Academic
Faculty Non Bargaining
Postdoctoral Fellow
Levings Research Lab | Department of Surgery | Faculty of Medicine (Megan Levings)
August 31, 2026
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
September 15, 2027
The expected pay for this position is $70,000 per year.
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
JOB SUMMARY
The Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF) is responsible for designing, executing and interpreting research projects related to the development of regulatory T cell (Treg) therapies for autoimmune disease and transplantation. Research opportunities will span the entire translational pipeline—from fundamental discoveries in Treg biology and synthetic immunology to manufacturing and first-in-human clinical trials. The goal is to develop precise, durable Treg therapies that restore immune tolerance and replace lifelong immunosuppression. This is an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious scientist who wants to conduct innovative research with direct clinical impact while training in one of the world's premier Treg research programs.
The incumbent will join faculty, students, and staff engaged in innovative, leading edge research, education and community service on university and hospital campuses across BC. Together, we aim to create knowledge and advance learning that will make a vital contribution to the health of individuals and communities, locally, nationally and internationally.
ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS
The UBC Faculty of Medicine Department of Surgery educates students at the undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels, and pursues research to make innovative advancements in knowledge and practice to improve health. The Department consists of more than 600 physicians, surgeons, scientists and educators and over 60 administrative, research and technical staff in nine divisions distributed across British Columbia. Specialty training programs are offered in Cardiac Surgery, General Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Neurosurgery, Otolaryngology, Pediatric Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Radiation Oncology, Thoracic Surgery and Vascular Surgery. The Department is also home to the Branch for Global Surgical Care.
The PDF reports directly to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Megan Levings. The incumbent liaises with faculty members, research technicians and trainees in the Levings lab and interacts with collaborators at the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, UBC and around the world.
WORK PERFORMED
Projects will be tailored to the successful applicant's scientific interests and career goals. Current areas of research include:
-
Engineering next-generation Tregs using synthetic biology and gene engineering approaches
-
Developing in vivo strategies to generate antigen-specific Tregs using targeted delivery technologies, including lipid nanoparticles
-
Discovering novel mechanisms by which Tregs establish and maintain immune tolerance
-
Designing combination therapies that induce long-term transplant tolerance, including testing in animal models
-
Developing manufacturing processes and translational platforms to advance engineered Treg therapies into clinical trials
-
Supervising undergrad students, junior graduate students and technicians in the lab.
-
Developing, writing and editing funding proposals for operating grants and fellowships.
-
In collaboration with supervisor, writing research projects for publication.
-
Contributing to a respectful, inclusive working environment.
-
Conducting literature reviews, synthesize evidence into current state synopses and identify knowledge gaps
-
Developing research protocols and lead original research projects as required
-
Performing other responsibilities, as required.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The position is based in a laboratory at the translational research building at BCCHR.
CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR/JUDGEMENT
The incumbent may have access to confidential data. The quality of work performed will determine the success of future projects and funding. Exercising poor judgment and lack of appropriate consultation with research team members and supervisors can adversely affect the viability and validity of research projects or programs and may compromise UBC Division’s and Department’s ability to secure grant-based funding for future research projects.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
The PDF reports directly to the Principal Investigator, Dr Megan Levings.
SUPERVISION GIVEN
No formal supervisory role; however, the incumbent will be expected to mentor junior trainees and work alongside technicians in a team-based environment.
QUALIFICATIONS
The following qualifications, skills and knowledge, are required:
-
A PhD (completed within the last five years, with provision for career gaps) in Immunology, Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related discipline
-
A strong publication record demonstrating research excellence. A minimum of one first author publication is required.
-
Experience in immunology, molecular biology and animal models
-
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
-
The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
-
Experience in research using relevant techniques will be an asset:
-
cell or gene therapy culture
-
Animal models of immune disease
-
Genome engineering
-
Lipid nanoparticle technologies
-
Synthetic biology
-
Translational immunology
-
Treg biology
-
Excellent organization skills, along with an outstanding level of accuracy and attention to detail.
-
Computer experience required (word processing, spreadsheet and data analysis software preferred).
-
Ability to exercise tact, discretion and confidentiality. Ability to contribute to a respectful, cooperative and supportive work environment.
-
Ability to work both independently and in harmony with others within a team environment.
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize work to meet deadlines.
-
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including additional hours on weekends, evenings and early mornings, as required.
