Research Associate - HLI

Job Description:

A Research Associate (RA) position is available at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine under the direction of  Dr. Scott J. Tebbutt, Professor of Medicine of UBC Faculty of Medicine and Principal Investigator and Director of Education of Centre for Heart Lung Innovation at St Paul’s Hospital.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Research Scientist with a strong background in cardiothoracic transplantation, biomarker discovery, and multi-omics research to join our multidisciplinary research team. The successful candidate will lead pioneering projects aimed at improving diagnostic accuracy, predicting transplant outcomes, and addressing the complexities of post-COVID-19 condition (long COVID). This role offers an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of cardiothoracic transplantation, precision medicine, and public health research. 

The RA will play a pivotal role within the project team, providing scientific expertise in cardiothoracic transplantation and COVID-19 research. They will be responsible for supporting hypothesis generation, planning, coordination, and the identification of host molecular endotypes associated with diverse COVID-19 outcomes and new viral variants in a longitudinal multi-omics cohort study of 1,000 patients with COVID-19. For the cardiothoracic transplantation research work, the RA will test newly developed blood biomarkers using patient samples from four major heart transplant centers and one lung transplant center.

Responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to:

• Lead and execute research projects focused on developing non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosing and predicting outcomes in cardiothoracic transplantation.
• Conduct multi-omics research (metabolomics, proteomics, genomics) to identify metabolic signatures and pathways associated with transplant rejection and post-transplant outcomes.
• Investigate the pathogenesis and biomarkers of long COVID, contributing to therapeutic strategies that address SARS-CoV-2 persistence, immune dysregulation, chronic inflammation, vascular injury, hypercoagulability, and multi-organ involvement.
• Collaborate with clinicians, bioinformaticians, and public health researchers to apply precision medicine approaches, including the development of real-time diagnostic tools for clinical use.
• Coordinate and develop grant applications to secure research funding.
• Prepare manuscripts and scientific reports for the dissemination of research findings. And publish high-impact research articles in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at international conferences.
• Mentor junior researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Analyze experimental data and perform statistical analyses, including omics, to drive research insights.
• Stay updated on emerging COVID-19 interventions and models of care, especially in the respiratory domain.
• Conduct literature reviews and systematic reviews relevant to research goals.
• Facilitate the development of research registries, including scope and strategy formulation.
• Prepare and deliver presentations for research meetings and conferences.
• Prepare background documents for stakeholder meetings.
• Participate in stakeholder engagement meetings and coordinate research activities.
• Chair and co-chair research team meetings, ensuring alignment of research goals and activities.
• Provide additional support as required to Dr. Scott J. Tebbutt, researchers, and the broader team.

Requirements:

• MD and MSc degree with 3+ years of relevant postdoctoral experience in respiratory medicine or thoracic research
• A minimum of 5 years of clinical work experience in respiratory/thoracic medicine
• Extensive experience and knowledge of metabolomics, acute lung injury, and preclinical drug development
• Extensive research experience of COVID-19 studies and cardiothoracic transplantation studies
• Demonstrated high-quality publication record in COVID-19 research or organ transplantation: i.e., multiple first-author publications about COVID-19 in high-impact journals such as NEJM, Lancet, Lancet Respir Med, JAMA, JAMA Intern Med, BMJ etc.
• Experience in studying biomarkers for diagnosing complex diseases of the lungs
• Demonstrated a successful track record of grant (e.g., CIHR) applications (as a co-applicant or applicant)
• Demonstrated experience in managing multiple projects with conflicting timelines and priorities, and excellent time-management skills

Duration and salary:

The position will begin March 1, 2025 for a period of 1 year with the possibility of extension.

Salary is $68,932 (3% GWI) per annum.

Application:

The deadline for interested individuals is December 20, 2024. Applicants should send a cover letter and curriculum vitae to Dr. Tebbutt: scott.tebbutt@hli.ubc.ca. 

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

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