Senior Core Scientist and Director, Advanced Cell Exploration Core

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

The successful candidate will be offered an appointment, which is in accordance with the Faculty Service Officer Agreement. This position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $80,635 to $112,111.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.

The Department of Cell Biology is committed to research excellence in modern cell biology. Our faculty members also teach at the undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels to develop a new generation of exceptional investigators. The Department of Cell Biology is home to a diverse group of faculty members that are nationally and internationally recognized in multiple areas of experimental cell biology.

The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry's Core Research Facilities provide access to state-of-the-art equipment for research, including next-generation sequencing, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, light and electron microscopy, flow cytometry and more. Each facility is staffed by highly-trained experts who provide hands-on training, troubleshooting and personalized consultations. Feel confident and empowered in your research. Let our team help you make the most of your study by supporting you every step of the way. Our facilities are open to academic and private research teams anywhere in the world.

The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry is seeking an expert Director to lead the Advanced Cell Exploration (ACE) Core. This faculty position will be the institution's expert in genomics, including the cutting-edge fields of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics.

This role is responsible for overseeing all core operations, supervising technical staff, and providing expert scientific advice to researchers and administration. The Director will manage a facility that serves over 50 research groups annually with projects often costing tens of thousands of dollars. They will also play a key role in developing and implementing new technologies, training students and staff, and providing essential teaching and service to the department. This position reports to the Department Chair of Cell Biology and is accountable to the Vice Dean of Research and the ACE Core Academic Lead.

The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry is one of the world's top academic health science centres. With 21 departments, multiple research institutes and centres, and a focus on excellence in education, research, and clinical care, the faculty trains outstanding medical and dental professionals and drives global health innovation in collaboration with partners across sectors.

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the ACE Core, ensuring smooth project execution and adherence to safety protocols.
• Serve as the main point of contact for researchers, providing expert consultation and collaborating on experimental design, budgeting, and grant applications.
• Supervise and mentor a team of two technologists and one specialist, encouraging professional development and conducting annual reviews.
• Manage facility finances, including preparing quotes, creating monthly invoices, and overseeing the management software (e.g., PPMS-Stratocore).
• Develop and teach genomics and molecular biology modules for undergraduate and graduate courses, and provide hands-on training for new users.
• Stay current with emerging technologies by attending conferences, conducting literature searches, and developing new workflows.
• Lead grant writing efforts to secure funding for new equipment and infrastructure upgrades.

Minimum

• Graduate degree in cell biology, genomics, molecular biology, or a similar field.
• Expert knowledge in next-generation sequencing, single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and related methods.
• Demonstrated experience with liquid handling robots and genomics or chemical screens.
• Experience with cell culture, standard molecular biology techniques, and basic cloning methods.
• Proven ability in quality control, project tracking, and experimental troubleshooting.
• Experience with a coding language (e.g., Python, R, or Linux command line).
• Strong communication and management skills.
• Experience in teaching and developing course materials.
• Proven ability to write grant applications.

Preferred

• Experience in facility management.
• Knowledge of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and bioinformatics analysis methods.
• Familiarity with computer hardware, operating systems, and network administration.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following in one PDF document: a cover letter and curriculum vitae outlining their education, qualifications, and experience as it relates to the role and responsibilities defined above. In their cover letter, candidates should specifically outline their facility management and relevant technology application experience.

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

This position requires that the incumbent be eligible to participate in government-funded research projects including active ability to receive federal research funds on behalf of the university. Individuals having an active affiliation with a Named Research Organization are ineligible to participate in government-funded research projects in Sensitive Technology Research Areas in Canada. Applicants must be able to meet all applicable research security requirements.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms - physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L'Université de l'Alberta s'engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identité et une expression sexospécifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.