Research Associate in Fungal Glycobiology at UBC

The Michael Smith Laboratories at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, invites applications for a Research Associate position in Fungal Glycobiology to join a dynamic and multidisciplinary team under the supervision of Dr. James Kronstad. The successful candidate will work on a project to identify and characterize lectin antibodies (lectibodies) that bind to polysaccharides on the surface of fungal cells. The Kronstad Lab at UBC (kronstadlab.msl.ubc.ca ) studies the pathogenesis of fungi that attack plant or animal hosts using interdisciplinary approaches including microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, transcriptomics and bioinformatics.

Project: Fungal pathogens display polysaccharides on their cell surfaces which mediate interactions with the host immune system. The contributions of these polysaccharides to pathogenesis are underexplored, and these molecules can be targets for therapeutic intervention. Lectibodies represent novel reagents to characterize fungal polysaccharides and we are investigating their use in modulating the immune response to fungal pathogens. The Research Associate will work in a team to identify lectibodies with high binding affinity, characterize the binding targets, and assess the influence of lectibodies on both the immune response in animal models of disease and the interaction of fungal cells with organoids in culture. We anticipate that lectibodies will be clinically relevant resources for diagnosing and treating fungal diseases.

Candidate: We are seeking a molecular biologist with a background in developmental biology, glycobiology, or biochemistry. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in developmental biology, molecular biology, or similar fields, and have an excellent publication record. Experience in lectin biochemistry including lectibodies, organoid and tissue culture, or the assessment of lung pathology during viral, bacterial or fungal infection is essential. We are seeking a creative individual with great interpersonal skills and excellent communication, both written and verbal. Proven experience in project planning, preparing funding proposals, securing research funding and managing laboratory expenditures is essential. The candidate must be able to work well in a collaborative team. Preference will be given to candidates who have >4 years of experience in a postdoctoral and/or Research Associate role with experiences of laboratory personnel management.

Opportunity: Successful candidates will have the opportunity to collaborate with the members of the laboratories involved in the projects within and outside of UBC, integrating cutting-edge glycomics, fungal infection, organoids, bioinformatics and immunology. The University of British Columbia is located in Vancouver, which is world-renowned for its scenery and quality of living. UBC is a center of excellence for growing a career in molecular medicine as it applies to fungal pathogens of humans, and the successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with world-class researchers in the GlycoNet program.

The expected pay range for this position is $68,932 to $76,000 per year.

Application Process: Interested applicants should submit a CV and cover letter that details their experience and contact details for 3 references to the UBC Careers portal which is included with this posting. Application materials should be submitted no later than the posting end date.

The appointment will be for one year commencing October 1, 2025 with a possibility for extension, subject to satisfactory performance and funding.

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.