Wound Healing or Dermatology Postdoctoral Fellow: Applications now open!

The successful applicant will work full-time under the supervision of Dr. David Granville for a two-year term (with the possibility of extension). Start date is flexible (any time January to June).

JOB SUMMARY:

The post-doctoral fellow (PDF) will be actively involved in the translational research effort pertaining to understanding the physiological and/or pathophysiological role(s) of the serine protease family, granzymes, in the context of skin or vascular inflammation, regeneration, in aging, autoimmune and/or chronic disease. Granzymes are a family of 5 serine proteases in humans. With the exception of GzmA and GzmB, very little is known about the other 3 proteases so there are many opportunities to carve out a niche, drug development and for publications/patents. The job is highly translational and well suited for PDFs seeking greater involvement in all steps in taking basic bench research discoveries through to clinical application and potentially commercialization. Our research program spans from basic biochemistry/molecular biology through to target validation, proof-of-concept in animal and human models with a strong connection to industry. The PDF will be responsible for designing and implementing studies to further elucidate mechanisms of disease through the use of in vitro and in vivo models. Dr. Granville’s laboratory (www.granzymes.com) utilizes a variety of disease models related to aging, autoimmunity, injury, inflammation and impaired healing as they pertain to cardiovascular, pulmonary, skin, musculoskeletal, and neuroinflammatory disorders.

ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS:

Works in the Granville Laboratory. Work location is at the ICORD (International Collaboration for Repair Discoveries) Centre at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Located at Vancouver General Hospital in the Blusson Spinal Cord Centre, ICORD is supported by UBC Faculty of Medicine and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute. Some work may also be performed at the UBC Centre for Heart Lung Innovation. Dr. Granville is seeking an intelligent, highly motivated person with a high degree of independence with leadership potential.

WORK PERFORMED:

• Provides leadership, strategic direction, and translational research pertaining to granzymes in autoimmune and/or age-related chronic disease. There are a number of opportunities in both the autoimmune and age-related chronic disease areas.
• Hands-on experience with animal models of disease (autoimmune, aging, wound healing or dermatology) experiments and implementing animal disease models, including animal handling and breeding, is essential.
• In vivo testing/characterization of small molecule, knockouts or antibodies in animal models, including relevant models of aging, autoimmune, dermatology, wound healing and/or chronic disease is required.
• Experience with proteases, extracellular matrix, and/or autoimmune disease models is an asset.
• Design and implementation of a research plan to investigate the pathological role of other granzymes or other pathways.
• Planning, performing and coordinating experiments/studies pertaining to the above.
• Excellent command of English (written and oral) as well as communication skills between Granville lab, industry and other partners as required.
• Fosters research collaborations and a willingness to work with industrial partners.
• Scientific documentation of lab experiments, data analysis, interpretation and manuscript/grant writing.
• Presentation of results at internal and external meetings.
• Identifies funding opportunities and writes provincial and national grant proposals with supervisor as a co-applicant.

CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR:

This is a senior research position that plays a critical role in the development of this novel field. Position provides leadership and sets direction on the conducting of research and is accountable for the integrity of the data and the effective and efficient management of research projects. Accountable for the quality and integrity of the research undertaken, including data, analyses and interpretation, and for the efficient management of deliverables. The position requires innovation, adaptation and strategic planning. Incorrect decision or actions may damage the reputation of the laboratory and could be financially costly and lead to loss of credibility of this field.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works with a high degree of independence and sets priorities under broad directives and in concert with the principal investigator. The PDF will be expected to take a leadership role in the laboratory under the supervision of Dr. Granville. This position will also provide the candidate with a high level of exposure to translation, commercialization and biotechnology.

SUPERVISION GIVEN:

Will be expected to provide supervision and guidance to undergraduate and graduate students as required. Will also have access to a technician.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The candidate should have a solid scientific and technical background with excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills. In addition, the candidate will be highly motivated, willing to learn and comfortable with responsibility.

• Ph.D. in immunology, molecular & cell biology, experimental pathology, dermatology, experimental medicine, vascular biology or similar discipline.
• Expertise and hands-on experience in animal handling and breeding, including all aspects of designing, implementing, analyses, tissue collection, histology pertaining to relevant animal models of disease, is essential.
• Familiarity with in vivo testing/characterization of small molecule or antibodies in animals, including relevant models of aging, autoimmune and/or chronic disease is required.
• Proficiency in cell culture, histology, biochemistry and molecular biology techniques.
• Applicants with experience and a strong track record with murine models of aging, autoimmune and/or chronic disease are especially encouraged to apply.
• Previous biochemical/cell biology experience with proteases, protease activity assays, extracellular matrix/proteoglycan biology, immunology, histology is a definite asset but we do have experienced people in the lab to teach procedures if necessary.
• A proven track record with a minimum of 2-3 first author publications in reputable journals.
• Experience with statistical analyses and scientific writing. The candidate must excel in both written and oral communication. Previous experience with grant writing will be considered an asset.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

Self-starter; Must be highly motivated; Attentive to details and deadlines; Accountable; Flexible; Demanding of excellence; Committed while maintaining balance and perspective; Willing to make and learn from mistakes; Others describe you as honest, trustworthy, positive and respectful, and gets along well with others; a person of high integrity, a good listener, a straightforward communicator, and a team builder; Capable of working independently and in teams; Comfortable with risk and uncertainty; Attention to detail; Excellent vocabulary, oral communication and writing skills; Looking to build something of value; A good sense of humour, social and networking skills are desirable.

If you are interested to join, please submit a cover letter and CV in PDF format to Dr. David Granville (dgranville@icord.org). The position will remain open until filled.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community.