Research Associate in Next-Generation RNA Therapeutics at UBC

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 co-supervision of Dr. Anna Blakney and Dr. Jay Kizhakkedathu. The successful candidate will work on a project to develop new polymeric strategies for delivery of RNA. The Blakney Lab at UBC (blakneylab.msl.ubc.ca) develops next-generation RNA vaccines and therapies based on self-amplifying RNA and using interdisciplinary approaches including bioengineering, immunology, molecular biology and bioinformatics. The Kizhakkedathu lab (https://cbr.ubc.ca/our-people/investigators/jayachandran-kizhakkedathu/) develops novel polymers and biomaterials as therapeutics and devices.

Project: RNA medicines have gained considerable momentum in the past few years with the approval of Onpattro and the COVID-19 messenger RNA vaccines. While lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the state-of-the-art delivery system for RNA, we recently discovered that polymeric nanoparticles are less inflammatory and induce higher protein expression than LNPs. For this project, we are keen to explore the polymer design space for RNA delivery for a variety of applications. The PDF will work with the Blakney and Kizhakkedathu labs to design and synthesize novel polymers, and test them for RNA delivery and immunogenicity in vivo in preclinical models. We anticipate that polymers are a clinically translatable delivery system for RNA therapeutics.

Opportunity: This is a unique opportunity for several reasons. First, you will be a member of a fun, diverse and interdisciplinary group. Second, you will learn about RNA gene therapies and different aspects of its delivery. Third, you will be actively involved in projects that are intended for clinical translation. Finally, the University of British Columbia is located in Vancouver, which is world-renowned for its scenery and quality of living. 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.

Candidate: We are hiring polymer chemists with a background in polymer synthesis, organic chemistry and or lipid synthesis. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in chemistry, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, or similar fields with excellent publication record. The candidate must be able to work well on a team, even in situations where an opportunity is more exciting and time-sensitive than normal. We are seeking a creative individual with great interpersonal skills and excellent communication, both written and verbal.