Research Associate, Systems Neuroscience

University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 54,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

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 successful candidate will contribute to independent and collaborative research projects, performing electrophysiological recordings, viral circuit mapping and manipulations, histological

Qualifications

• Ph.D. and postdoctoral work in neuroscience or a related discipline.
• Publications and independent research contributions.
• Ability to work in a collaborative multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and scientific communication skills.
• Drive and enthusiasm to lead and contribute in a fast-paced team.

Responsibilities

• Electrophysiological recording of brain tissue
• Viral circuit mapping of brain tissue
• Viral manipulation of brain tissue
• Histological processing and microscopic analysis of brain tissue
• Coordinate with Vancouver General Hospital teams to share resources and collaborate
• Monitor use of reagents and order supplies
• Disseminate findings by writing manuscripts and grant applications
• Maintain complete records of all work
• Train students and technicians as needed
• Perform other related duties as required.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Scientific communication

Education

Ph.D. in neuroscience or related discipline

Postdoctoral experience

Job description

Organisation/Company University of British Columbia Department Cellular & Physiological Sciences Research Field Neurosciences Researcher Profile Established Researcher (R3) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 31 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (America/Vancouver) Country Canada Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

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.

UBC - One of the World's Leading Universities

As 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.