Research Associate

Research Associate

Job Summary:

The Biodiversity Research Centre at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, invites applicants for a Research Associate position in Zooplankton Lipidomics and Transcriptomics under Climate Change in the laboratory of Professor Mary O’Connor.

The ideal candidate must hold a PhD in Biological Oceanography or Marine Climate Change Ecology, with at least three years of postdoctoral research experience in the Pacific Ocean. A strong track record of first-author peer-reviewed publications in zooplankton ecology, climate change ecology, zooplankton ecophysiology, and biochemistry is required, along with experience securing research grants. Candidates must also have at least three years of experience conducting microcosm and mesocosm experiments to assess climate change impacts on plankton communities.

The candidate must have at least one year of experience as a consultant interacting with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, including responsibilities related to permitting processes, regulatory reporting, and collaboration with industry partners to ensure compliance with environmental and fisheries standards.

Expertise in lipid and fatty acid extraction and analysis using GC-MS or LC-MS, RNA and DNA extraction, zooplankton taxonomic identification (species and developmental stage levels), phytoplankton and zooplankton culturing is essential.

Responsibilities:

• Design and conduct laboratory zooplankton experiments
• Participate in multi-week research cruises
• Manage project communications across multiple stakeholders, including government, non-governmental, and non-profit organizations
• Oversee project budgets and financial management
• Build new partnerships with governmental, non-governmental, and non-profit organizations
• Lead the preparation of research publications and operational procedure documents
• Contribute to the preparation of grant proposals for extramural funding
• Coordinate the general operation of the research lab
• Train and supervise graduate students and technicians in molecular biology and biochemistry methods

Candidates should be highly motivated, detail-oriented, and adept at managing multiple projects independently. Strong communication and presentation skills, demonstrated through prior conference presentations, are essential, along with the ability to compile and analyze literature and experimental data proficiently.

The Research Associate will thrive in both independent and collaborative academic settings, engaging with project supervisors to discuss progress, results, design changes, and recommendations. Exceptional attention to detail, documentation skills, and the ability to meet deadlines are critical for success in this role.

All applications must be submitted online through the UBC Workday Careers website:

https://hr.ubc.ca/careers > JR20986 Research Associate in Zooplankton Lipidomics and Transcriptomics under Climate Change .

Deadline for applications is June 23, 2025.

The appointment is full-time for one year with the possibility of renewal subject to funding availability and performance. The expected start date is July 1, 2025. The expected salary is $80,000/year.

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, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.