Postdoctoral Fellowship in Single-Molecule Biophysics and Nanomedicine

University of British Columbia • Vancouver, BC

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Michael Smith Laboratories at the University of British Columbia invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with hands-on single-molecule microscopy expertise under the supervision of Dr. Sabrina Leslie. The Leslie Lab is a leading single-molecule and single-cell biophysics group developing next-generation imaging technologies to elucidate complex biological systems with unprecedented resolution, including mRNA-LNP (lipid nanoparticle) nanomedicines. We are seeking an exceptional candidate who would enjoy a three-year Mitacs-funded collaborative research program in partnership with ScopeSys, a Vancouver-based life sciences tools company. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing analytical technologies for RNA-based therapeutics, with a focus on lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems and molecular interaction kinetics.

Requirements

• PhD in Physics, Biophysics, Bioengineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Strong experimental, hands-on background in quantitative science.
• Experience with data analysis and scientific programming.
• Good team player with strong interpersonal communication and relationship skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with single-molecule or fluorescence microscopy.
• Background in microfluidics, nanotechnology, or soft matter systems.
• Experience with interferometric (iSCAT) scattering microscopy.
• Familiarity with RNA biology or drug delivery systems.
• Programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or similar.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and sterile technique.
• Experience with live-cell imaging.

Responsibilities

• Generate quantitative datasets of particle size distributions and mRNA payload heterogeneity across multiple clinically relevant LNP formulations using advanced CLiC-based single-molecule FRET methodologies.
• Investigate emerging multi-valent formulations which have multiple cargo per particle.
• Develop a novel post-formulation labeling assays which allow for the LNP, mRNA and other cargo to be detected specifically and sensitively.
• Design, validate, and benchmark this method against existing protocols, with the goal of producing a high-impact publication and broadly adoptable, impactful methodology.
• Collaborate with a microfluidics engineer and AI/ML expert in the Leslie Lab to increase the throughput of the CLiC single-particle assays on a next-generation of our microfluidics-enabled imaging platform.
• Collaborate closely with engineers who have complementary expertise and focus on the scientific microscopy results while gaining experience in device improvement.

Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience with a minimum salary of $60,000/year.
• Possibility of extension up to 3 years.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree