Research Associate, Personalized Cancer Vaccines

Job Category

Faculty Non Bargaining

Job Title

Research Associate in Personalized Cancer Vaccines

Department

Research | Blakney | Michael Smith Laboratories | Faculty of Science (Anna Blakney)

Posting End Date

May 25, 2025

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

Job End Date

May 31, 2026

The expected pay range for this position is $68,932 to $76,000 per year, adjusted to the FTE

The Michael Smith Laboratories at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, invites applications for a part-time (initially 0.2 FTE) Research Associate position in personalized cancer vaccines to join a dynamic and multidisciplinary team under the supervision of Dr. Anna Blakney. The successful candidate will work on a project to develop RNA lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology for personalized cancer vaccines. 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 LNP medicines have gained considerable momentum in the past few years with the approval of Onpattro and the COVID-19 messenger RNA vaccines. We recently formed a multi-institute research program called AVENGER that aims to optimize RNA LNP vaccine technology and biomanufacture drug products for clinical trials. In partnership with AVENGER principal investigators (PIs), the Research Associate will assume a leadership role working to drive preclinical innovation in RNA LNP technology for personalized cancer vaccines and clinical translation efforts. The research associate is expected to perform the following work:

• In collaboration with AVENGER PIs and the program management team, define and develop preclinical research project goals, milestones, and timelines.
• Work with the scientific teams to develop data collection strategies. Oversee data collection and review data quality.
• Initiate partnerships with clinicians and work with them to identify promising clinical applications and clinical trial designs.
• Evaluate commercial neoantigen prediction platforms and biomanufacturing facilities in collaboration with industry partners.
• Contribute to the writing of research papers, grant applications, clinical trial applications, and clinical trial protocols.
• Exercise professional judgment and initiative in the coordination and completion of research tasks and provide regular updates to the PIs on activities.

Candidate: We are seeking an immunologist with a background in vaccines and/or cancer biology. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in immunology or similar fields with a strong research record demonstrating research expertise congruent with career stage. The candidate should have experience in coordinating research teams, projects, and grants at the post-secondary level or in industry. Excellent knowledge of personalized cancer vaccine technology, workflow, biomanufacturing, regulatory process, and clinical applications is preferred. We are seeking an individual who can work independently, exercise sound judgment and tact to analyze problems, identify issues, and propose solutions.

Opportunity: This is a unique opportunity for several reasons. First, you will be a member of a fun, diverse, and interdisciplinary group. Second, you will learn about RNA gene therapies and different aspects of its delivery while collaborating with world-class leaders in the field through the AVENGER network. Third, you will be actively involved in projects that are intended for clinical translation. Finally, the University of British Columbia 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..

The expected pay range for this position is $68,932 to $76,000 per year, adjusted to the FTE.

Application Process: Interested applicants should submit a CV and cover letter that details their experience and contact details for 3 references to the UBC Careers portal. Application materials should be submitted no later than the posting end date.

The appointment will be for one year commencing June 1, 2025, with a possibility for extension, subject to satisfactory performance and funding.

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.