Research Associate

Job Summary

This position is available for a highly motivated PhD with postdoctoral experience to join Dr. Manish Sadarangani’s team at the VEC. The position will involve managing multiple projects, including multi-site research studies, and supporting the full scope of data generation and analysis of bacterial and host genomics and transcriptomics. This Research Associate is also responsible for investigating, analyzing, proposing, and implementing solutions based on best practices and novel developments in the areas of wet lab processes and genomics analyses.

The Research Associate will work independently, with regular updates on progress and challenges. The Research Associate must exercise judgment on the day-to-day progress of research projects. The individual must perform their duties and interact tactfully with co-workers, researchers, and collaborators. A high level of confidentiality is essential. Structured decision making and an ability to work independently are critical. A high level of reliability, accuracy, and maturity are vital in this position. Errors in judgement can have serious impact on the operation of the VEC. Consequence of error could negatively affect the accuracy of research findings if attention to detail and sufficient skill are not applied to work.

Organizational Status

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Manish Sadarangani.

Work Performed

Research:

• Collect data on respiratory infections across multiple seasons in Canada
• Analyze patterns of respiratory infections by year/season and pathogen
• Develop and use predictive modelling, such as SARI MA modelling, to propose future patterns of respiratory infections
• Combine data from multiple databases to conduct analyses
• Mentor other members of the research group (e.g. undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows) in epidemiological modelling.
• Oversee and carryout research projects including: design and plan, prepare application submissions for ethics and research committees, write grant applications, conduct data collection and analysis, write final reports, produce manuscripts for publication in a scientific journal, submit abstracts, and present data for scientific meetings.
• Review protocols submitted to the VEC for ideas on implementation as well as for scientific enhancement. This requires understanding of both the scientific and clinical aspects of the disease and/or vaccine under study.
• Represent the organization in various forums as a speaker and disseminates findings including publishing scholarly work.

Project Management:

• Provide leadership regarding the data collection and analysis research components of the project, including the development of study methodologies and instrumentation.
• Complete or oversee communication activities for the project in conjunction with team members and partners.
• Cultivate positive working relationships with all team members.
• Lead or participate in study progress meetings with research team.
• Lead ongoing analysis activities for research components through regular meetings with other researchers and research assistants.
• Work with research team members to identify real or potential problems and works to resolve these issues.
• Manage overarching responsibilities for scientific and financial reporting. Monitor expenditure of funds relative to budget, ensuring appropriate, transparent justifications for expenditures.
• Ensure exemplary file management and archiving to ensure smooth running of the project as well as to meet any audit requests.
• Organize research project symposia, conferences, lectures, seminars or meetings. This includes scheduling, coordinating, setting agendas, acting as moderator/note-taker for virtual and in­person project meetings.

Supervision Received

Overall supervision at a general directive level comes from the VEC Director and is provided in terms of overall objectives and priority.

For projects undertaken as an investigator, supervision is on a co-investigator level of providing guidance. For other projects, receives general directions from investigator(s) for study-related issues and priorities. Study-related work is reviewed by the investigator for effectiveness.

Supervision Given

The Research Associate will assist and oversee research assistants, trainees, and students as applicable to their projects. They may act as a mentor and resource to masters and PhD students.

Qualifications and Skills

• PhD in a relevant discipline (such as microbiology, immunology, genomics)
• Minimum three years of postdoctoral experience in relevant area of research, ideally related to host and/or bacterial genomics and/or transcriptomics analysis
• Proficiency in R, Python, Bash scripting for bioinformatics analysis and data visualization
• Experience with Unix/Linuc command line for managing workflow
• Familiarity with workflow management systems (e.b. Nextflow, Snakemake)
• Experience with grant funded projects and study protocol requirements including ethical conduct, ethics approval process, standard operating procedures, source documentation and good clinical practice
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others within a team environment, to accept responsibility, and to work independently. Has the drive and enthusiasm to lead and work as a member of a team
• Excellent communication skills including strong writing, speaking, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to organize, analyse, and communicate scientific data
• Experience supervising research team members
• Experience presenting at scientific conferences
• Demonstrated ability to efficiently organize work assignments and establish priorities
• Innovative and creative thinking and a logical approach to problem solving are also necessary

This is a full-time 1.0 FTE position term appointment with an anticipated start date of January 1, 2026. The expected starting salary is $90,800 per annum. This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, however, may be subject to change due to operational requirements.

Please submit via email a curriculum vitae and a letter of application including a statement of areas of expertise and strengths and the names of three referees, no later than 30 days after posting to: sigrun.murr@bcchr.ca

This offer is conditional upon successful completion of a Criminal Record Check.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.