crohn's Disease and Blau Syndrome. The work focuses heavily on S-palmitoylation of NOD proteins and their regulation in epithelial cells and macrophages. The project sits at the interface of many disciplines: cell biology, biochemistry, immunology, and microbiology.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Research Associate position involves performing cell culture experiments, microscopy, biochemical assays, and molecular biology techniques to examine NOD protein regulation and its implications for innate immune responses. The role requires independent execution of experimental protocols, data analysis, and contribution to manuscript preparation for publication in peer-reviewed journals. The goal is to understand how NODs function and how mutations result in dysfunction and human disease.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct S-palmitoylation assays using cells and tissues. Use immunoblotting and qPCR to perform signal transduction experiments Confocal microscopy of chimeric proteins and immunofluorescence. Engineer cell lines using Sleeping Beauty transposon and CRISPR-based technologies Generate and purify recombinant protein from E. coli and suspension HEK cells. Maintain the radioisotope permit and coordinate all use of isotopes in the lab.

Note

Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in person on campus.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Microbiology, or a related discipline with a minimum of 3 years of relevant postdoctoral experience. Demonstrated experience with techniques such as Acyl-RAC, APE, ABE, and click chemistry used to study protein S-palmitoylation, as well as experience working with radioisotopes and managing required permits. Proven ability to design and execute experiments and publish papers Demonstrated organizational skills with attention to detail in data management, record keeping, and material inventory. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research setting.

Assets

Experience training undergraduates and new graduate students.

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a voluntary RRSP, health and dental plans, a wellness allowance, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Non-probationary bargaining unit employees (PSAC Local 86001) are given priority consideration. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit.



We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi'kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit

www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity

If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed

here

.


Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies

1

Open Date

11/19/2025

Close Date

11/28/2025

Open Until Filled

No

Special Instructions to Applicant

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting

https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/19916