Careers
We are an international group of lifelong learners and innovators expanding the world’s knowledge with cancer research. Working under the leadership of Dr. Samuel Aparicio, we are an interdisplinary group of individuals from all walks of life. Physically located at the BC Cancer Resarch Centre in the heart of Vancouver, BC, we are an academic non-profit research lab affiliated with the UBC Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.
As researchers, we strive to invent and apply the newest technologies to uncover findings in our unparalleled sample collection, producing world-class research regularly published in high-impact journals. As staff, we bring our unique talents and experiences to building a unmatched foundation of scientific and software support to aid in the drive to discovery.
We seek like-minded individuals looking for academic lifestyle, personal growth and a meaningful contribution to health, science and research. See below for active postings.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post-doctoral Fellow (PDF) Single Cell Genomics, drug resistance in cancer We are seeking a highly-motivated post-doctoral fellow (PDF) with strong leadership ability and expertise in single cell genomics and transcriptomics, and a strong background in molecular biology. The successful applicant will work full-time under the supervision of Dr. Samuel Aparicio on an exciting project decoding the role of epigenomic and genomic drug resistance. The position start date is flexible.
JOB SUMMARY
The Aparicio lab is developing new single cell genome and transcriptome methods for tracking clonal trajectories at single cell level in patient tissues and patient-derived xenografts (PDX). The lab is highly multidisciplinary and highly productive (Laks et al, Cell 2019, Salehi et al Nature 2021, Funnell et al Nature 2022) and is well funded for single cell analysis of genomes and transcriptomes in cancer. The Aparicio lab is developing new single cell genome and transcriptome methods for tracking clonal trajectories at single cell level in patients and patient-derived xenografts. The project involves collaborating on an exciting project mapping clonal dynamics in human cancers under drug treatment with new single cell methods. The post holder will also have the opportunity to interact as part of the international Welcome LEAP Delta Tissue project and an exciting new program in the biology of epithelium from high risk carriers of BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations. These projects are bringing new measurement methods and computational techniques to the 3D reconstruction of tumours, and mapping drug sensitivity and drug combinations using sgRNA/CRISPR methods in vivo. The program works closely with UBC departments of statistics and computer science and the New York Genome Center NY, on the development of new models for single cell data and cancer evolution. Some experience with bioinformatics approaches to biological data and familiarity with handling of genomics data will be an advantage.
ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS
Aparicio Lab is located in the department of Molecular Oncology at BC Cancer Research Center in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The candidate will report directly to Dr. Samuel Aparicio, and will play a senior leadership role in the laboratory.
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UBC is a hybrid, academically intensive Department within the UBC Faculty of Medicine whose activities span a broad spectrum of teaching, research, and academic service, often performed in the milieu of clinical practice, and are ultimately devoted to improving the care, treatment, and well-being of patients. The Department offers academic degrees at the bachelor’s (Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLSc)) and graduate (MSc, PhD) levels with the graduate program, one of the largest in the Faculty of Medicine, which has been recognized by UBC for its quality. The Department plays a major role in the MD undergraduate program and offers an accredited residency-training program. Faculty members participate across a spectrum of research from basic investigative to translational to clinical applied research and are recognized locally, nationally and internationally for their excellence.
WORK PERFORMED
- Provide leadership, strategic direction, and translational research pertaining to single cell genomics and transcriptomics, and CRISPR methods.
- Design and implement research plan to investigate the clonal dynamics in human cancer through single cell methods.
- Design and conduct animal experiments.
- Conduct in vivo testing or characterization of drugs, small molecules, knockouts or antibodies in relevant PDX animal models.
- Foster research collaborations and work jointly with academic, clinical, industry, and other partners.
- Scientifically document lab experiments, data analysis, interpretations.
- Write manuscripts, present results at internal and external meetings.
