We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our genome stability lab led by Dr. Dheva Setiaputra within the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at Simon Fraser University. Our research group is broadly interested in the mechanisms underlying nucleic acid transactions in human cells, with a particular focus on genome stability and cancer.

The successful applicant will work on a project investigating endogenous mechanisms facilitating the transit of nucleic acids across membrane-bound compartments into the cytoplasm and evaluating the implications of this process on innate immune activation and therapeutic delivery. The project will integrate multiple modes of microscopy approaches including high-throughput microscopy, confocal immunofluorescence microscopy, and cryo-electron tomography. This position is funded by a research grant from the Lotte & John Hecht Memorial Foundation.

Key responsibilities:

- Design and perform experimental studies using multiple types of immortalized human cell lines

-  Design and perform fixed and live-cell fluorescence microscopy studies, including confocal and high-content techniques, to study nucleic acid membrane escape

- Collaborate with a cryo-electron microscopy core facility to collect and analyze electron microscopy data

- Maintain accurate records of experimental results and reagents produced

- Prepare manuscripts, reports, and presentations to relay research findings to both internal and external colleagues and stakeholders

- Perform conventional tasks required for the successful completion of the above tasks (molecular biology, genetic manipulation, etc)

- Train and mentor undergraduate and graduate trainees assigned to assist in the tasks outlined above

- Occasionally assist on other research projects in the laboratory

- Apply for applicable research fellowship support

Required qualifications:

- PhD in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or other related fields

- Extensive experience in mammalian cell culture and fluorescence microscopy

- Demonstrated record of lead author peer-reviewed publications arising from doctoral or postdoctoral research

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills

- High level of critical and analytical ability

- Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and troubleshoot research projects

Assets:

- Expertise in genome stability, delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics, membrane trafficking, and/or innate immune signaling pathways is an asset

- Experience with live-cell imaging, high content microscopy, and/or cryo-electron microscopy is an asset (Experience in all these techniques is not expected, and training opportunities will be provided)

- Computational experience—especially associated with microscopy data processing—is an asset

- A strong track record of mentorship of junior colleagues is an asset

- Teamwork and collegiality are important features of the successful applicant

Salary Range: Between$50,000 - $60,000/yr plus benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications. Compensation will increase with successful fellowship awards. See https://www.sfu.ca/human-resources/research-employees/benefits-for-RAs-and-PDFs.html for a description of PDF benefits.

Position: This is a full-time position for one year with the expectation of renewal based on satisfactory performance and continual funding. The position starts as soon as possible. Applicants will be screened immediately and will continue until the position is filled. 

Application:

Applicants are asked to submit the following documentation as a single PDF file to dheva_setiaputra[at]sfu.ca and include “PDF in Cytosolic Nucleic Acid Biology” in the subject line. Please include:

- A cover letter describing your research interests and suitability to the position

- An up-to-date CV

- Contact information for three references

Questions about the position should be directed to dheva_setiaputra[at]sfu.ca