Research Associate – Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics

Position Identification:

Position Classification:    Research Associate

Employee Group:            Faculty

Faculty:                           Medicine

Department:                    Medical Genetics

Division:                          Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics

Status of Position:           Full-time; Grant funded

Preferred start date:       September 1, 2015

Start Date of Posting:     July 28, 2015

End Date of Posting:       Until Filled

 

Job Summary:

This position’s primary purpose in the lab will be to lead biochemical and cell biological experiments related to posttranslational modifications and their impact on the function and dysfunction of the Huntingtin protein in Huntington disease models. The position will instruct and supervise technicians and mentor graduate students.

This is a full-time grant funded position with the University of British Columbia, Centre for Molecular Medicine & Therapeutics.

 

Organizational Status:

This position will play a leadership role in the Hayden lab, and will be reporting directly to Dr. Michael Hayden who is the primary investigator of the laboratory. The position will directly supervise several technicians and mentor graduate students.

 

Work Performed:

  • Management and supervision of technicians;
  • Recruitment and training of technicians;
  • Mentoring of graduate students;
  • Management of the team working on caspase cleavage of Huntingtin;
  • Performing regular reviews of the relevant literature;
  • Planning and designing of projects and single experiments;
  • Analyzing, interpreting and compiling data in study reports, presenting results, and participating in the preparation of scientific manuscripts and grant application packages;
  • Management of multiple interdisciplinary collaborations with academic institutions and industry, locally, nationally and internationally;
  • Reporting findings at international conferences and in peer-reviewed publications;
  • Performing other related duties

 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • PhD degree in the biosciences
  • At least 4 years’ experience in laboratory research involving biochemical techniques
  • Experience in analysis of protein modifications and enzyme characterization
  • Experience in cell biology with an emphasis on neurobiology
  • Experience in mentoring and supervising students and technicians
  • Extensive knowledge of Molecular Biology, biochemistry and genetics
  • Proficiency with MS Word, Excel and data bases
  • Proven ability to multi-task in a deadline oriented environment with minimal supervision
  • Effective oral and written communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent organizational skill and ability to learn new skills quickly
  • Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
  • Accuracy and attention to detail required
  • Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work in a highly interdisciplinary environment.

 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

  • Works independently under direction of PI


SUPERVISION GIVEN

  • Assists and oversees research assistants and mentor students as required
  • Assists and provides guidelines to other research members as required

 

CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR/JUDGEMENT

Study may be jeopardized if not conducted according to ethical requirements as laid out by the University and by regulatory authorities. Study files must be kept secured to ensure that patient confidentiality is not compromised. An error within the realm of a research study may result in biased or incomplete data and skewed study results.

 

Errors made could influence the ability of the research team to meet critical deadlines, as well as compromise the results of research project, and therefore impact the credibility of the Principal Investigator. Poor decisions may be damaging to the reputation of the Principal Investigator, the School, and the University and could lead to incorrect or inappropriate policy recommendations being made.

 

How to Apply

Exceptional candidates should submit a cover letter outlining your research interests and fit with the laboratory’s research, curriculum vitae, and the names of three referees willing to provide letters of reference.

 

Please send all applications electronically to Dawn Ng at dng@cmmt.ubc.ca. No phone calls please.

 

Due to the number of resumes we receive, we are unable to confirm receipt of submissions over the phone, or provide the status of the competition. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

 

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We especially welcome applications from visible minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.