Postdoctoral Research Fellow

AcademicJob CategoryFaculty Non BargainingJob TitlePostdoctoral Research FellowDepartmentHedtrich | School of Biomedical Engineering | Faculty of Medicine (Sarah Hedtrich)Posting End DateJanuary 21, 2026

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

Job End DateJanuary 31, 2027

Expected salary range: $65,000–$75,000 CAD per annum, commensurate with experience.

Postdoctoral Fellowship: RNA Dynamics, Trafficking, and Tissue-Optimized RNA Design

 

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.

 

The School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) at the University of British Columbia invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellow jointly supervised by Dr. Sarah Hedtrich and Dr. Eric Jan. This position focuses on understanding and engineering mRNA dynamics and intracellular trafficking to develop tissue-optimized RNA cargo for next-generation gene therapies. The role is part of a broader three-year initiative to advance RNA-based therapeutic design.

Research Focus

This interdisciplinary project will investigate the intracellular dynamics and kinetics of gene editors and RNA molecules to improve the precision and efficacy of gene therapies.

Key Responsibilities

• Elucidate mechanisms of intracellular RNA trafficking using biomolecular assays and high-resolution imaging.

• Characterize tissue- and cell-specific RNA dynamics to inform the design of optimized RNA constructs.

• Contribute to the preclinical development of local gene-editing strategies aimed at treating severe monogenic epithelial diseases, with emphasis on the skin and lungs.

 

Environment and Collaboration

The Hedtrich and Jan labs offer a dynamic, collaborative environment at UBC's Vancouver campus. Our teams are dedicated to developing innovative, localized gene-delivery and gene-editing platforms (including base and prime editing) to treat life-threatening genetic disorders of epithelial tissues. Our shared goal is to create effective, potentially curative therapeutic options for patients for the first time.

Our projects have a strong translational aspect with the ultimate goal to translate our technology from bench-to-bedside. Hence, interest in translational work at the forefront of science is a clear asset and people with entrepreneurial interests are encouraged to apply. Further, the establishment of an research independent profile as well as career-planning advice will be offered to the successful incumbent. These projects provide the opportunity to closely work with world-leading scientists and companies in the area of gene editing and drug delivery.

Qualifications

• PhD in biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, biochemistry, or a related field with relevant experience (obtained within the last 5 years).

• Strong background in gene therapies, RNA biochemistry and molecular biology and/or imaging.

• Applicants with experience in (primary) cell culture work and gene therapies will be preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in biomolecular methods.

• Proven ability to work across disciplinary boundaries and within collaborative research environments.

• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful engagement with diverse perspectives.

• 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.

Position Details

• Start Date: February 1, 2026 but flexible.
• Term: One year, renewable based on performance and funding availability and compliance with UBC policies.
• Expected salary range: $65,000–$75,000 CAD per annum, commensurate with experience.

How to Apply:

Submit a single PDF including:

Cover letter (2 pages max) outlining your research interests and fit for the position Curriculum vitae with publication list Contact information for 3 academic references

Applications should be submitted via UBC Workday Careers.

For any inquiries regarding this position, please contact

Dr. Sarah Hedtrich – 
Dr. Eric Jan – 

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from equity-deserving groups. We are committed to creating inclusive spaces that foster innovation through diverse perspectives and experiences.

We invite applications from qualified candidates who share our commitment to employment equity and inclusive excellence, and we welcome applications from candidates belonging to historically, persistently, or systemically marginalized groups: Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and trans and non-binary people.
 

The University is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable work environment for all members of its workforce. An inclusive work environment presumes an environment where differences are appreciated, recognized, and integrated into current structures, planning, and decision-making modes. Within this hiring process we are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable process for all candidates (including but not limited to people with disabilities).  Confidential accommodations are available on request to HR Coordinator, Fady Barsoum: If you have any questions regarding accommodations or accessibility during the recruitment and hiring process or for more information and support, please visit UBC's Centre for Workplace Accessibility website at or contact the Centre at

Land Acknowledgment

We acknowledge that UBC's Vancouver campus is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of thexʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people. As scientists and engineers, we are committed to responsible and respectful research practices on this land.

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