Research Associate

Location	Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics 950 West 28th Avenue Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4 Canada
Category	Research Associate, Farrer Laboratory, up to 3 positions
Group	Faculty
Department	CMMT
Duration	2010-09-01 to 2012-08-31
Tenure	Full-time; Grant funded
Deadline	2010-06-28, 4:30 p.m.
Overview	The Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics at the University of British Columbia seeks applications for up to three Research Associate positions to study the neurobiology of disease.

Position Summary

Depending on experience and relevant background, the successful candidates will either lead a project, or be part of a team, responsible for translating genetic insights in Parkinson’s disease and neurodegeneration into in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo functional assays for compound screening and subsequent molecular therapeutic development. Research will be performed in partnership with other academic groups and the Pharmaceutical industry.

The successful applicants will be joining a dedicated, experienced and highly motivated team of neurogeneticists and neurobiologists. The work and environment is fast-paced and exciting, at the cutting edge of molecular insights into this devastating disease. Current neuroscience and therapeutic development is focused on α-synuclein and leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (Lrrk2), as the two most prominent proteins implicated in Parkinson’s disease.

Applicants will be expected to think creatively in the design of medium throughput assays of protein and mutant-specific function for which a background in protein biochemistry, molecular and cell biology is necessary.

Qualifications

The successful candidates will hold a Ph.D. in Biology, Cell Biology or Medical Biology, and a minimum of 4 years experience in cell biology and related technologies.

• The candidates must be experienced in DNA cloning, recombinant technologies and bioinformatics, including work with viral vectors and transduction systems. Experience with antisense oligonucleotide and sh-RNA design for gene silencing is advantageous.
• The candidates must have expertise in RNA and protein quantification, from prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and tissues. A working knowledge of mass spectrometry and SILAC techniques would be advantageous.
• The candidates must have experience in micro and ultrastructural imaging including membrane/vesicle/organelle microscopy (light, confocal, EM). Experience in vesicle trafficking in model organisms would be a plus.
• The candidates must have experience is drug/compound evaluation within in vitro and/or in vivo systems. Primary and organotypic slice culture experience would be advantageous.
• The candidates should have a strong track record in scientific publications and grant writing.
• The candidates will be expected to mentor and supervise both graduate students and technicians in the laboratory, and thus will require strong project management skills and experience providing hands-on assistance to trainees.
• The candidates must have excellent communication skills, be self-motivated and highly collaborative. They must be able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Creativity, initiative, and good judgment are required.

How to Apply

Please email your cover letter and CV to Oksana Bellas (oksana@cmmt.ubc.ca) by the closing date, June 28th, 2010 at 4:30 pm PST. UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. We encourage all qualified persons to apply. In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.