Research Associate in BioDevice Innovation

European Commission; Canada; On-site; CAD 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Canada seeks a Research Associate for the BioDevice Innovation Fellow Program. This role focuses on developing next-generation biomedical devices, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and contributing to innovative healthcare solutions. The position offers a unique opportunity for early-career researchers to lead impactful projects in a cutting-edge research environment.

Qualifications

• PhD completed within the past eight years.
• Strong background in biomedical engineering, biophysics, or experimental biology.
• Excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test biodevices for clinical applications.
• Manage research projects and collaborate across teams.
• Prepare grants and assist with regulatory requirements.

Skills

Biomedical Engineering

Biophysics

Experimental Biology

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication

Education

PhD

Job description

The University of British Columbia (UBC)

Organisation/Company The University of British Columbia (UBC) Research Field Engineering » Biomedical engineering Researcher Profile Leading Researcher (R4) Established Researcher (R3) Country Canada Application Deadline 15 Jun 2025 - 22:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number EU-58638 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Position Summary

The School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver campus, in partnership with Michael Smith Health Research BC, invites applications for a Research Associate (RA) position as part of the newly launched BioDevice Innovation Fellow Program. This prestigious role will support the Conconi Family BioDevice Foundry — a new core facility at UBC dedicated to advancing research, innovation, and translation of next-generation biomedical devices.

The School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) is a partnership between the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Applied Science, acting as a nucleus for education and training, research, and innovation in biomedical engineering, creating new knowledge, new academic and training programs, and fostering translation and innovation. Its vision is to transform health care outcomes through unconstrained exploration of the best possible integrative solutions across engineering, medicine, and biology. Through a collaborative, innovative, and interdisciplinary approach and building on UBC academic and research excellence, the School of Biomedical Engineering aspires to be a global leader in biomedical engineering research, education and translation. For more information about the School of Biomedical Engineering, please visit https://www.sbme.ubc.ca/ .

The successful candidate will hold the inaugural Michael Smith Health Research BC–Conconi Family Foundation BioDevice Innovation Fellow designation. While formally appointed as a Research Associate, the selected candidate will also be recognized as a BioDevice Innovation Fellow, reflecting the unique leadership and research opportunity this program represents. This Fellowship accelerates early-career researchers working at the interface of engineering, biology, and medicine—equipping them with the skills, mentorship, and networks needed for leadership in academia, industry, or entrepreneurship.

The Conconi Family BioDevice Foundry is Western Canada’s first core facility that bridges semiconductor microfabrication and cutting-edge life sciences research. The Foundry enables rapid development and translation of medical devices through access to cleanroom infrastructure, interdisciplinary mentorship, and prototyping tools, supporting innovation in healthcare diagnostics, biomanufacturing, and therapeutics. It is a collaborative hub that supports both off-the-shelf and first-in-kind solutions. Through this program, fellows will drive high-impact, specialized research that strengthens SBME’s leadership in biodevice innovation and biomedical engineering at UBC.

Organizational Status

This position will play a key role at the Foundry and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across SBME and UBC. The Research Associate will report to the Foundry Scientific Director and work closely with a faculty sponsor within SBME. The Fellow will also participate in SBME's innovation ecosystem, including access to industry mentorship through SBME Innovates.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with the members of the SBME, integrating cutting-edge micro-technologies, bioassays, and health applications, pushing the boundaries of integration of life sciences research and applications.

The responsibilities of the fellow depend on the skills and research interests of the successful applicant. Specific tasks for this position may include:

• Developing, optimizing, and testing biodevices for biochemical and biophysical interactions with biological material,
• Assembling devices and platforms to leverage new Biodevices and microscale assays with a view to clinical usage and translation,
• Designing and performing experiments, analyzing results, and presenting findings,
• Assisting with the design and implementation of new research projects,
• Preparing grants and assisting with grant applications, publications, and with fulfilling regulatory requirements (animal ethics, biosafety, etc.),
• Managing and running a research project at the intersection of biodevice and health innovation,
• Analyzing data and presenting the data in reports, publications, and presentations,
• Presenting research at international conferences,
• Working as an interdisciplinary node for collaboration between multiple labs within SBME and beyond,
• Helping to enhance our collaborative research environment,
• Training and mentoring lab personnel and trainees,
• Ensuring all team members receive relevant orientation and training and that all work is performed in accordance with relevant policies and legislation,
• Coordinating the maintenance of foundry equipment;
• Contributing to cutting-edge knowledge in the scientific community.

