Research Scientist

Staff - Non UnionJob CategoryM&P - AAPSJob ProfileAAPS Salaried - Research and Facilitation, Level BJob TitleResearch ScientistDepartmentResearch | Finlay | Michael Smith Laboratories | Faculty of ScienceCompensation Range$6, $9,701.42 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 DateJuly 27, 2024

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

Job End Date

Aug 5, 2025

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 is responsible for the management of all activities related to the Canadian Microbiome Mapping Initiative (CMMI) project in the laboratory of Dr. Brett Finlay (Principal Investigator, PI). The objective of the platform will be to map the molecular mechanisms of human diseases that are suspected to involve the gut microbiome using a wide variety of cutting-edge multi 'omics approaches. The Research Scientist will function with strong leadership capacities to make key strategic decisions that will guide and shape a shared vision for the microbiome arm of the CMMI. They will oversee all microbiome-related data analysis and interpretation tasks for the project, manages research personnel including staff and students, and develop, implement, and adjust research work plans as necessary. They will define strategies, goals and scope for the microbiome sector of the initiative; lead the development of microbiome project planning, timelines and deliverables; conduct budget forecasting and preparation; ensure effective communication across multiple stakeholder groups both locally and internationally, and represent the project at conferences and meetings.

Organizational Status

The CMMI is a large, multi-laboratory research platform being developed at the University of British Columbia (UBC), its associated hospital sites, and the University of Alberta. The Research Scientist will report to the Principal Investigator at UBC, Dr. Brett Finlay, and work closely with lab members within the Finlay group and the CMMI project manager, Dr. Shawn Shortill. They will be required to frequently liaise with staff at UBC (e.g. UILO, ORS, Research Finance, HR), the Genome Science Centre, BC Cancer, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, co-investigators in Canada, industry partners, funding agencies, and governmental regulatory bodies.

Work Performed

• Develops and implements project proposals, workplans and timelines for the CMMI platform in collaboration with the Principal Investigator
• Develops and optimizes data collection and analysis strategies
• Identifies and explores funding opportunities and develops new grant applications for the project. Develops ideas into grant proposals and coordinates with UBC's Office of Research Services as required
• Participates in budgeting and forecasting for the microbiome projects related to the CMMI
• Hires and onboards new personnel, including conducting interviews, performance reviews, and facilitating appointments and reappointments
• Manages and supervises graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and junior staff that relate to the area of technical expertise, providing training in experimental protocols and techniques, advising on the design of experiments, the development and revision of research protocols and providing guidance to the interpretation and analysis of research
• Advises research team members to ensure scientific compliance
• Prepares scientific and financial???progress reports for senior project leadership for submission to the funding agency
• Acts as the point person in liaising and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders as well as a consultant to external research facilities
• Performs other duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Exercise excellent judgement, take responsibility and initiative in performing academic and administrative tasks. Makes professional decisions and recommendations on all aspects of research work and is responsible for the quality of research activities. Consequence of failure or inappropriate judgment would hinder the research program from achieving its deliverables resulting in the termination of funding, potentially damaging relationships with generous philanthropic partners, collaborating academic research teams, industry partners/stakeholders, and could negatively impact the reputation of the PI and UBC.

Supervision Received

Reports to the PI, Dr. Brett Finlay. Works with considerable latitude in a highly independent manner under general direction within established policies, procedures and standards. Work reviewed against task objectives and conformity to standards.

Supervision Given

The Research Scientist will supervise support staff, research technicians, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows to ensure the project plans are followed in a timely and efficient manner.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of three years of related experience, or the 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

Doctoral degree in a highly relevant discipline which may include microbial genetics, microbiome analysis, computational biology, microbiology or immunology. Experience coordinating microbiome-related research projects, leading teams, and an excellent record of publishing scientific research articles.

Skills

• Excellent knowledge of scientific research management and administration in an academic or industry setting
• Work in a self-sufficient and accountable manner, with an ability to autonomously use in-depth knowledge to ensure excellence in deliverables
• Ability to provide team leadership and motivation towards a common goal
• High level of knowledge of molecular, cell biology and genomics techniques and methodologies
• Comprehensive understanding of experimental design, ability to troubleshoot experiments, and resolve technical problems in an innovative manner
• Excellent knowledge of university, government funding agency, and industry research policies, requirements, and best practices
• Strong leadership and ability to work effectively, independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Ability to plan and establish goals and objectives, influence others in a collaborative and positive manner, and gain cooperation at a professional level
• Strong organizational, time management and project management skills
• Highly motivated to adapt to a rapidly changing environment and to plan and organize numerous projects and initiatives
• Ability to work under pressure and scrutiny, with executive attention being focused on project deadlines and outcomes

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