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.

Job Reference No. PDF_01553_Tai Lab_2024_11_26

Summary

The Post-doctoral Fellow in the Tai Lab will work on a research project that seeks to define the functional role of a protein normally associated with immune cells in colorectal cancer cells.

Advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant clinical problem. These patients have a survival rate less than 20% and the majority of tumors do not respond to conventional therapies. The programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint is normally associated with the immune system but is also intrinsically expressed by some CRC tumours. CRC patients with high expression levels of PD-1 have inferior survival rates and their tumors have higher mutation and microsatellite instability levels. PD-1 high CRC tumors also over-express proteins associated with an aggressive phenotype favoring tumor survival. The goal of this project is to evaluate the role of tumor cell-intrinsic PD-1 in CRC and understand its impact on current therapeutic strategies in CRC.

The aims of the project are to:

• Characterize the signaling networks of cell-intrinsic PD-1 and define how the protein regulates cancer cell survival and resistance to chemotherapy
• Define the molecular interaction of cell-intrinsic PD-1 with immune cells and/or stemcells in the tumor stroma.

Duties and Responsibilities 

As a Post-doctoral Fellow on the PD-1-CRC project, project, you will report to Dr. Isabella Tai. Your typical duties will include the following:

1. Designing cell libraries for high-throughput screening experiments.
2. Performing Western Blots to validate cell signaling networks
3. Performing immuno-precipitation of binding partners to PD-1
4. Characterizing and validating novel discoveries stemming from gene screening studies including scRNA sequencing.
5. Participating in the analysis of global proteomic assays
6. Reporting research methods and results in meetings.
7. Contributing to the scientific advancement of the PD-1-CRC project by developing new research directions related to PD-1 activity in CRC tumors.
8. Contributing to scientific publications, patents, and funding proposals as needed.

Qualifications

The Postdoctoral Fellow should possess a PhD degree and recent experience in immunology, genomics, cancer biology, cell biology or a related discipline.

Experience in recombinant DNA technologies and viral gene delivery vectors, mammalian cell culture (including primary T cell culture), flow cytometry/FACS, and cell-based assays (such as ELISPOT) is desired. Familiarity with 2^nd and 3^rd generation DNA sequencing platforms (including spatial single-cell sequencing platforms) and bioinformatics analysis will be an asset.

A strong publication record and a track record of success in objective-based research projects are highly desirable. Due to the translational nature of this research project, an interest or aptitude for developing novel technologies, therapeutic strategies and/or commercialization would be a valuable 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’s why we’re 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

Salary Range: 

$45,000 - 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 to bcgscjobs@bcgsc.ca, using PDF_01553_Tai Lab_2024_11_26 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!

COVID-19 vaccines protect against infection from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) that causes COVID-19. 

The COVID-19 vaccine has been added to the list of high-priority immunizations recommended for health-care workers. Health care workers should ensure they are up-to-date on all routine immunizations. 

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.