This competition is restricted to internal applicants of the University of Alberta. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position has an initial appointment of 1 year.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.

The position is part of an interdisciplinary research team (>5 members) at the intersection of structural biology, immunology, and protein biochemistry. The position holder is expected to take on substantial responsibilities in developing new aspects of research within the given research project(s) described below. Furthermore, the Research Associate will operate the Talos F200C electron microscope that is located within the containment laboratories of the Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases. Similarly, the position holder will be involved in student supervision (graduate, undergraduate, and summer students). The Research Associate reports directly to the PI.

The Research Associate will work within the framework of two research project areas:

1. Structural investigations on protein misfolding diseases using electron microscopy and other techniques.

2. Immunological characterization of protein aggregates involved in Parkinson’s disease and related neurodegenerative diseases.

The following skills and abilities are required for the position:

• Minimum of 5-year experience as a postdoctoral fellow, working at the intersection of structural biology, immunology, and protein biochemistry with detailed knowledge of protein misfolding-diseases
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent analytical abilities in protein biochemistry, structural biology, and immunology.
  • As demonstrated through research publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Expert knowledge in operating of a Talos F200C electron microscope.
• Demonstrated experience in administrative tasks.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with regard to student training and group management.
• Strong written communications (manuscripts, progress reports, etc.)
  • Using MS Office programs and other output modalities.
• Strong oral communications (seminars, conference presentations, workshops, etc.)
  • For in-person and online communications.
• Proven ability to work well both independently and in a team environment

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your curriculum vitae and cover letter.

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package with an annual salary range of $63,465 to $71,402.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule E of the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.

The main responsibilities include:

1. Operation of the Talos F200C electron microscope, working with local and outside users on characterizing their samples using the instrument and its ancillary devices.
2. ITrain, supervise, and mentor graduate students, undergraduate students, and summer students in all aspects of scientific research that fall within the framework described above.
3. Conduct scientific investigations, resulting in oral presentations, poster presentations, and scientific publications that describe the research outcomes.

The responsibilities can be grouped into the following key responsibility areas:

Electron microscopy

• Run the Talos F200C electron microscope that is located within the containment facilities of the Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases;
• Work with outside users on characterizing their samples using the Talos F200C electron microscope;
• Maintain the Talos F200C electron microscope and coordinate required service calls with the SFR engineers and supervise their work in containment as necessary;
• Report the instrument status to the PI and other qualified users; Immunological analyses
• Use immunological techniques to analyze disease-relevant protein aggregates and assemblies;
• Establish protein expression systems for antibodies, antibody fragments, and their antigens;
• Characterize monoclonal antibodies, including their molecular structures, detailed epitopes, and binding affinities;

Trainee supervision and education

• Train, supervise, and mentor graduate students, undergraduate students, and summer students in the use of the Talos F200C electron microscope and all other aspects of scientific research that go with it;

Scientific outcomes

• Produce high quality figures and data representations for manuscripts, presentations, and grant applications;
• Give scientific presentations (in oral and poster form) at university events, conferences, and other occasions;
• Write, review, and edit scientific manuscripts that describe the research outcomes;