- Identify funding opportunities and if required write or assist with grant proposals
- Lead and mentor junior trainees/students in the laboratory
CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR
This is a senior research position that plays a critical role in the development of this novel field. PDF is accountable for the quality and integrity of the research and data, including analyses and interpretation, as well as the effective and efficient management of research projects and deliverables. This position requires innovation, strategic planning, and adaptability. Incorrect decisions or actions may damage the reputation of the laboratory, lead to loss of credibility in this field, and be financially costly.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
The PDF will work with a high degree of independence and set priorities under broad directives from Dr. Aparicio. The PDF will be expected to provide direction and mentoring in the laboratory under the supervision of Dr. Aparicio. This position will also provide the candidate with a high level of exposure to single cell genomics and translational research, as well as, providing opportunities to work collaboratively with industry partners and other researchers globally.
SUPERVISION GIVEN
The PDF will be expected to provide mentorship and guidance to undergraduate, graduate students and other research members as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Ph.D. in biology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, or similar discipline.
- The candidate should have a solid scientific and technical background with excellent written/oral communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Preference will be given to candidates with a proven track record with a minimum of 2-3 first author publications in reputable journals.
- Proficiency in cell biology, molecular biology, histology, genetics, genomics, next-generation sequencing and biochemistry techniques.
- Demonstrate the ability to work in a highly interdisciplinary environment.
- Experience with cancer research.
- Expertise and hands-on experience in animal studies, including all aspects of design, handling, breeding, tissue collection, histology, and analyses are essential.
- Familiarity with testing/characterization of small molecule or drug in vivo is preferred.
- Previous biochemical/cell biology and molecular biology experience with single cell genomics / transcriptomics, next generation sequencing, drugs screen and PDX modeling is an asset.
- Experience with statistical analyses and scientific writing. Previous experience with grant writing is an asset.
- Experience with bioinformatics approaches to biological data and familiarity with handling of genomics data is an asset.
- Applicants with experience and a strong track record with large drug target screening, single cell methods, and PDX mouse models are especially encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Exceptional candidates should submit a cover letter outlining your research interests and fit with the laboratory’s research, curriculum vitae, and the names of three referees willing to provide letters of reference.
Due to the number of resumes we receive, we are unable to confirm receipt of submissions over the phone, or provide the status of the competition. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position is located within a health-care facility. Therefore, this positions requires successful verification of full vaccination against Covid-19 provided prior to the start date, as required by the provincial health mandate.
UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply.
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, and/or Indigenous person.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post-doctoral Fellow (PDF) G-quadruplex biology and therapeutics We are seeking a highly-motivated post-doctoral fellow (PDF) with strong leadership ability and expertise in molecular biology, single cell genomics and transcriptomics, and a background in DNA drug target biology in cancer. The successful applicant will work full-time under the supervision of Dr. Samuel Aparicio. The position start date is flexible.
JOB SUMMARY
A postdoctoral/research fellow position is available, working on an exciting international project to define additional mechanisms and target engagement of G4 ligands in cancer genomes, utilizing single cell sequencing and chemical biology methods. The Aparicio lab is developing small molecule ligands of G-quadruplex structures in DNA as a therapeutic, based on recent success from the lab demonstrating for the first time clinical proof of principle (Hilton et al, Nat. Comms 2022) for a G4 binder. The Aparicio lab is multidisciplinary environment, highly productive (Laks et al, Cell 2019, Salehi et al Nature 2021, Funnell et al Nature 2022, aparicio.molonc.ca for projects and papers) and is well funded for single cell analysis of genomes and transcriptomes in cancer. The labs has created and practices methods for sequencing single genomes, defining epigenetic states in single cells and mapping gene fitness in vivo (Eirew et al, Nat. Comms 2022). The post holder will also have the opportunity to interact as part of the international Welcome LEAP Delta Tissue project and an exciting new program in the biology of epithelium from high risk carriers of BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations. The program works closely with UBC departments of statistics and computer science and the New York Genome Center NY, on the development of new models for single cell data and cancer evolution. Some experience with bioinformatics approaches to biological data and familiarity with handling of genomics data will be an advantage, beyond core experience of molecular biology and drug target biology in cancer.
ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS
Aparicio Lab is located in the department of Molecular Oncology at BC Cancer Research Center in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The candidate will report directly to Dr. Samuel Aparicio, and will play a senior leadership role in the laboratory.
