Postdoctoral Fellow in Proteomics – The University of British Columbia (UBC)

The UBC Michael Smith Laboratories and the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF) in proteomics to join the laboratories of Drs. Thibault Mayor and Leonard Foster. The successful candidate’s project will be to develop and apply new protein mass spectrometry methodology to be integrated in the research programs of the two affiliated labs. The research programs focus on protein homeostasis, host-pathogen interaction, and systems biology. Methods to develop could include, but is not limited to, probing protein-protein interactions using proximity labeling and protein correlation profiling, single-cell proteomics, structural proteomics using cross linking and limited proteolysis, quantitative approaches using SILAC and DIA, and the analysis of post translation modifications and immunopeptidomes. The PDF will join a small and dynamic team at the UBC Proteomics Core Facility in Michael Smith Laboratories and will be affiliated to both multidisciplinary research teams.

The successful candidate will have a completed a PhD and a demonstrated track record in research with first authored peer-review research articles. The candidate will have a hands-on experience with protein mass spectrometry using LC-MS/MS approaches and a strong expertise in biochemistry, computational biology, analytical chemistry and/or biophysics. Ideally the applicant should have experience handling all aspects of the workflow associated to a proteomic experiment including sample preparation and fractionation, the loading of the samples on the instrument and analyzing the data. The applicant should be familiar with current mass spectrometry instrumentation, their maintenance, and proteomics software. The position will be filled by a well-organized, enthusiastic team player with excellent communication skills, who enjoys lab work, creative trouble-shooting, is independent and who isn’t afraid of trying new things.

Project responsibilities will include:

• Develop a proteomic-based research program integrated to both affiliated labs;
• Implement or develop novel proteomics methods for sample preparation, data collection and analysis in collaboration with other researchers;
• Work independently, and collaboratively with other researchers and technicians to perform a wide range of specialized and routine laboratory techniques in proteomics;
• Analyze mass spectrometry data and help optimize the computational platforms;
• Diligently document and record results of analyses and investigations;
• Communicate recent experimental results to the Proteomics Core Facility team and with both research labs;
• Contribute to the establishment of new automation sample preparation methods, installation of a new mass spectrometry instrument and associated data analysis pipeline, and optimize the performance of existing methods and instrument;
• Read and keep up with scientific literature relevant to proteomics research;
• Train and/or supervise scientists in the affiliated labs on the proteomics platform;
• Write and/or participate to the writing of scientific articles and research grants;

The PDF will need to have excellent communications and presentation skills, be highly organized, manage time effectively and capable to multitask by working on multiple projects over a period of time. They will be required to have exceptional attention to details, strong documentation skills and able to meet deadlines, as well as be able to work well in an academic setting, with ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Interested applicants should submit a letter of application that highlights their experience in proteomics, detailed curriculum vitae including a list of publications, and contact details for 3 references. Application materials should be combined into a single PDF document and sent to both Drs. Thibault Mayor (mayor@msl.ubc.ca) and Leonard Foster (foster@msl.ubc.ca). Please include “PDF in proteomics” in the e-mail subject line, incorrectly addressed applications will not be considered. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. We will contact you only if invited for an interview.

This posting will remain open until the position is filled. The proposed start date for this position is April 1st, 2022 and is negotiable. The appointment will initially be for one-year and is extendable depending on funding availability. Applicants are encouraged to apply for competitive fellowship awards. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications, experience and awards secured.

This posting is for the UBC Vancouver campus in British Columbia, Canada.

Please refer to reference number NC-55822 during correspondence about this position. Please visit the researcher profile of the supervisor for this position to learn more about their research.

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, or Indigenous person.

About UBC
The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. Since 1915, UBC’s entrepreneurial spirit has embraced innovation and challenged the status quo. UBC encourages its students, staff and faculty to challenge convention, lead discovery and explore new ways of learning. At UBC, bold thinking is given a place to develop into ideas that can change the world.

Postdoctoral Fellows at UBC Vancouver
UBC is home to over 900 postdocs spanning all faculties and units across two campuses and a variety of affiliated hospitals, research centres, and sites, providing unparalleled opportunities to learn, discover and contribute in one’s own way. UBC’s Postdoctoral Fellows Office (PDFO) is committed to supporting the lives and career aspirations of our Postdocs, with the goal of enriching their experience at UBC and preparing them for the future. In addition to providing support and advocacy for all postdocs, the PDFO is dedicated to providing professional development opportunities that foster the development of soft skills needed in today’s professional environments, helping them secure future careers in their chosen fields.

About UBC’s Faculty of Science
UBC Science brings together a community of scholars internationally recognized for its commitment to discovery and innovation—in the lab and in the classroom. Our faculty conduct top-tier research in the life, physical, earth and computational sciences, driving insights into sustainability, biodiversity, human health, nanoscience, new materials, probability, artificial intelligence, exoplanets and more. Ranked among the world’s top 40 universities, UBC’s research prowess in environmental science, math, physics, plant and animal science, computer science, geology, oceanography and biology is consistently rated best in Canada by international and national rankings.

About Vancouver
Vancouver is a dynamic, cosmopolitan and progressive city, consistently ranked as one of the top cities to live in the world. Canada’s third largest city has it all: sea, parks, mountains, beaches, and four seasons per year, including beautiful summers and mild, wet winters with snow in the mountains. It’s the perfect backdrop to your academic research.