Vaccine Research Laboratory in UBC Centre for Disease Control at The University of British Columbia (UBC) invites applications for a full-time faculty position Research Associate for a one-year term.

This position is located within a health-care facility. Therefore, this position requires successful verification of full vaccination against Covid-19 provided prior to the start date, as required by the provincial health mandate.

Dr. Brunham's Vaccine Research Laboratory is located at the British Columbia Center for Disease Control (BCCDC) in Vancouver, BC. Canada ( http://www.bccdc.ca/ ). Dr. Brunham's research is in the field of immunology, genomics, and the epidemiology of sexually transmitted diseases. Currently the laboratory carries out two projects 1) "Covid-19 Vaccine Alliance" funded by National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) and 2) "Host Immune Responses to Chlamydia Candidate Vaccine Antigens and their Association with Correlates of Protective Immunity" funded by National Institute of Health (NIH). The research work focuses on exploring innovative proteins with adjuvant to develop vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and chlamydia infection.

Under the supervision of Dr. Robert Brunham, the incumbent is responsible for vaccine development of Covid-19 and Chlamydia trachomatis. The Research Associate will focus on novel antigen/adjuvant discovery for vaccine development by characterization of the immune responses and infection kinetics in mice and in human culture systems. The Research Associate will support the members of the vaccine development team.

Required duties will include:

Plays an active role in the COVID-19 Vaccine Alliance involving BCCDC, UBC, U of Toronto, and other external partners

Performs an important role in NIH funded research to evaluate immune responses in females infected with Chlamydia for vaccine development

Evaluates immune responses and vaccine efficacy after immunization with antigens/adjuvants in mouse models.

Assesses antibody responses and cellular immune responses in women with Chlamydia infection

Performs ELISA, ELISPOTs flow cytometry, intracellular staining and other immune assays.

Researches, designs and analyzes the results of novel experiments such as human DC and T cell co culture system.

Makes development proposals for follow up experimentation as a result of performing and interpreting the results of complex technical procedures mostly involving animal models.

Provides complex analysis of samples as part of a facility that provides an external service, using state of the art instruments with many cutting-edge technologies such as multiparameter flow cytometry.

Provides technical consultation, advice and instruction to researchers, technicians and students in the appropriate use, selection and modification of specialized techniques in area of expertise.

Contributes to assay reports; writes animal care protocols.

Reviews papers and/or new protocols and provides comment in area of expertise.

May attend scientific meetings and present posters and papers.

Manages the day-to-day experimental operations of research including tissue culture, media preparation, sterilization, etc.

Performs basic veterinary technology, animal care, and handling laboratory animals under containment conditions.

Ensures accurate and detailed records are maintained.

Follows standard laboratory operating procedures, health and safety guidelines and work with minimal supervision.

Carries out any other related duties as required, in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification.

Qualifications:

PhD (Microbiology and Immunology preferred).

Minimum 5 years experience working in a vaccine research laboratory.

Preparation of human PBMCs, isolation of cell subsets (by Microbeads) and culture.

Flow cytometry, ELISPOT and ELISA assays.

Experience with small animal experimentation.

First hand laboratory experience in standard immunological assays, and tissue culture.

Ability to work independently in the execution and interpretation of experimental protocols.

Excellent English language writing and speaking skills.

Excellent computer skills.

Biosafety certificate.

Required to obtain an Animal Care Certificate from UBC RISE.

Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal, problem solving and organizational skills.

Accuracy and attention to detail.

Ability to exercise judgment, tact and discretion.

Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.

Ability to prioritize work to meet deadlines.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Please submit your application online at: https://ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/ubcfacultyjobs/job/UBC-Off-Campus-Hos... . Application packages should include a letter of application outlining the applicant's research interests, accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae and the names of three references.

Should you have any queries around this position, please contact Hong Yu at hyu2@phsa.ca .