Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Host-Pathogen Interactions & Host-Directed Therapeutics

Academic Job Category Faculty Non Bargaining Job Title Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Host-Pathogen Interactions & Host-Directed Therapeutics Department Research I Sun I Department of Microbiology I Faculty of Science (Jim Sun) Posting End Date September 25, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date October 31, 2027     The expected pay for this position is CAD $60,000 per annum.

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 Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join the laboratory of Dr.

Jim Sun. The Sun Lab uses multidisciplinary approaches, spanning microbial genetics, cell biology, immunology, high-throughput screening, omics, and in vivo models, to study host immunity to pathogens (such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis), macrophage biology, host-directed therapies, antimicrobial drug development, wastewater surveillance, and cancer therapeutics. The successful candidate is expected to lead a project examining the interplay between host immune pathways and microbial pathogenesis, with the goal of identifying and validating novel host- and pathogen-directed therapeutic targets.

The candidate will also contribute to other ongoing projects in the lab, and assist with training junior lab members. We are looking for a motivated, well-organized candidate who enjoys collaborative, cross-disciplinary research and is comfortable working across microbiology, immunology, and translational drug-discovery approaches. ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS The successful candidate will report directly to Dr.

Jim Sun (PI). The candidate will initially work under close supervision and training, with the expectation of increasing independence, ultimately leading one or more projects through to manuscript and grant submission. WORK PERFORMED Conceptualize novel project(s) related to objectives of the lab. Design and execute experiments investigating host immune responses to bacterial pathogens,macrophage biology, and host-directed therapeutic strategies.

Perform bacterial culture, genetics, and molecular cloning, such as targeted gene deletion andoverexpression. Develop and run high-throughput fluorescence- and luminescence-based screening assays for drugand target discovery. Conduct quantitative real-time PCR and related molecular assays. Perform mammalian cell culture and genetics, such as primary cell culture, PBMC isolation, CRISPR-based approaches, transfection/transduction, and in vitro bacterial infection models.

Apply omics approaches (e.g., epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) to support drug targetidentification and validation. Carry out in vivo animal model work, including pathogen infection models where applicable, underapproved animal care protocols. Perform multi-color flow cytometry, ELISA, Western blotting, and widefield/confocal microscopy. Work within Containment Level 3 (CL3) facilities following strict biosafety protocols.

Analyze, interpret, and summarize experimental data, and prepare figures and reports. Write and co-write manuscripts, reviews, and grant applications with the PI. Present research findings at internal and external meetings and conferences. Apply for postdoctoral fellowships and external funding, with support from the PI. Train and mentor graduate and undergraduate students. Contribute to lab organization and duties.

Maintain clear, open, and consistent communication with the PI and other members of the lab. Be a teamplayer and contribute positively to lab culture. CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR/JUDGEMENT A high degree o