Medical Genetics – Research Associate (Goldowitz Lab)

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: June 1, 2023

Job Summary:
This position’s primary purpose in the lab will be to lead studies into the genetics and molecular regulation of cerebellar development and related disorders. Specifically, the position will lead the development of high-throughput genomic approaches to examine the regulatory network of Pax6 in developing cerebellum, and biologically validate the target genes in the network. The position will instruct and supervise technicians and mentor graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.

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

This position is located within a health-care facility. Therefore, this positions requires successful verification of full vaccination against Covid-19 provided prior to the start date, as required by the provincial health mandate.

Organizational Status:
This position will play a leadership role in the Goldowitz lab, and will be reporting directly to Dr. Daniel Goldowitz who is the primary investigator of the laboratory. The position will directly supervise technicians, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows.

Work Performed:

• Management, training, and supervision of technicians;
• Mentoring and supervision of graduate students;
• Mentoring and supervision of postdoctoral fellows;
• Performing regular reviews of the relevant literature;
• Planning and designing of projects and single experiments;
• Designing and developing novel approaches for genetic and epigenetic studies of gene regulation in cerebellar development;
• 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;
• Updating Dr. Goldowitz and the group on the status of projects during lab meetings, in email correspondence and phone conferences;
• Performing other related duties

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD degree in Genetics, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience or equivalent degree
• At least 4 years’ experience in laboratory research involving genetics and neuroscience
• Experience with development of genetic and genomic assays in mouse
• Experience with development of mouse model
• Experience with high throughput methods for genomic/multiomic studies, preferably for single cell assays
• Proficiency with the use of genetic databases for the identification and interpretation of gene sequences and genetic variants
• Proficiency with the establishment and maintenance of genetically modified mouse strains
• Proficiency with in vivo/in utero/in vitro manipulation of mouse and preferably for the developing brain
• Proficiency with a range of in vitro genetic and molecular biology methods, including PCR, qPCR, SNP genotyping, cloning, and sequencing
• Extensive knowledge of molecular biology, genetics, and genomics
• Experience mentoring and supervising students and technicians in a wet lab environment
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Adobe Photoshop and/or Illustrator
• Proficiency with statistical analysis methods (knowledge of R is a plus)
• 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, Dr. Daniel Goldowitz

SUPERVISION GIVEN

• Assists and oversees research assistants and 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

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.

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 committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person.