Post-Doctoral Fellow– Gastrointestinal Cancer Research - Tai Lab
Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Science Centre
BC Cancer Research Institute
Vancouver, BC
A postdoctoral position is available immediately for a highly motivated recent PhD or MD/PhD graduate to join a dynamic translational research group headed by Dr. Isabella Tai, Associate Professor in the Division of Gastroenterology, University of British Columbia, and Senior Scientist at the Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer. Our team applies cutting-edge genomics, spatial biology, proteomics, and bioinformatic approaches to advance understanding of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers—with the goal of identifying novel therapeutic targets and improving screening and surveillance tools.
The successful candidate will contribute to one or both of the following active research projects:
Project 1: Cell-Intrinsic PD-1 in Colorectal Cancer
Advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) carries a five-year survival rate below 20%, and the majority of tumors are refractory to conventional therapies. The programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint, classically associated with T-cell exhaustion, is also intrinsically expressed by a subset of CRC tumors. Patients with high tumor PD-1 expression show inferior survival, elevated mutational burden, and microsatellite instability. This project interrogates the functional role of tumor cell-intrinsic PD-1 in CRC biology and its interactions with current therapeutic strategies.
Key Aims:
- Characterize the signaling networks of cell-intrinsic PD-1 and define how the protein regulates cancer cell survival and chemotherapy resistance
- Define the molecular interaction of cell-intrinsic PD-1 with immune cells and/or stem cells in the tumor microenvironment
- Develop cell libraries for high-throughput screening and validate discoveries from scRNA-seq and global proteomic assays
Project 2: Spatial Biology of Gastric Cancer Progression
Gastric cancer (GC) remains one of the deadliest malignancies worldwide, with limited options once metastasis has occurred. This project leverages state-of-the-art spatial transcriptomics and multi-omics approaches to map the molecular landscape of GC progression – i.e., from normal gastric mucosa to early precursor lesions through to advanced disease. By integrating spatial gene expression data with single-cell and bulk sequencing, we aim to identify cell populations, signaling axes, and microenvironmental cues that drive disease advancement and therapeutic resistance, with the longer-term goal of developing clinically actionable biomarkers.
Key Aims:
- Map spatial transcriptomic profiles across GC progression stages to identify molecular drivers and biomarker candidates
- Integrate spatial omics data with single-cell sequencing and spatial proteomics to resolve tumor heterogeneity and the tumor microenvironment
- Develop and validate computational pipelines for multi-modal spatial data analysis
Key Responsibilities:
- Design, plan, and execute experiments involving mammalian cell lines, 3D organoid systems, and mouse tumor models
- Perform molecular biology techniques including Western blot, immunoprecipitation, flow cytometry/FACS, and cell-based assays
- Apply and develop spatial transcriptomics workflows (e.g., Visium, Xenium, MERFISH, or equivalent platforms)
- Analyze and interpret multi-omics datasets using appropriate statistical and bioinformatics pipelines
- Contribute to design and analysis of high-throughput genomic, proteomic, and spatial experiments
- Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to funding applications
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams within and outside the laboratory
- Maintain accurate experimental records and ensure compliance with biosafety, ethical, and animal welfare regulations
Core Competencies
- Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated initiatives in breaking down barriers and ensuring a safe environment ensuring a sense of belonging to all and informed by Indigenous Cultural Safety.
- Awareness of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (the Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).
Qualifications:
- PhD or MD/PhD in cancer biology, cell biology, immunology, genomics, or a closely related discipline
- Strong publication record commensurate with career stage
- Solid foundation in molecular biology: recombinant DNA technologies, mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, and cell-based functional assays
- Strong sense of curiosity and an aptitude for problem solving.
- Hands-on experience with spatial transcriptomics (e.g., 10x Visium/Xenium, NanoString CosMx)
- Proficiency in bioinformatics analysis of transcriptomic data, including single-cell and/or spatial omics datasets
- Programming skills in R and/or Python for data wrangling, statistical analysis, and visualization
- Experience with viral gene delivery vectors, primary T-cell culture, or immunoprecipitation/proteomics workflows
- Familiarity with 2nd and 3rd generation sequencing platforms (e.g., Illumina, Oxford Nanopore)
- Aptitude for translational and commercialization-oriented research (novel biomarker or therapeutic development)
- Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and/or continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
- Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach.
What we bring
Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.
- Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth and development.
- Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
- PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
- Perks include access to fitness classes and discounts to 350 BC-wide recreational programs, travel, technology, car and bike sharing, and more.
How to Apply: Please submit a cover letter describing (1) your previous research experience, long-term career goals, and your interest in spatial biology or molecular oncology; (2) your full curriculum vitae; and (3) the names of three referees willing to provide letters of reference.
Job Type: Temporary, Full-Time (Until November 30, 2026)
Salary: Starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan.
Location: 675 West 10th Ave., Vancouver, British Columbia (onsite required)
Hours of work: Monday - Friday; 0830-1630.
Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.
Requisition Number: 200171E
What we do
BC Cancer provides comprehensive cancer control for the people of British Columbia.
BC Cancer is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).
The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Create equity – Be courageous.
Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services
PHSA is committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.
One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at [email protected].
Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.
