Description
One full-time postdoctoral fellowship position is available in the field of quantitative drug analysis (i.e., bioanalysis). The position is a joint appointment between The University of British Columbia (UBC) and the British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (BC-CfE). The candidate will conduct research focused on the quantification of unregulated opioids in human biospecimens using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In addition, the candidate will support pharmacokinetic analyses of generated datasets to evaluate opioid disposition in people using unregulated substances.
Location
The position is located in Vancouver, Canada where the candidate will join the Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Simulation (PKMS) laboratory at UBC’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Laboratory team at the BC-CfE. The PKMS laboratory is led by Dr. Anil Maharaj and focuses on optimizing the safe and effective use of drugs in underserved populations through modelling and simulation. The BC-CfE is a world-renowned HIV/AIDS research centre with specialties in Laboratory Sciences, Clinical Trials, Population Health and Epidemiology, Health Economics and Professional Education Programs. The BC-CfE operates a laboratory as part of the Hope to Health complex in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop, validate, and perform quantitative drug assays in various human biospecimens including plasma, urine, and saliva
- Inform clinical study design for biospecimen sample timing, collection, and processing
- Perform pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analyses on drug assay data
- Summarize study data in the form of research reports, conference abstracts and/or peer-reviewed publications
- Train junior laboratory members
- Adhere to all laboratory policies, procedures, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and safety regulations
Qualifications
The successful candidate should have a PhD in analytical chemistry or pharmaceutical sciences. They should have experience with developing, validating and implementing assays for quantitative compound analysis in biological fluids using LC-MS/MS. The candidate will have a proven ability to design experiments, and to troubleshoot and maintain equipment. In addition, the candidate should possess effective written and verbal communication skills and have a demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with others. Knowledge or familiarity with pharmacokinetic model-based analysis techniques is an asset.
Canadian Citizens, legal residents or residents with a legal work permit will be considered. Individuals that identify as a member 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, are encouraged to apply for this position.
Pay will be commensurate with the level of experience and subject to UBC regulations for stipends for postdoctoral fellows. The term is for one year with the possibility to extend. For further information please email anil.maharaj@ubc.ca and include the subject line: “PKMS Postdoc Application”. Applicants are requested to submit a cover letter, an up-to-date CV, and contact information for three references. Review of applications will start on September 30, 2023 and will continue until the position has been filled. Start date is negotiable, but preference will be given to candidates based on their timeline of availability.