Seeking candidates for a postdoctoral fellow position at the University of British Columbia, in the areas of gene therapy and platelet biology. The successful applicant will be co-supervised by Christian Kastrup (Michael Smith Labs,
https://kastruplab.msl.ubc.ca ) and Eric Jan (Life Sciences Institute,
http://www.ubcjanlab.com). This research project is in collaboration with the labs of Dr. Pieter Cullis, Dr. Dana Devine, and with Acuitas Therapeutics, the NanoMedicines Innovation Network, and Canadian and US military partners. The ideal candidate has a background in molecular biology, and experience in platelet biology and/or gene therapy. We are seeking a creative individual who works well independently and as a team, with great interpersonal skills and excellent communication, both written and verbal. The candidate will design and analyze experiments, organize their own workload, keep meticulous records of experiments and data, report on research progress and outcomes openly, review methodologies in response to feedback, and help lead a team of researchers. The ideal candidate is experienced reviewing literature to devise new research directions and to generate creative and novel ideas for new projects, collaborations or techniques.
Project: Enhancing Transfusable Platelets with Genetic and Protein Engineering.
The project will develop technologies to enhance and expand the therapeutic potential of platelets using lipid-based gene therapy, including mRNA and gene editing approaches. This project is funded and aims to reduce mortality and morbidity from severe hemorrhage in austere settings by enhancing transfusable platelets. The candidate will have opportunities to leverage the expertise of the Kastrup Lab, Jan Lab, Devine lab and Cullis Lab in genetic engineering, nanomedicine, platelet biochemistry, precision medicine and transfusion medicine . This project aims to modulate the synthesis and release of protein cargoes from transfusable platelets, through state-of-the-art mRNA and protein transfection and delivery systems, in which our team members are unique experts.
Vancouver is world-renowned for its scenery and quality of living, and the University of British Columbia is a centre of excellence for growing your career in nanomedicine and blood research. The Kastrup laboratory is part of the Michael Smith Laboratories as well as the Centre for Blood Research in Life Sciences Institute. Both the Kastrup and Jan laboratories are part of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology department.
Qualified applicants will have a PhD in a molecular biology, biochemistry or related field. We also welcome applications from individuals who have a defence date set.
This position is available starting October 1st, 2020 with an initial appointment for one year, renewable up to three. Applicants are encouraged to apply for competitive fellowship awards. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications, experience and awards secured.
Email Christian Kastrup with ‘Kastrup and Jan PDF position’ in the subject line and please include a cover letter, detailed curriculum vitae including a list of publications, and contact details for 3 references, to
[email protected]. Applications will remain open until the position is filled.
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. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
