Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF) – in Immunology/Glycoimmunology

Description of Study

Projects are related to the ABO histo-blood group system, studying the role of ABH glycans and ABO antibodies, specifically in transplantation and in SARS-CoV-2 infection and related projects. 

Duties and responsibilities

Reporting to the Principal Investigator, Dr. L. West, and working closely together with a highly collaborative multi-disciplinary multi-institutional team that includes immunologists, carbohydrate chemists, virologists, cell biologists and clinicians, the PDF will contribute to ongoing research studies focused on the role of ABH glycans and ABO antibodies in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and in related projects.

• Work collaboratively with the PI and the research team to plan and execute experiments
• Undertake projects related to studying the role of ABH glycans and ABO antibodies, specifically in transplantation and in SARS-CoV-2 infection and related projects
• Perform techniques including antibody detection (Luminex, ELISA), cell culture, flow cytometry, transfection, protein purification, genotyping (qPCR and sequencing-based), IHC/IF labeling, imaging cell identification
• Effectively analyze data, monitor quality control, summarize and disseminate results including writing manuscripts and abtracts
• Help supervise undergraduate students and other trainees
• Assist with research ethics applications
• Assist with grant applications

Qualifications

• PhD in immunology, glycoimmunology or a related field completed within the past 4 years
• Experience in preparation and handling of human and mouse biological samples
• Experience with antibody detection assays (such as Luminex or ELISA), flow cytometry, cell culture, transfection, qPCR
• Experience with protein purification, next-generation sequencing, IHC/IF and imaging an asset
• Experience with animal studies and mouse handling/procedures an asset
• Proficient with graphing (ie, Prism); flow cytometry (ie, FlowJo), stats software
• Strong background in immunology or glycoimmunology with the ability to collect, organize, analyze and disseminate information with attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with standard operating procedures is an asset
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Highly developed organizational and time management skills including ability to work independently and manage multiple projects 

This is a full time position (contingent on performance) available for a period of one year, with a possibility of renewal (subject to secure funding). The PDF will be expected to apply for external fellowships (eg, CIHR, NSERC, other)

Salary:

The position is full-time at 40 hours per week. Salary range begins at $40,000 CAD per annum (plus benefits) depending on experience. An overview of the benefits can be viewed here:

Postdoctoral Supplemental Benefits.

To Apply:
Interested applicants are invited to submit an application including a cover letter that outlines your career objectives and why you are a good fit for the project and CV. Please include contact information for three references

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

COVID-19 Vaccination: Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 in compliance with the University’s COVID-19 Vaccination Directive. Fully Vaccinated means a status an individual achieves 14 days after having received the recommended number of doses of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by Health Canada or the World Health Organization, and requires the individual to maintain the recommended number and type of vaccine doses as updated and required by Health Canada thereafter.