Qualifications

The BioDevice Innovation Fellow Program aims to recruit outstanding early-career researchers specializing in biodevice development. Eligible candidates should have completed their PhD within the past eight years as of May 2025 with due consideration for career interruptions such as parental leave, clinical training, or other extenuating circumstances, including COVID.

Candidates should have a strong background in biomedical engineering, biophysics, or experimental biology with experience in solving clinical challenges.

Candidates should have a strong research background, as demonstrated by past publications, accomplishments, and references.

The successful candidate will be a passionate, self-driven, independent thinker with excellent interpersonal, facilitation, and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously.

Excellent communicator with strong written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to deliver presentations and present information clearly and concisely.

Supervision received

The Research Associate will be supervised by the Scientific Director of the Conconi Family BioDevice Foundry and supported by a faculty sponsor within SBME. Fellows will also be integrated into SBME's broader innovation and mentorship networks.

Supervision given

The incumbent may be required to supervise trainees involved in the research at the Foundry.

Start date and stipend

The anticipated start date is Sept 01, 2025 or upon a date to be mutually agreed. The position is full-time for one year with the possibility of extension each year up to 5 years in total, subject to work performance and funding availability.

The expected salary as determined by the Biodevice Innovation Fellow program is $90,000/annum.

How to Apply

As part of the BioDevice Innovation Fellow Program, applicants are required to propose a translational research program at the intersection of biodevice engineering and healthcare applications. This research program will be expected to contribute not only to novel biodevice development but also to advancing the Foundry's role as a translational research platform and collaborative hub supporting industry engagement, knowledge transfer, and talent development within the SBME.

The research should ideally align with one of the Foundry’s core research pillars:

Bioanalytics-on-a-Chip (Measure): Microdevices for ultra-sensitive detection and disease monitoring,

Organ-on-a-Chip (Model): Physiologically relevant platforms for drug discovery and disease modeling, or

Biomanufacturing-on-a-Chip (Manufacture): Scalable production systems for advanced therapeutics.

The template for the proposal and the list of documents requested for the program application are available at:

Candidates should submit the following materials:

• Research proposal
• Cover Letter outlining past achievements and research goals
• Letter of Support from a faculty sponsor

Review of applications will start on June 15, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.

This posting is for the UBC Vancouver campus in British Columbia, Canada.

Please refer to reference number EU-58638 during correspondence about this position.

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.

About UBC
The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. Since 1915, UBC's entrepreneurial spirit has embraced innovation and challenged the status quo. UBC encourages its students, staff and faculty to challenge convention, lead discovery and explore new ways of learning. At UBC, bold thinking is given a place to develop into ideas that can change the world.

About UBC's Faculty of Applied Science
The Faculty of Applied Science comprises a unique constellation of disciplines – including the Schools of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, Community and Regional Planning and Nursing, as well as all engineering activities at both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. Our work and the professional disciplines we represent span the entire human-centred built environment and innovation at all scales – from nanoscale electronic devices that power communications to the design of entire cities.

There has never been a more urgent time for our professions – as planners, architects, nurses and engineers – to come together to build upon our existing strengths and ambitions to ensure a thriving society, to make real impact locally and globally.

With a community of over 300 full-time faculty members and more than 8,600 students across our undergraduate and graduate programs, we shape the leaders and professions that shape the world.

About Vancouver
Vancouver is a dynamic, cosmopolitan and progressive city, consistently ranked as one of the top cities to live in the world. Canada's third largest city has it all: sea, parks, mountains, beaches, and four seasons per year, including beautiful summers and mild, wet winters with snow in the mountains. It's the perfect backdrop to your academic research.

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute The University of British Columbia (UBC) Country Canada State/Province British Columbia City Vancouver Postal Code V6T 1Z4 Street 2329 West Mall Geofield