Job Description

This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).


In accordance with the Trust/Research Academic Staff Agreement, this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $59,822 to $74,785. This position has an initial appointment of 1 year.


Location - This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.


The Chu lab is physically split between two facilities at the Cross Cancer Institute the Katz building at the University of Alberta. The team consists of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and senior lab technicians with seasonal (i.e. summer) students joining occasionally. The lab is equipped with the usual equipment but with a particular emphasis toward multiparametric flow cytometry and cell culture. Additional use of core facilities is necessary which can require significant walking between facilities on campus and between either lab.


This position will design and conduct complex scientific research specifically to how tumor microenvironment promotes cancer progression and impairs immune function. A particular focus will be applied to applications of cellular immunotherapy such as target discovery, construct design, transduction efficiency and novel approaches to cytotoxicity. The incumbent will collect, analyze and interpret data relation to research and clinical translation as well as set research activity objectives in consultation with the principal investigator (PI).

This research scientist will participate in writing grant applications pertaining to the projects in the lab (CRS, CIHR, CCSRI, WCHRI). They will also assist with supervision of trainees working within this research focus. The candidate will invite guest speakers/collaborators and apply for funding for their visits. They will also collaborate with private corporations in collaborative projects which can include securing contract research funding or provision of indirect assistance such as pure drug substance (Celgene, Bristol Myers Squibb, Gilead).


The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry 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.Design and conduct complex scientific research specifically as it relates to how tumor microenvironment promotes cancer progression and impairs immune function Collect, analyze, and interpret data relating to research and clinical translation Set research activity objectives in consultation with the principal investigator (PI) Troubleshoot experimental protocols Develop and document research methods and protocols in consultation with PI Write research papers, grant applications and contract proposals Prepare ethics applications and renewals to obtain human samples (blood, marrow, etc) Present research results at laboratory meetings and scientific conferences Develop and execute Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for isolation, maintenance, and use of various immune effector cell types (including but not limited to T-cells [and subsets], natural killers cells, and macrophages) Participate in scientific oversight of the laboratory; assist the PI in supervision of students,
technicians, and other staff in the laboratory
Participate in the recruitment of trainees (undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral trainees) Supervision of a PhD student Work in BL2 biohazard containment facilities Perform animal studies Ensure safety equipment and procedures are in place Procurement of reagents/materials/equipment needed for project focus PhD in immunology or related subject More than 5 years of experience encompassing pre-clinical and clinical immunology Expertise in isolation, characterization, and propagation of T-cell subtypes including gamma delta T-cells, natural killer cells, Proven accomplishments in cancer research and immunology Experience working in BL2 bio-containment laboratories Extensive experience with cell culture, in vitro assays, cytotoxicity assays, transduction assays, invasions assays, and proliferation assays Expertise in flow cytometry Familiarity with single cell sequencing Ability to work independently as well as contribute to team development during supervisor periodic absences

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your curriculum vitae and list of references.


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. Learn more.




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.