"Research Associate"

Position Summary

The School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver campus, invites applications for a full-time Research Associate in stem cell biology & organoid engineering to work on DNA barcode-based cell lineage tracing of heart and lung organoids for a one-year term. The position may be renewed subject to work performance and funding availability.

The School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) is a partnership between the Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Applied Science, acting as a nucleus for education and training, research, and innovation in biomedical engineering, creating new knowledge, new academic and training programs, and fostering translation and innovation. Its vision is to transform health care outcomes through unconstrained exploration of the best possible integrative solutions across engineering, medicine, and biology. Through collaborative, innovative, and interdisciplinary approach and building on UBC academic and research excellence, the School of Biomedical Engineering aspires to be a global leader in biomedical engineering research, education and translation. For more information about the School of Biomedical Engineering, please visit https://www.sbme.ubc.ca/.

The Yachie lab (https://yachie-lab.org/) develops next-generation molecular technologies that integrate DNA event recording, genome engineering, organoid and stem-cell platforms, and high-throughput sequencing to study dynamic cell states in health and disease. The lab operates at the interface of engineering, biology, and medicine, combining rigorous experimental work with quantitative and computational approaches.

Organizational Status

The Research Associate will report directly to Dr. Nozomu Yachie and collaborate closely with Dr. Josef Penninger on multidisciplinary projects involving research groups across UBC and international partner laboratories.

Responsibilities

The successful candidates will collaborate closely with members of the Yachie Lab, the Penninger Lab, and other groups at UBC and partner institutions. They will integrate advanced DNA event recording technologies with organoid models, stem-cell engineering, high-throughput sequencing, and quantitative data analysis to study dynamic cell states in health and disease.

The responsibilities of this position include:

Research & Scientific Contributions

• Designing, executing, and analyzing experiments that combine human iPSC-derived organoids, animal models of cardiovascular disease, and DNA event recording systems.
• Developing and optimizing protocols for organoids, lineage tracing, and molecular readouts of cell state over time.
• Coordinating the integration of in vivo and ex vivo models to validate findings from DNA recording and organoid platforms.
• Collaborating with computational and bioinformatics teams to interpret large-scale sequencing datasets and extract biologically meaningful insights.
• Preparing manuscripts, figures, and presentations for publication and dissemination at scientific meetings.
• Contributing to grant applications and progress reports that support ongoing and future research projects.
• Training and mentoring students and research staff in relevant techniques, experimental design, and data interpretation.

Mentorship & Team Leadership

• Training, supervising, and mentoring lab members, including postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and research technicians.
• Providing scientific direction and project leadership for trainees, ensuring alignment with research milestones and long-term programmatic goals.
• Fostering an innovative, collaborative, and interdisciplinary laboratory environment.

Grant Writing & Regulatory Compliance

• Contributing to the preparation of grant applications, progress reports, and manuscripts to support ongoing and future funding.
• Ensuring adherence to institutional, biosafety, and ethical standards, including animal care protocols and human-derived sample regulations.
• Assisting in managing documentation required by funding agencies and regulatory bodies.

Lab Management & Operations

• Overseeing research projects from conceptualization through execution, ensuring high scientific quality and timely completion.
• Managing laboratory resources, including budgeting, procurement, and strategic planning for equipment and research needs.
• Maintaining compliance with safety protocols and support operational excellence in day-to-day lab functions.
• Coordinating equipment maintenance and troubleshooting to avoid downtime and ensure optimal research productivity.

Qualifications

• Candidates must hold a PhD in Developmental Biology
• Candidates should have a strong research background, as demonstrated by past publications, accomplishments, and references.
• Candidates with strong background in experimental biology will be considered.
• Preference will be given to candidates who have >5 years of experience in a postdoctoral and/or Research Associate role with experiences of laboratory personnel management.

Supervision received

The incumbent will receive supervision directly from Dr. Nozomu Yachie, but will have the opportunity to work closely with all laboratories involved in this project.

Supervision given

The incumbent will be the primary supervisor of technicians who will be performing the experimental procedures related to relevant projects. They may also be required to supervise other trainees involved in the research program.

Start date and stipend

The expected start date is October 1, 2026. The position is located at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver campus). The position is full-time for 1-year term with the possibility of extension subject to funding availability and work performance. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The expected salary for this position is $76,128 per year.

How to Apply

Candidates should provide a CV, names and contact information of 3 references, and a cover letter describing past achievements and future research interests. Please submit your applications directly via Workday https://ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/ubcfacultyjobs (JR23705). Review of applications will begin in April 1, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.