Research Associate in Tuberculosis Drug Discovery

A full-time Research Associate position is available in Professor Yossef Av-Gay’s laboratory at UBC Department of Medicine. This role is for a 1-year term with the possibility of renewal, subject to satisfactory review, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2023, or upon a date to be mutually agreed.

This position is located within a health-care facility; therefore, the successful candidate will be required to provide verification of full vaccination against Covid-19 provided prior to the start date, as required by a provincial health mandate.

Research Description:

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the etiological agent of tuberculosis (TB), is one of the most devastating infectious agents in the world. One third of the world’s population is exposed to Mtb, which kills nearly two million people annually. With the increasing prevalence of drug-resistant TB, there is a pressing need for better and new drugs against Mtb.

Macrophages are key components of the human innate immune system with a defined role of seeking and destroying invading microorganisms. Mtb, however, can neutralize the macrophage’s killing machinery. While isolated inside the phagosomes, Mtb avoids key components of the host immune system. As such, TB disease progression relies on the intimate interaction between the host macrophage and the invading microbe whereby recognition, control and elimination of Mtb are mediated by host signal transduction proteins.

The successful candidate will focus his research on the intracellular life style of Mtb as a target for chemotherapeutic intervention. She / he will continue and advance our screening capabilities, which are unique in Canada. The research will identify key host directed chemicals and novel Natural Products derived compounds active against either defined intracellular host targets, or the whole process by which Mtb establishes successful infection of the human macrophage.

The work is funded by a Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) grant and various industrial partners. For a description of the laboratory activities please refer to http://av-gaylab.med.ubc.ca

Qualifications

Position is open for citizens and permanent residents of Canada.  The successful candidate must hold a PhD in Microbiology or Biochemistry, or related disciplines.  The ideal candidate should have:

• 5 years prior experience in microbiological techniques within BCL-3 facility, cell-based assays and medicinal chemistry or drug discovery
• Related work experience and peer-reviewed publications
• Strong oral and proven written communication skills
• Excellent organization skills and be able to work effectively within a team environment
• Responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to:
• Performing literature and systematic reviews related to TB drug development
• Staying updated on literature advancing the emerging science of causes and related strategies, to treat infectious diseases.
• Performing High Throughput and High Content Screening Experiments.
• Performing Biochemical and genetic validation studies
• Coordinating external experiments
• Developing reports and manuscripts for publication
• Preparing and delivering presentations for research meetings
• Coordinating and preparing grant applications
• Providing other support as required to Av-Gay’s lab team

Supervision

The Research Associate will work independently with minimal supervision. They will be mentored by and report to Dr. Yossef Av-Gay. The Research Associate will supervise undergraduates, graduates and visiting scientists. 

Interested applicants should send their CV, references (full contact info for 2 previous employers), and a brief research statement detailing your relevant skills and expertise, including past work experiences and future goals, to yossi@mail.ubc.ca.

The application deadline is March 10, 2023. The expected start date is July 1st, 2023, for a fixed term of 1 year with possible extension. 

As one of the world’s leading universities, the University of British Columbia creates an exceptional learning environment that fosters global citizenship, advances a civil and sustainable society, and supports outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada and the world.

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

Please refer to reference number NC-56998 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.

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