Research Associate

University-of-British-Columbi; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 76,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

University of British Columbia seeks a full‑time Research Associate to join the Cembrowski Laboratory in the Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences. The role covers independent and collaborative neuroscience research, including electrophysiology, viral circuit mapping, and histology, with strong teamwork across campuses.

The successful candidate will contribute to rigorous experiments, publish findings, and train junior staff, in a fast‑paced academic lab setting.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in neuroscience or related field.
• Postdoctoral research experience.
• Strong record of peer‑reviewed publications.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving and scientific communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
• Drive and enthusiasm to lead and contribute to a research project.

Responsibilities

• Electrophysiological recording of brain tissue.
• Viral circuit mapping and manipulation in brain tissue.
• Histological processing and microscopic analysis of brain tissue.
• Coordinate with Vancouver General Hospital teams to enable resource sharing.
• Manage materials receipt and reagent inventory, and order supplies as needed.
• Prepare manuscripts and grant applications to disseminate findings.
• Train students and technicians as needed.

Job description

AcademicJob CategoryFaculty Non BargainingJob TitleResearch AssociateDepartmentCembrowski Laboratory | Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences | Faculty of Medicine (Mark Steven Cembrowski)Posting End DateOctober 30, 2026Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.Job End DateDecember 31, 2027The expected salary for this position is $84,872.04.The Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences at the University of British Columbia invites applications for a full-time Research Associate to join the laboratory of Dr. Mark Cembrowski. This is a six-month term position with a start date of January 1, 2027, and an end date of June 30, 2027.The Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences does world-class research aimed at understanding the fundamental workings of cells and organisms in an effort to identify the underlying causes of human diseases. The Department’s research is diverse, with Investigators working in a wide range of the leading invertebrate and vertebrate model systems and using biochemical, molecular genetic, cellular and physiological approaches. The Department has particular strengths in neuroscience, endocrinology, development and cancer. The robust collaborative spirit between the Department’s Investigators drives increasingly multidisciplinary research programs in each laboratory. This includes the incorporation of the latest technologies in molecular biology, genetics, next-generation genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, and genetically-engineered animal models to complement our expertise in cell biological and physiology. The research in the Department is also strengthened by our use of advanced imaging capabilities that includes EM, super-resolution, 2-photon, live-cell and high-throughput microscopy. Research in the Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences is providing insight into the fundamental biological processes and pathologies that lie behind many diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, to name just a few.Responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following:Reporting to Mark Cembrowski, Principal Investigator and Associate Professor in the Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, the successful candidate will contribute to both independent and collaborative research projects. Responsibilities will include:· Electrophysiological recording of brain tissue· Viral circuit mapping of brain tissue· Viral manipulation of brain tissue· Histological processing and microscopic analysis of brain tissue· Interfacing with Vancouver General Hospital surgical teams as needed to foster successful resource sharing and collaboration with Cembrowski laboratory· Interfacing with members of the Cembrowski laboratory as needed to foster successful research, including coordinating receipt of materials from Vancouver General Hospital· Monitoring use of reagents and other supplies, and order supplies when needed· Disseminating scientific findings by writing and publishing manuscripts and grant applications· Maintaining complete and accurate records of all work performed· Training students and technicians as needed· Perform other related duties as required.The successful candidate should have the following:Ph.D. and postdoctoral work in neuroscience or a related discipline.Demonstrated record of scientific productivity, including peer-reviewed publications and evidence of independent research contributions.Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment.Strong analytical, problem-solving, and scientific communication skills.The drive, initiative, and enthusiasm to build and complete a successful research project.Ability to work in a fast-paced and demanding team environment.Has the drive and enthusiasm to lead and work as a member of a team.Candidates interested must apply via the UBC Careers website.UBC - One of the World's Leading UniversitiesAs one of the world's leading universities, the University of British Columbia creates an exceptional learning environment that fosters global citizenship, advances a civil and sustainable society, and supports outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada and the world.UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply.