"Research Associate in stem cell biology & organoid engineering"

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 a 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 to Dr. Nozomu Yachie and closely collaborate with Dr. Josef Penninger on projects that include multiple collaborative labs from UBC and globally.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with the members of the laboratories involved in the projects within and outside of UBC, integrating cutting-edge pluripotent stem cells, organoid systems, infection, genomics, and immunology.

The responsibilities of this position include:

Research & Scientific Contributions

• Developing and optimizing the human pluripotent stem cell organoids and organ-on-chip system to study infectious diseases.
• Designing, executing, and analyzing experiments on human pluripotent stem cell genome editing and lineage tracing in an organoid system, ensuring high-quality, reproducible results.
• Contributing to advancing scientific knowledge by publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at national and international conferences.

Mentorship & Team Leadership

• Training, mentoring, and supervising lab personnel, including postdoctoral fellows, D. students, and technicians, guiding their research projects and career development.
• Overseeing and leading trainees within research projects, ensuring progress and alignment with scientific goals.
• Fostering an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment to enhance innovation and teamwork.

Grant Writing & Regulatory Compliance

• Preparing and contributing to grant applications and progress reports to secure research
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory and ethical standards, including biosafety and animal ethics requirements.
• Assisting in fulfilling institutional and funding agency regulatory

Lab Management & Operations

• Managing and overseeing research projects, from conception to execution, ensuring timely completion and impactful outcomes.
• Optimizing laboratory budgets by efficiently allocating resources and forecasting financial needs for current and future research.
• Maintaining strict adherence to safety, regulatory, and operational standards while ensuring project timelines and quality control.

Qualifications

• Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in developmental biology, biophysics, or biomedical engineering
• Candidates should have a strong research background, as demonstrated by past publications, accomplishments, and references.
• Candidates with strong background in stem cell biology will be
• 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 July 1, 2026. The position is located at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver campus). The position is full-time for a 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 (JR23723) https://ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/ubcfacultyjobs. Review of applications will begin on April 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.