Research Scientist

The University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent research university in Canada seeks a Research Scientist to lead preclinical studies on Huntington disease. Responsibilities include overseeing experimental workflows, data analysis, and producing scientific reports. Candidates should have a relevant undergraduate degree, at least two years of experience, and expertise in molecular biology. The role emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and contributions to grant proposals.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including conflicting ones.
• Commitment to enhancing knowledge and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Conducts research and development activities with scientific rigor.
• Oversees experimental workflows and project activities.
• Develops and prepares reports on project progress and metrics.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Scientific writing

Data analysis

Communication skills

Time management

Critical thinking

Education

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline

Tools

Microscopy

Analysis software

Job description

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

M&P - AAPS

Job Profile

AAPS Salaried - Research and Facilitation, Level A

Job Title

Research Scientist

Department

Hayden Laboratory | Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range

$5,365.42 - $7,709.92 CAD Monthly

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date

July 30, 2025

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

Job End Date

Jul 31, 2026

This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary

The Research Scientist plays a key scientific and strategic role in the design, oversight, and coordination of preclinical studies in mouse models of Huntington disease, with a focus on the evaluation of novel therapeutic approaches. This position emphasizes experimental planning, project leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and integration of complex datasets to support long-term research objectives.

The incumbent contributes to research facilitation, grant strategy, and scientific communications, applying advanced scientific judgment to guide the work of technical staff and trainees. The Research Scientist ensures the quality and direction of research activities by coordinating execution, aligning research priorities with timelines and partner expectations, and representing the lab in collaborative planning efforts.

Organizational Status

This position is a key member of the Hayden Lab and reports directly to Dr. Michael Hayden, the Principal Investigator. The Research Scientist will collaborate closely with postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and technical staff, and will contribute to strategic planning and research execution within the Therapeutics team.

Work Performed

As a Research Scientist within the Therapeutics team, the incumbent is responsible for Research Study Design and Oversight, Project and Timeline Management, Data Analysis and Scientific Communication, Research Facilitation and Grant Development, and Mentorship and Scientific Leadership to advance high-impact translational research initiatives. Duties include:

• Conducts research and development activities with the utmost scientific rigor, integrity, and safe work practices, fully documenting all work performed.
• Oversees the refinement and implementation of complex experimental workflows.
• Provides scientific input and contributes to decisions on study design, data integration, and cross-site coordination of research activities
• Leads coordination of project activities across multiple concurrent studies.
• Works under the PI to develop and implement research plans to achieve ascribed milestones. Liaises with PI and research team to provide support throughout the life of the research project to ensure compliance of all policy and legal requirements
• Develops and prepares standard and ad-hoc reports on projects progress, metrics, and compliance for internal and external audiences.
• Oversees data analysis and interpretation, ensuring scientific integrity and alignment across multiple data sources.
• Oversees the preparation of study reports, peer-reviewed publications, and scientific presentations.
• Applies subject-matter expertise to shape research aims and study design in support of grant proposals.
• Provides critical review of scientific content and contributes to strategic alignment with funding priorities.
• Supports coordination of interdisciplinary collaborations, project timelines, and preparation of regulatory and ethics documentation.
• Cross train relevant skill sets relevant to identify and resolve research challenges to graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research assistants
• Reviews and advises on experimental plans, troubleshooting methods, and scientific development of junior team members.
• Perform other related duties as assigned
  
  

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Decisions made by the Research Scientist will directly impact the integrity and progress of ongoing research projects. Errors in experimental execution, data analysis, or project planning could compromise study outcomes, delay timelines, and affect collaborative relationships, funding, and safety.

Supervision Received

The Research Scientist will work independently under the general direction of the Principal Investigator. Progress is reviewed during bi-weekly one-on-one meetings with Dr. Hayden and during regular lab meetings.

Supervision Given

This role involves providing technical training and oversight to junior personnel, including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research assistants.

Minimum Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience and knowlege with mouse handling, surgical techniques and colony management.
• Strong foundation in molecular biology techniques and data analysis.
• Experience with microscopy, stereology, and neuronal primary cultures.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret experimental data and contribute to scientific discussion.
• Highly proficient in scientific writing and use of analysis software.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the flexibility to adapt to evolving research needs.
• Attention to detail is critical
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with a strong track record of proposing and implementing data-driven solutions.