Research Associate in Medicinal Chemistry

Application deadline: 30 Jun 2023

Applications are invited for a position of Research Associate to join the Brent Page Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The Page Lab uses cutting-edge chemical biology and medicinal chemistry techniques to identify and optimize next-generation therapeutic agents. Principal investigator, Brent Page is committed to fostering an inclusive environment for research excellence, where all lab members receive training in equity, diversity and inclusion best-practices and all lab members are appreciated for their unique qualities and lived experiences. Applicants that identify as from historically marginalized groups on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code are especially encouraged to apply for this position.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop and lead interdisciplinary and collaborative projects involving the development of targeted small molecule inhibitors and degraders as disease therapeutics. This will include the following key responsibilities:

• Perform in silico docking studies to design novel small molecule inhibitors and degraders

• Efficiently synthesize small libraries of compounds and evaluate their binding affinity for their target(s) in biochemical and cellular assays

• Work with collaborators to assess compound activity in disease models systems

• Collect, interpret and apply results to further optimize and develop lead compounds

The successful candidate must exhibit excellent communication skills; a demonstrated potential for excellence in research productivity. They should have a PhD and postdoctoral experience in organic/medicinal chemistry, or related area of expertise with relevant experience. They should additionally have a keen interest and foundational knowledge base in chemical biology, biochemistry and cancer biology. Self-motivated with and comfortable operating within the interdisciplinary atmosphere of drug discovery and development. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, effective presentation skills as well as proficiency in standard laboratory software are highly valued (MS office, GraphPad, electronic lab notebook, etc.).

• Additional Desired Skills:

• Experience in academic drug discovery

• Biochemical and biological assay proficiency

• Familiarity with in silico docking techniques

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians, permanent residents and individuals that identify as a member 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, will receive priority.

Pay will be commensurate with level of experience and subjected to UBC regulations for research associates. Term is for one year with possibility to extend. For further information please email brent.page@ubc.ca, please include the subject line: “Med. Chem. RA Application”. Applicants are requested to submit a cover letter, an up to date CV and contact information for three references. Further information about the Page Lab can be found at www.brentpagelab.com. Review of applications will start immediately and will continue until the position has been filled. Start date is negotiable, but preference will be given to candidates that are available as of July 1, 2023.

Application deadline: 30 Jun 2023

This posting is for the UBC Vancouver campus in British Columbia, Canada.

Please refer to reference number NC-57282 during correspondence about this position.

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.

About UBC
The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. Since 1915, UBC's entrepreneurial spirit has embraced innovation and challenged the status quo. UBC encourages its students, staff and faculty to challenge convention, lead discovery and explore new ways of learning. At UBC, bold thinking is given a place to develop into ideas that can change the world.

About UBC's Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC enjoys an international reputation for outstanding pharmaceutical sciences research. Across a broad base of collaborative, paradigm-shaping pilot projects, our world-leading researchers generate impactful results that address the pressing health needs of society. Ranked #18 worldwide and #2 in Canada (2020 QS World University Rankings, Pharmacy & Pharmacology) our research focuses on four themes: health outcomes, molecular & systems pharmacology, nanomedicine, and pharmacy education.

About Vancouver
Vancouver is a dynamic, cosmopolitan and progressive city, consistently ranked as one of the top cities to live in the world. Canada's third largest city has it all: sea, parks, mountains, beaches, and four seasons per year, including beautiful summers and mild, wet winters with snow in the mountains. It's the perfect backdrop to your academic research.