Research Associate

The Alberta Diabetes Institute (ADI) is a stand-alone research facility dedicated to translating discovery science into health solutions for the prevention, treatment and cure of diabetes. The ADI was established in 2007 to consolidate the University's outstanding collection of diabetes researchers and their trainees. The Institute offers state-of-the-art facilities in support of research that includes cellular and molecular studies, preclinical/clinical research, population health and health outcomes studies. The facility is located in the Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Research Innovation on the University of Alberta campus.

Reporting to the Principal Investigators (PIs), Dr. Andrew Pepper, Assistant Professor, and Dr. Greg Korbutt, Professor, the Research Associate will assist in conducting an independent research project involving the development of an ectopic site for islet transplantation, collecting and interpreting data, and disseminating research findings.

Duties

• Designs and conducts complex scientific research specifically as it relates to bio-engineering drug eluting micelles, designing bio-functional scaffolds for supporting islet transplantation
• Collects, analyzes and interprets data relating to research and clinical translation
• Sets research activity objectives in consultation with the Principal Investigator
• Develops and carries out independent research
• Troubleshoots experimental protocols
• In consultation with the Principal Investigator, develops and documents research methods and protocols
• Writes research papers and assists with the preparation of research grant applications and contract proposals with varying amounts of input from the Principal Investigator
• Presents research results at laboratory meetings, institutional seminars, scientific conferences, and related settings
• Participates in the scientific oversight of the laboratory; assists the Principal Investigator in guiding and coaching of students, technicians, and other staff in the laboratory
• Performs islet isolation, tissue culture and animal studies

Qualifications

• PhD in bio-engineering
• 4-5 years of postdoctoral experience encompassing broad bio-engineering research
• Proven accomplishments in bio-engineering and islet transplant research
• Working experience in BL2 bio-containment laboratories
• Working knowledge and experience of immune-histochemistry
• Wide experience of cell-culturing including primary islet cells
• Working experience of RTPCR technology
• Ability to work independently as well as contributing to team development, including during the supervisor's periodic absences from the lab

In accordance with the Trust/Research Academic Staff Agreement , this position has an approximate appointment of 1 year and offers a comprehensive benefits package found at Faculty & Staff Benefits and annual salary range of $58,210 - $80,050.

COVID-19 Vaccination: Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 in compliance with the University’s COVID-19 Vaccination Directive. Fully Vaccinated means a status an individual achieves 14 days after having received the recommended number of doses of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by Health Canada or the World Health Organization, and requires the individual to maintain the recommended number and type of vaccine doses as updated and required by Health Canada thereafter.