Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Immunology (Domeier Lab)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Immunology (Domeier Lab)

Fully funded positions are available for highly motivated candidates interested in investigating vaccine-generated immune memory and mechanisms of protective memory B cell recall in the Domeier laboratory at the University of British Columbia (UBC). We are looking for a motivated candidate with good organizational skills who enjoys working collaboratively to advance scientific knowledge.

The candidate is expected to lead a defined immunology project using a combination of spectral flow cytometry, fluorescent microscopy and transcriptomic approaches to study immune memory in human organoid cultures and knockout/transgenic mouse models. The candidate will also contribute to other ongoing projects of the laboratory, assisting other experiments whenever necessary and training other members. The candidate will be expected to present their work both internally and externally and contribute to the development of manuscripts.

The preferred candidate will have a Ph.D. in immunology, biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, virology, or a related field. Further experience in flow cytometry, fluorescent microscopy, molecular biology, standard immunological assays, in vivo experiments using mouse models, and CL2 work with virus is also preferred.

Postdoctoral Fellow Training at UBC: The Domeier laboratory is affiliated with several research clusters, including the Preparing for Pandemics through Rapid Research in Evolution (PrePARE) and Autoimmune Biomedical Collaborative (ABC) research, providing access to extensive opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration in immunology and infectious disease research. The Domeier lab is also actively involved in several research training programs funded by NSERC, including the ImmunoEngineering (ImmunoE) research cluster and the Biodevices for Human-Based Model Systems (BioHuMS).

Organizational status: The individual will report directly to Dr. Domeier (PI) weekly. The candidate will initially work under close supervision but is expected to work independently and lead a project to manuscript completion.

Work performed:

• Working on a collaborative project on designing antibody-based therapeutics for respiratory pathogens.
• Developing and establishing new protocols, including biosafety and animal protocols for infection studies and standard operating procedures for new assays in the lab.
• Collecting, analyzing, and summarizing the data.
• Writing research and review articles summarizing results of the research.
• Presenting the work at internal and external meetings and conferences.
• Applying for postdoctoral fellowships and co-writing grants with the PI.
• Keeping clear and detailed records of the work and following lab procedures on data management.
• Working closely and collaboratively with other members of the lab.
• Engaging with all aspects of the lab's research and contributing to ongoing projects in the lab, whenever appropriate.
• Actively participating in lab chores/activities and contributing to the lab culture.
• Maintain clear, open, and consistent communication with the PI and the lab.
• Training other members of the lab on assays and experiments.
• Seeking internal and external support for career development.

  Consequence of error/judgement: A high degree of organization, good judgment, integrity and attention to detail is required in making appropriate decisions. Work will be checked by the PI and discussed in weekly meetings, and as needed. Errors or inappropriate decisions will impact research progress (milestones). If the candidate is not meeting expectations or failing to perform tasks that are assigned, measures such as increasing frequency of meetings with the PI will be put in place to avoid such occurrences. If an error occurred, valuable reagents, research time, and money could be lost. CL2 work with human specimens, viruses and animals require proper adherence to safe practices or may risk infection or harm to self and/or other lab members.

  Supervision received: All experiments and organizational tasks will be performed under the direct supervision of the PI and/or other trained personnel. Written and/or verbal protocols for key procedures will be provided. Once familiar with the techniques and procedures, supervision will continue based on needs.

  Supervision given: We are looking for an independent and self-motivated individual with a viral immunology knowledge. As the successful applicant becomes familiar with protocols and procedures, they will be asked to transfer this knowledge to new team members and to assist in their instruction.

  Minimum qualifications:

  • Completion of a university degree and PhD in immunology, microbiology, and/or virology.
  • Experience in flow cytometry, use of mouse models, CL2 virus work, cell culture, and molecular biology.
  • Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own. Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

    Preferred qualifications:

    • Ability to work effectively independently in a team environment
    • Be thorough, accurate, and have a high level of attention to detail and record keeping
    • Self-directed and self-motivated to carry out defined projects.
    • Prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines
    • Organize and complete tasks independently.
    • Communicate in a clear, attentive, and polite manner, both verbally and in writing
    • Listen actively and attentively, and obtain clarification as required
    • Deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and respectful manner
    • Develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships

      Application process: Interested applicants should submit a CV and cover letter that details their experience and contact details for 3 references. Application materials should be submitted to the UBC Careers portal no later than the posting end date.