Postdoctoral Fellowship in Next-generation Rna Therapeutics at Ubc

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Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

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The expected pay for this position is $60,000 per year.

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Next-Generation RNA Therapeutics at UBC

The Michael Smith Laboratories at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF) to join a dynamic and multidisciplinary team under the supervision of Dr. Anna Blakney. The successful candidate will work on a project developing new particle delivery strategies for RNA. The Blakney Lab at UBC (blakneylab.msl.ubc.ca) develops next-generation RNA vaccines and therapies based on self-amplifying RNA and using interdisciplinary approaches including bioengineering, immunology, molecular biology and bioinformatics.

Project: RNA medicines have gained considerable momentum in the past few years with the approval of Onpattro and the COVID-19 messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines. Recently, it has been shown that mRNA can be transported between cells by extracellular vesicles (EVs). We aim to engineer self-amplifying RNA constructs that generate EVs to carry cargo RNA to specific cells and tissues. The PDF will work with our interdisciplinary team to design and synthesize RNA constructs, then test them in vitro and in vivo for EV production, RNA delivery and targeting in preclinical models. We anticipate that this technology will be a clinically translatable delivery system for RNA therapeutics.

Candidate: We are hiring bioengineers with a background in drug delivery and RNA therapeutics. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, or similar fields with excellent publication record. The candidate must be able to work well in a team environment, even in situations where an opportunity is more exciting and time-sensitive than normal. We are seeking a creative individual with great interpersonal skills and excellent communication, both written and verbal.

Opportunity: The PDF will be a member of a fun, diverse and interdisciplinary group. They will learn about RNA gene therapies and different aspects of its delivery. The successful candidate will be actively involved in projects that are intended for clinical translation. The University of British Columbia (UBC) is located in Vancouver, which is world-renowned for its scenery and quality of living. UBC is a center of excellence for growing your career in nanomedicine and gene delivery technologies, and you will have opportunities to collaborate with world-class leaders in the field through the Nanomedicine Innovation Network.

Application Process: Interested applicants should submit a CV and cover letter that details their experience and contact details for 3 references. Applications should be submitted to anna.blakney@msl.ubc.ca with 'PDF EV saRNA' in the email subject line. Applicants for the position will be evaluated in the order they are received.

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.