Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Lipid-Based Delivery Systems and Advanced Skin Permeation Models

Job TitlePostdoctoral Research Fellow: Lipid-Based Delivery Systems and Advanced Skin Permeation Models
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)
About the Role
The University of British Columbia is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our interdisciplinary research team. This fully-funded position focuses on the design, formulation, and evaluation of advanced lipid-based delivery systems targeting dermal and transdermal applications.
The successful candidate will lead projects centered on developing novel lipidic nanocarriers (such as liposomes and LNPs) and testing their transport properties across biological barriers. You will use synthetic membranes, biomimetic permeation systems, and bioengineered 3D skin models to evaluate formulation efficacy, kinetics, and biocompatibility.
Key Responsibilities
● Formulation & Characterization: Design, optimize, and scale the production of lipid-based drug delivery systems using techniques such as microfluidics, thin-film hydration, and high-pressure homogenization. Characterize formulations using DLS, Zeta potential, cryo-TEM, and HPLC.
● Permeation Studies: Design and execute transport/permeation assays using Franz diffusion cells with synthetic membranes and lipid-based biomimetic barriers (e.g., PAMPA).
● 3D Skin Modeling: Culture, maintain, and use 3D reconstructed human epidermis (RhE) or full-thickness human skin equivalent models to evaluate the dermatokinetics, efficacy, and localized toxicity of the lipid formulations.
● Data Translation: Correlate data between synthetic models and 3D biological models to establish robust predictive frameworks for transdermal delivery.
● Leadership: Prepare high-impact manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, present findings at international conferences, and mentor graduate and undergraduate students in the laboratory.
Qualifications
● A Ph.D. (completed within the last 2 years) in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
● Demonstrated expertise in the physical chemistry and manufacturing of lipid-based delivery vehicles.
● Hands-on experience with in vitro permeation testing and release kinetics modeling.
● Required specialized knowledge: Proven experience working with mammalian cell culture, specifically the development, handling, and application of 3D skin equivalents/models for pharmacological testing.
● Strong analytical skills, including proficiency with chromatography (HPLC/UPLC) and spectroscopic techniques.
● A track record of first-author publications in relevant peer-reviewed journals.
● Strong written and oral communication skills in English, with the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, multidisciplinary team environment.
What We Offer
● Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience, aligning with Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and UBC Postdoctoral guidelines.
● 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.