Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC)

Today’s Research. Tomorrow’s Medicine.

 

The GSC is a department of the BC Cancer Research Institute and a high-throughput genome sequencing facility. We are leaders  in genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics in pursuit of novel treatment strategies for cancers and other diseases.

Among the world’s first genome centres to be established within a cancer clinic, for more than two decades our scientists and innovators have been designing and deploying cutting-edge technologies to benefit health and advance clinical research.

Among the GSC’s most significant accomplishments are the first  publication  to demonstrate the use of whole-genome sequencing to inform cancer treatment planning, the first published sequence of the SARS coronavirus genome and major contributions to the first physical map of the human genome as part of the Human Genome Project.

By joining the GSC you will become part of an exceptional and diverse team of scientists, clinicians, experts and professionals operating at the leading edge of clinical research. We look for people who share our core values—science, timeliness, respect—to join us on our mission to use genome science for the betterment of health and society.

Summary

Job Reference No. PDF_01553_Evgin Lab_2024_06_06

A postdoctoral research fellow position is immediately available in the Genome Sciences Department at the BC Cancer Research Institute in the group of Dr. Laura Evgin. The overarching goal of the Evgin lab is to make T cell therapies for cancer more effective and accessible. We are developing novel CAR T cell strategies for both hematologic and solid cancers.

• Using immune competent mouse models that are highly representative of human lymphoma, we are modelling clinical correlates of CD19 CAR T cell treatment failure to understand the underlying mechanisms and implement engineering solutions.
• The introduction of a CAR confers a new specificity to a T cell; however, the native T cell receptor (TCR) remains intact in all approved autologous cell products. Therefore, CAR T cells have dual specificity. We are using vaccines to stimulate CAR T cells through their native T cell receptor to enhance engraftment and function and improve tumour control.
• Currently approved CAR T cell therapies are manufactured in a bespoke manner by lentivirus or retrovirus transduction of autologous T cells ex vivo. While the approach has generated impressive clinical benefits, the financial burden and logistical difficulties have limited broad implementation. We are collaborating with local experts in RNA and lipid nanotechnology to develop strategies to generate CAR T cells in vivo.
• We are testing novel CAR T cell designs for the treatment of cancers and autoimmune diseases including lupus.

We are looking for a motivated, creative, and meticulous individual who has a strong understanding of molecular biology and immunology to contribute to our research program. Our lab is committed to creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or abilities.

Responsibilities

The candidate will be responsible for performing standard and investigative laboratory work, including, following detailed, time-sensitive and challenging protocols to generate lymphoma or lupus mouse models and adoptive transfer experiments. The candidate will conduct flow-based immunologic phenotyping experiments and tumor measurements by a variety of in vivo and ex vivo approaches. The candidate will perform experiments that include basic molecular and biochemical bench-work, generate plasmids and produce retrovirus/lentivirus, and perform cell culture of mouse and human cells. The candidate will contribute to scientific publications, patents, and funding proposals as needed.

The candidate will report to Dr. Evgin, the principal investigator, but is expected to operate independently on a daily basis. Results will be reviewed and additional experiments outlined on a weekly basis. The candidate will regularly interact with members of the Evgin lab regarding data generation and project coordination as well as members from collaborating research labs. The candidate will attend weekly meetings of laboratory workers and regularly present results.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. degree in an appropriate discipline
• A strong background in molecular biology including DNA isolation/purification, construct design, and cloning is desirable.
• Experience working with primary immune cells and along with CRISPR-based genetic engineering is desirable.
• Experience with flow cytometry and standard immunologic techniques is desirable.
• Experience with mouse handling and injections is helpful but not essential.
• Experience with retro or lentivirus based viral vectors is helpful but not essential.
• Experience with mRNA or LNP delivery is helpful but not essential.
• Experience using graphing programs such as Prism, Excel, etc. is important.
• Outstanding organization skills and attention to detail is essential as well as the ability to efficiently manage time and workflow, including skillfully prioritizing both long-term projects and day-to-day responsibilities.
• Ability for critical thinking and independent learning.
• Ability to collaborate proficiently and communicate effectively with colleagues and management teams. Experience in a supervisory role is an asset. 

Benefits

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That is why we are focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, which includes statutory benefits - Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance and WorkSafe BC plus the BC Cancer group benefits plan, which includes medical & dental extended health, and group life insurance coverage, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: 

Temporary Full-Time, 7.5 hrs. per day

100% onsite

Salary Range: 

$50,000 to $55,000 p.a.

The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. 

Apply

Please submit a detailed cover letter and resume highlighting relevant research experience, interests and goals; and the names and contact details of three references to bcgscjobs@bcgsc.ca , using PDF_01553_Evgin Lab_2024_06_06 in the subject line of your email.

While we value and review all applications, please note that due to the volume of submissions only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This posting will remain online until the position is filled.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Important!

As per the current Public Health Order, full vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment with PHSA as of October 26, 2021.

Please note all jobs at the GSC are based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Flexible work options may be available for this position upon request and is subject to change in accordance with GSC’s operational needs and PHSA’s Flexible Work Options Policy.

We believe that equity, diversity and inclusivity are essential for the advancement of human knowledge and science.

We welcome all applicants and provide all employees with equal opportunity for advancement, regardless of race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, conviction of a criminal or summary conviction offence unrelated to their employment.