Research Associate

The Research Associate should be able to provide advanced molecular, cellular, pharmacological and physiological expertise to enable research in the field of protein fatty acylation in the regulation of cell growth and apoptosis. The role requires skills in experimental design and data analysis as well as an ability to provide results in a form easily understood by academic and sometimes pharmaceutical industry groups. The position will also require the development of new methodologies to support and promote advancement of protein fatty acylation inhibitors in cancer through the clinical trial evaluation process. The successful candidate will incorporate results into user-friendly presentations that support decision making by the principal investigator and potential pharmaceutical industry partners. Specifically, the incumbent will be responsible for:

• Planning research activities and providing research design for a project and/or program;
• Determining the most appropriate methodology in carrying out identified research goals;
• Designing experiments, data collection protocols, and standards;
• Conducting advanced analysis of research results;
• Overseeing and/or conducting data collection activities;
• Preparing proposals for new research activities, including assisting in the preparation of research grant applications and contract proposals;
• Participating in the writing of research papers, the preparation of presentations and publications;
• Presenting research results in laboratory meetings, seminars, scientific conferences and/or related settings;
• Training and supervising new support staff, students and post-doctoral fellows;
• Ensuring conformity to biosafety and radiation safety regulations;
• Ordering and maintaining lab equipment and supplies;
• Fostering communication with off-campus partners;
• Assisting with related administrative duties as required by the principal investigator.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Immunology or Oncology (Haematology preferred).
• At least 2-3 years of postdoctoral experience in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Immunology or Oncology (Haematology preferred) encompassing broad molecular and cellular research.
• Proven accomplishments in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Immunology or Oncology (Haematology preferred) with an emphasis on cancer cell signalling and apoptosis.
• Working experience and knowledge of protein fatty acylation including myristoylation and palmitoylation is highly preferred but could be learned on site.
• Priority will be given to individual(s) with expertise in the study haematological cancers including lymphomas and leukemia as well as those with broad knowledge of immune cells/immunology.
• Demonstrated experience in protein separation techniques including SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, immuno-precipitation, chromatography as well as metabolic labeling of cells with either radioactive fatty acids or azido- / alkynyl - fatty acids analogs and click chemistry is highly preferred but could also be learned on site.
• Wide experience in isolation and culturing of cells from primary human cells from multiple tissues (including blood cells) and extensive expertise in the growth and transfection/transduction of various types of cell lines is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in cell isolation and separation techniques (e.g. FACS) is required.
• Experience or familiarity with confocal and high-resolution imaging.
• Working knowledge and experience in proteomics approaches and some bioinformatic analyses would be a plus.
• Candidates with extensive experience in the study of angiogenesis and/or inflammation would also be considered.
• Ability to work independently as well as contributing to team development, including during the supervisor's periodic absences from the lab is a must.

In accordance with the Trust/Research Academic Staff Agreement , this full-time (FTE 1.0) position has a term length of one year, with the possibility of extension and an annual salary range of $58,210 - $80,050. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

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.

Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.