Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Job Category: Faculty Non Bargaining

Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Department: UBCO | Faculty | School of Engineering | Faculty of Applied Science (Will Hughes)

Posting End Date: May 30, 2025

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date: Feb 28, 2026

The expected pay range for this position is $45,000 - $55,000 per year.

Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in DNA nanotechnology

UBC is a global centre for research, teaching, and service, consistently ranked among the 40 best universities in the world – and a top 20 public university. In 2024, Engineering at UBC was listed as a top 25 program in the world according to QS rankings. As one university with two campuses, the Faculty of Applied Science is a natural bridge between UBC Vancouver to UBC Okanagan.

With support from a Tier-1 Canada Research Chair, the DNA-Studio at UBC Okanagan is seeking a post-doctoral fellow to advance our efforts in synthetic biology, DNA nanotechnology, and advanced microscopy. The ideal candidate will be highly creative, hardworking, and a team player. They will also have the ability to manage multiple projects and students in pursuit of team goals. Representative projects include but are not limited to designing, building, testing, and scaling: (1) molecular data storage, and (2) chemical reaction networks. The ability to bring static and dynamic DNA nanotechnology together is preferred. The candidate will provide the characterization of DNA devices using super resolution microscopy, DNA-PAINT, atomic force microscopy, spectrophotometry, etc. They will present their work in oral and written form through professional conferences, scientific community events, meeting presentations, and peer-reviewed journals.

The candidate will join a diverse and multidisciplinary team with expertise in biology, biotechnology, computer science, microscopy, and bio-engineering that is developing new microscopy hardware and new computational algorithms for the encoding and decoding of data, creating diverse training opportunities.

Minimum Requirements:

1. PhD in biology, molecular biology, biomedical engineering, biotechnology, materials science, computer science, or related fields.
2. Prior experience in a molecular biology laboratory and in optical microscopy is ideal.
3. Experience with DNA origami or Atomic Force Microscopy as evident by publications and presentations is desired, but not required.
4. Excellent written and oral English communication is required.

Expectations for this position include but are not limited to:

1. Designing DNA nanostructures and DNA circuits.
2. Creating strategies for molecular storage in multiple dimensions.
3. Creating strategies for high-performing chemical reaction networks for biotechnology applications.
4. Characterizing DNA nanostructures using atomic force and super resolution microscopy.
5. Characterizing DNA circuits using spectrophotometry.
6. Providing operational ownership of the project and supporting communication with the research team.
7. Supervising undergraduate and graduate students.
8. Seeding, serving, and sustaining impactful research activity at UBC.

Application Process:

Applications should include: (1) a maximum 1-page cover letter describing your motivations and qualifications; (2) curriculum vitae including descriptions of previous projects; and (3) names and contact information for three referees. The complete application file should be submitted as one PDF file.

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 applicants are encouraged to apply.

UBC welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for all candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. For academic questions about this position, please contact Dr. Luca Piantanida at luca.piantanida@ubc.ca.