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UBC is a hybrid, academically intensive Department within the UBC Faculty of Medicine whose activities span a broad spectrum of teaching, research, and academic service, often performed in the milieu of clinical practice, and are ultimately devoted to improving the care, treatment, and well-being of patients. The Department offers academic degrees at the bachelor’s (Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLSc)) and graduate (MSc, PhD) levels with the graduate program, one of the largest in the Faculty of Medicine, which has been recognized by UBC for its quality. The Department plays a major role in the MD undergraduate program and offers an accredited residency-training program. Faculty members participate across a spectrum of research from basic investigative to translational to clinical applied research and are recognized locally, nationally and internationally for their excellence.
WORK PERFORMED
- Provide leadership, strategic direction, and translational research pertaining to single cell genomics and transcriptomics, and CRISPR methods.
- Design and implement research plan to investigate the clonal dynamics in human cancer through single cell methods.
- Design and conduct animal experiments.
- Conduct in vivo testing or characterization of drugs, small molecules, knockouts or antibodies in relevant PDX animal models.
- Foster research collaborations and work jointly with academic, clinical, industry, and other partners.
- Scientifically document lab experiments, data analysis, interpretations.
- Write manuscripts, present results at internal and external meetings.
- Identify funding opportunities and if required write or assist with grant proposals
- Lead and mentor junior trainees/students in the laboratory
CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR
This is a senior research position that plays a critical role in the development of this novel field. PDF is accountable for the quality and integrity of the research and data, including analyses and interpretation, as well as the effective and efficient management of research projects and deliverables. This position requires innovation, strategic planning, and adaptability. Incorrect decisions or actions may damage the reputation of the laboratory, lead to loss of credibility in this field, and be financially costly.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
The PDF will work with a high degree of independence and set priorities under broad directives from Dr. Aparicio. The PDF will be expected to provide direction and mentoring in the laboratory under the supervision of Dr. Aparicio. This position will also provide the candidate with a high level of exposure to single cell genomics and translational research, as well as, providing opportunities to work collaboratively with industry partners and other researchers globally.
SUPERVISION GIVEN
The PDF will be expected to provide mentorship and guidance to undergraduate, graduate students and other research members as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Ph.D. in biology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, or similar discipline.
- The candidate should have a solid scientific and technical background with excellent written/oral communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Preference will be given to candidates with a proven track record with a minimum of 2-3 first author publications in reputable journals.
- Proficiency in cell biology, molecular biology, histology, genetics, genomics, next-generation sequencing and biochemistry techniques.
- Demonstrate the ability to work in a highly interdisciplinary environment.
- Experience with cancer research.
- Expertise and hands-on experience in animal studies, including all aspects of design, handling, breeding, tissue collection, histology, and analyses are essential.
- Familiarity with testing/characterization of small molecule or drug in vivo is preferred.
- Previous biochemical/cell biology and molecular biology experience with single cell genomics / transcriptomics, next generation sequencing, drugs screen and PDX modeling is an asset.
- Experience with statistical analyses and scientific writing. Previous experience with grant writing is an asset.
- Experience with bioinformatics approaches to biological data and familiarity with handling of genomics data is an asset.
- Applicants with experience and a strong track record with large drug target screening, single cell methods, and PDX mouse models are especially encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Exceptional candidates should submit a cover letter outlining your research interests and fit with the laboratory’s research, curriculum vitae, and the names of three referees willing to provide letters of reference.
Due to the number of resumes we receive, we are unable to confirm receipt of submissions over the phone, or provide the status of the competition. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position is located within a health-care facility. Therefore, this positions requires successful verification of full vaccination against Covid-19 provided prior to the start date, as required by the provincial health mandate.
UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply.
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, and/or Indigenous person.
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Benefits
As researchers, we are fortunate to have the generous support of donors and grants that enable our pursuit of cutting-edge science. Our close collaboration with physicians and doctors at BC Cancer, across Canada and internationally allow us unparalleled access to patients and cases that we owe our success to. Finally, we share close collaborations with UBC professors that empower a majority of our interdisciplinary work.
As staff, we enjoy a healthy work-life balance and meaningful contributions to science. We aim to have an atmosphere of fun and learning, working in a small but amazing team of individuals helping make a difference in the world. Employed under both PHSA and UBC, we enjoy generous benefits include vacation, insurance and pension.