Research Associate in Next-Generation RNA Therapeutics

University of British Columbia • Vancouver, BC

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Michael Smith Laboratories at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, invites applications for a Research Associate position in Next-Generation RNA Therapeutics to join a dynamic and multidisciplinary team under the supervision of Dr. Anna Blakney. The successful candidate will join the Blakney Lab, a multidisciplinary team advancing next-generation RNA-based vaccines and therapies, with a focus on mechanistic understanding of cellular and tissue responses to therapeutic interventions. This project will develop and optimize in vitro and in vivo models for studying mitochondrial dynamics and cellular response to RNA formulations. It will investigate the role of metabolic and redox signaling pathways in regulating cell fate, immune responses, and functional recovery, and apply advanced imaging techniques such as confocal microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging along with bioenergetic profiling methods including OCR, ECAR, ROS, and membrane potential measurements to evaluate therapeutic effects. The work will also explore how RNA-based therapies can be integrated with photobiomodulation and metabolic modulation strategies, directly informing the design of RNA medicines by linking molecular regulation of energy metabolism to functional outcomes in pre-clinical models.

Requirements

• PhD in biophysics, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related biomedical science.
• Outstanding publication record.
• Advanced expertise in pre-clinical model development, including in vitro systems and rodent studies.
• Strong experience in mitochondrial assays.
• Strong experience in advanced imaging techniques.
• Strong experience in angiogenesis and tissue regeneration methods.
• Strong experience in molecular approaches to studying cellular adaptation.
• Demonstrate leadership in mentoring trainees.
• Demonstrate leadership in managing interdisciplinary projects.
• Creative, collaborative scientist with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Evidence of translational research impact, including patent drafting.
• Evidence of translational research impact, including grant writing.
• Ability to bridge discovery research with therapeutic applications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize in vitro and in vivo models for studying mitochondrial dynamics and cellular response to RNA formulations.
• Investigate the role of metabolic and redox signaling pathways in regulating cell fate, immune responses, and functional recovery.
• Apply advanced imaging techniques such as confocal microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging.
• Utilize bioenergetic profiling methods including OCR, ECAR, ROS, and membrane potential measurements to evaluate therapeutic effects.
• Explore how RNA-based therapies can be integrated with photobiomodulation and metabolic modulation strategies.
• Link molecular regulation of energy metabolism to functional outcomes in pre-clinical models.
• Mentor trainees.
• Manage interdisciplinary projects.

Benefits

• Opportunity to advance cross-disciplinary research linking RNA therapeutics with cellular and metabolic regulation.
• Contribute to high-impact translational projects at the interface of RNA medicines, metabolism, and regenerative biology.
• Join a vibrant, collaborative environment at UBC’s Michael Smith Laboratories.
• Opportunities to engage with world-class researchers in nanomedicine and gene delivery.
• Opportunities to collaborate with world-class leaders in the field through the Nanomedicine Innovation Network.

What This Job Offers

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