Description

The Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Associate. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 2 years (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

This position reports to the Principal Investigator.

This position is primarily focused on the design, engineering, and pre-clinical evaluation of novel CAR T-cell therapies for Multiple Myeloma, including the discovery and validation of new tumor-targeting binders, the development of innovative CAR constructs, and the investigation of mechanisms of treatment resistance and relapse.
The successful candidate will work in a highly collaborative translational research environment and will be expected to lead independent research projects, mentor trainees, and contribute to grant-funded initiatives. Periodic travel may be required, including attendance and presentations at national and international conferences, workshops, and scientific meetings. The position may occasionally require evening or weekend work to support experimental objectives.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Lead and execute research projects focused on CAR T-cell therapy development for Multiple Myeloma
• Design, construct, and evaluate novel CAR T-cell platforms and engineered immune cell products
• Lead discovery and validation efforts for novel binders and therapeutic targets
• Develop and implement experimental protocols to evaluate CAR T-cell function, persistence, safety, and anti-tumor activity
• Conduct in vitro and ex vivo studies utilizing Multiple Myeloma cell lines and patient-derived samples
• Design and execute studies investigating mechanisms of resistance and immune escape
• Apply molecular, cellular, genomic, and immunologic techniques to characterize therapeutic responses
• Analyze complex datasets and generate biologically meaningful conclusions to guide future research directions
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements
• Collaborate with clinicians, scientists, industry partners, and translational researchers
• Prepare scientific manuscripts, presentations, abstracts, technical reports, and grant applications
• Mentor graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research staff, and trainees
• Support laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, inventory management, and quality control processes
• Represent the research group at scientific meetings and conferences
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and collaborative research environment

Qualifications / Requirements:

• PhD in Immunology, Cancer Biology, Hematology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Cellular Therapy, or a closely related discipline required
• Minimum 5 years of postdoctoral experience in Multiple Myeloma research required
• Demonstrated expertise in Multiple Myeloma biology and translational cancer research required
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience working with Multiple Myeloma cell lines and primary patient samples, including bone marrow aspirates and blood specimens required
• Direct experience designing and executing Multiple Myeloma research projects required
• Minimum 5 years of supervisory, mentoring, or trainee management experience required
• Demonstrated expertise in Multiple Myeloma immunobiology and mechanisms of response and resistance to CAR T-cell therapies required
• Expertise in the discovery and characterization of novel binders, therapeutic targets, and biomarkers relevant to cellular immunotherapy development
• Experience investigating therapeutic targets, antigen expression, antigen escape, and tumor-intrinsic mechanisms that influence CAR T-cell efficacy
• Experience conducting translational research using Multiple Myeloma cell lines, primary patient samples, and preclinical models to evaluate factors associated with treatment response and relapse
• Ability to generate and interpret molecular, genomic, proteomic, and functional data that support the development and optimization of next-generation CAR T-cell therapies
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams involved in cellular therapy, immunotherapy, and translational oncology research
• Knowledge of CAR T-cell therapeutic strategies, immune escape mechanisms, and emerging approaches to improve efficacy, persistence, and durability of response in Multiple Myeloma

Application Deadline: August 18, 2026

To Apply, please visit the University of Calgary's career opportunities page: http://careers.ucalgary.ca Job Opening ID #37570.

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 2 . (Salary range is $35.72 - 51.72 per hour).

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website .

Business address: 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary AB T2N 1N4