Job Posting

: Postdoctoral Fellow – Biomarker Diagnostics for Frontotemporal Dementia

Description:

JOB SUMMARY
A postdoctoral research fellowship is available in the lab of Dr. Mari DeMarco in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of British Columbia (www.DeMarcoLab.ca). The successful candidate will lead lab efforts in advancing protein biomarkers of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Candidate protein biomarkers have been previously identified by our lab that differentiate individuals with FTD from phenotypically related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, and the postdoctoral fellow will lead assay development to advance these biomarkers into a clinical diagnostic tool. The primary analytical tool used will be targeted mass spectrometry. The lab has a distinctive track-record in the innovation, evaluation and implementation of clinical mass spectrometry assays for protein biomarkers, with many of these novel tests actively being used in medical care.

The candidate will be based at St Paul’s Hospital, a teaching hospital of the University of British Columbia located in downtown Vancouver, Canada. The candidate will work in a collaborative clinical research environment, and will interact regularly with physicians, laboratory medicine professionals, and other collaborators. The University of British Columbia is a hotspot for FTD/ALS research as the home to world-leading experts across the spectrum of FTD/ALS research from pathobiology to clinical care.

ABOUT THE DEMARCO LAB
Combining protein biochemistry, analytical chemistry and laboratory medicine, the DeMarco Lab develops new biofluid tests for immediate use in patient care. The group works collaboratively with health care providers and patients to design, develop and implement biofluid diagnostics to fill unmet needs in medicine.

WHY APPLY FOR THIS POSITION?
Apply your analytical chemistry and/or protein biochemistry expertise to solve real-world problems in medicine, through the creation of diagnostic tools to help improve patient care.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
• A PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, or related field
• Documented (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, thesis, etc.) hands-on experience in liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry or protein biochemistry
• A proven scientific track record with first author publications in reputable journals
• Display strong interpersonal skills
• Be effective at communicating and working in a team environment

DURATION OF APPOINTMENT AND SALARY
The initial appointment will be for 1 year (per university policy); however, it is anticipated that the appointment will be extended should the candidate be a good fit for the position. Competitive salary rates and benefits offered, commensurate with candidate’s experience.

TO APPLY
Submit as a single PDF to mari.demarco@ubc.ca your: (i) cover letter specifically addressing this posting, (ii) CV and (iii) the names and contact information of three references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

COVID-19
This position is located within a healthcare facility. Therefore, this position requires successful verification of full vaccination against Covid-19 provided prior to the start date, as required by the provincial health mandate.