Research Scientist

This position is a 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 offers a comprehensive benefits package found on our Benefits Overview page and annual salary range of $58,210 to $80,050. This position has an approximate appointment of one year with a possibility of extension.

Location: This is an in-person role and work primarily located at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working for the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is teeming with change makers, community builders, and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 40,000 students in 200+ undergraduate and 500+ graduate programs, over 13,000 faculty and staff, 260,000 alumni worldwide and have been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for over a decade.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people—from our students and stakeholders, to our renowned researchers and innovators who are quite literally curing diseases, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger, and more just.

Department/Faculty Summary

The Chu Lab is focused on cellular immunotherapy as it applies predominantly to malignant hematology. The candidate will lead research with the lab concerning T-cells and NK cells (and subsets in the tumor micro environment and direct clinical translation; concurrently will help co-direct with the PI a chimeric antigen receptor T-cell translational research program.

Position Summary

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 write grant applications pertaining to the projects in the lab (CRS, CIHR, CCSRI, WCHRI). They will also supervise 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).

As part of the team, this position will participate in scientific oversight of the laboratory and assist the PI in supervision of students, technicians and other staff in the laboratory. The candidate will also assist with teaching on occasion (Oncology at various levels) and assist in poster judging at local research days (CRINA, ImmuNET).

Duties

• Design and conduct complex scientific research specifically as it relates to how tumor microenvironment promotes cancer progression and impairs immune function; optimize and investigate novel cellular immunotherapy techniques
• Set research activity objectives in consultation with the principal investigator (PI)
• Collect, analyze and interpret data relating to research and clinical translation
• Troubleshoot experiment protocols
• Develop and document research methods and protocols in consultation with the PI
• Write research papers, grant applications and contract proposals
• Prepare ethics applications and renewals to obtain human samples (blood, marrow, etc.)
• Presents research results at scientific conferences and laboratory meetings.
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in immunology or related subject
• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven accomplishments in cancer research and immunology
• Experience working with 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 and contribute to team development during supervisor’s periodic absences
• Comfort and ability to teach/mentor and guide advanced trainees including PhD students and post-doctoral fellows

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