Postdoctoral Fellow in Complex In Vitro Modeling and Drug Formulation Testing

Job TitlePostdoctoral Fellow in Complex In Vitro Modeling and Drug Formulation Testing
Job CategoryFaculty Non Bargaining
Job Family GroupAcademic
DepartmentResearch | Kalra Lab | Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Jessica Kalra)
Job End Date
December 31, 2027
Posting End DateNovember 15, 2026
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
The expected salary amount for this position is $60,000 CAD annually.
Institution: University of British Columbia (UBC)/Langara College
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Department: Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Applied Research Center Langara College
Term: Full-time, 1-year initial appointment (renewable based on funding and performance)
The Opportunity
We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Postdoctoral Fellow to join our interdisciplinary research team. Our lab focuses on bridging the gap between benchtop drug discovery and clinical translation through the development of advanced physiological models.
In this role, you will lead projects focused on designing, validating, and using complex in vitro models (such as organoids, spheroids) to evaluate the efficacy, toxicity, and cellular uptake of novel therapeutic formulations (e.g., lipid nanoparticles, polymeric carriers).
You will work in a highly collaborative environment, interacting directly with pharmaceutical scientists, and industry collaborators.
Key Responsibilities
● Model Development: Design, optimize, and characterize 3D cell culture systems, multi-cellular spheroids, or organ-on-a-chip platforms that accurately mimic human tissue microenvironments.
● Formulation Testing: Evaluate the biodistribution, and cellular mechanisms of novel drug delivery systems using these complex in vitro models.
● Assay Design: Develop high-throughput screening assays, utilizing flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and molecular biology techniques (qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA).
● Data Leadership: Analyze complex datasets, prepare rigorous scientific reports, and present findings at national and international conferences.
● Mentorship: Provide technical guidance and mentorship to graduate (MSc/PhD) and undergraduate researchers in the lab.
● Writing and Presenting: Lead the preparation of high-impact peer-reviewed publications and contribute to other knowledge translation and knowledge mobilization activities.
Qualifications Required
● Ph.D. (completed within the last 2 years or expected shortly) in Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cell/Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a closely related field.
● Demonstrated expertise in mammalian cell culture, specifically with complex in vitro systems (3D cultures, primary cells, co-cultures, or stem cell-derived organoids).
● Hands-on experience characterizing and testing drug formulations or nanomedicines in vitro.
● Record of scientific productivity, evidenced by first-author publications in reputable, peer-reviewed journals.
● Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
Preferred
● Familiarity with advanced imaging modalities (e.g., live-cell confocal imaging, multi-photon microscopy).
● Familiarity with cannabinoids and cannabinoid formulations
● Background in the synthesis or physical characterization of drug delivery vectors (e.g., DLS, zeta potential).
What We Offer
● Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience, aligning with Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and UBC Postdoctoral guidelines. The expected salary amount for this position is $60,000 CAD annually.
● Professional Development: Access to UBC’s Postdoctoral Fellows Office (PDFO) resources, including grant writing workshops, career coaching, and leadership training.
● Environment: Access to world-class core facilities (imaging, flow cytometry, sequencing, and nanofabrication) nestled in the vibrant, highly livable city of Vancouver.
● Benefits: This position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package. For details, see https://hr.ubc.ca/benefits
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a single PDF document containing:
1. A cover letter (max 2 pages) detailing your research interests, how your expertise aligns with this position, and your career goals.
2. A current Curriculum Vitae (CV) including a complete list of publications.
3. Contact information for three professional references (including your Ph.D. supervisor).
Review of applications will begin on November 16, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members 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.
The University of British Columbia's primary language of instruction and research is English. Accordingly, individuals are required to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.