Research Associate

The University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 62,038 - 75,825; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Vancouver seeks a full-time Research Associate in Evolutionary and Quantitative Genomics. The role offers a chance to work closely with a dedicated research group on genetic diversity and sexual dimorphism. Ideal candidates will have a PhD and substantial postdoctoral experience, alongside strong skills in scientific writing and quantitative analysis. This is a significant opportunity for personal and professional growth within a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• PhD-level research experience in related fields.
• At least four years postdoctoral research experience.
• Experience with animal models and quantitative methods.

Responsibilities

• Work on genetic and phenotypic aspects of sexual dimorphism.
• Contribute to an active research group.
• Mentor undergraduate or MSc students.

Skills

Scientific writing skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Mentoring experience

Machine vision techniques

Deep learning techniques

Data visualization

Fluency in R

Fluency in keras

Education

PhD in Evolution, Ecology, or a related field

Tools

Bayesian methods

Stan

INLA

Job description

Research Associate – Evolutionary and Quantitative Genomics

The Department of Zoology at the University of British Columbia invites applicants for a full-time, PhD-level research associate in Evolutionary and Quantitative Genomics.

Reporting to Dr. Judith Mank, the successful applicant will work closely with an active research group focused on various genetic and phenotypic aspects of sexual dimorphism. The position is 15 months, expected to start in November 2026.

Posting end date: January 12, 2026. Job end date: February 29, 2028. Salary: $68,932 per year.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Evolution, Ecology, or a related field and at least four years postdoctoral research experience.
• Excellent scientific writing skills, including a strong record of publishing in selective journals.
• Excellent interpersonal and problem‑solving skills.
• Record of mentoring undergraduates or MSc students.
• Experience with guppy breeding and husbandry.
• Experience with artificial selection experimental design.
• Proficiency with machine vision and deep learning techniques, including image segmentation, landmark placement and metric learning, for the automation of phenotypic analysis of large image datasets.
• Proficiency with geometric morphometrics and image alignment.
• Proficiency in applying quantitative genetic methods to large datasets.
• Proficiency with large‑scale animal models using Bayesian methods, including Stan and INLA.
• Excellent data practice and proven track record in data visualization.
• Fluency in R and keras.

Documentation for Application

CV; contact information for three references; a cover letter detailing the applicant’s relevant experience to the required qualifications.

All applications must be submitted online through the UBC Workday Careers website: https://hr.ubc.ca/careers.

Equity and Diversity Statement

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 of Canada will be given priority.

Canadian Citizenship Statement

• I am a citizen or permanent resident of Canada; or
• I am not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.