Academic
Job Category
Faculty Non Bargaining
Job Title
Research Associate in Next-Generation RNA Therapeutics
Department
Research | Blakney | Michael Smith Laboratories | Faculty of Science (Anna Blakney (On Leave))
Posting End Date
August 30, 2026
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
January 31, 2028
The expected pay for this position is $80,764 per year
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 (blakneylab.msl.ubc.ca), 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.
Project: Mitochondrial metabolism, cellular bioenergetics, and tissue-level adaptation are increasingly recognized as central to therapeutic efficacy in regenerative medicine and immune modulation. 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.
Candidate: The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in biophysics, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related biomedical science, with an outstanding publication record. They will bring advanced expertise in pre-clinical model development, including in vitro systems and rodent studies. They will have strong experience in mitochondrial assays, advanced imaging techniques, angiogenesis and tissue regeneration methods, and molecular approaches to studying cellular adaptation. Evidence of translational research impact, including patent drafting, grant writing, and the ability to bridge discovery research with therapeutic applications, will be highly valued. The candidate must also demonstrate leadership in mentoring trainees and managing interdisciplinary projects, and will thrive as a creative, collaborative scientist with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Opportunity: This position offers a unique opportunity to advance cross-disciplinary research linking RNA therapeutics with cellular and metabolic regulation, while contributing to high-impact translational projects at the interface of RNA medicines, metabolism, and regenerative biology. The successful applicant will join a vibrant, collaborative environment at UBC's Michael Smith Laboratories and will benefit from opportunities to engage with world-class researchers in nanomedicine and gene delivery. UBC is a center of excellence for growing your career in nanomedicine and gene delivery technologies, and you will have opportunities to collaborate with world-class leaders in the field through the Nanomedicine Innovation Network.
The expected pay for this position is $80,764 per year.
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.
The appointment will be for one year commencing February 1, 2027 with a possibility for extension, subject to satisfactory performance and funding.
