Description
Area: Brain Cancer Biology and Genomics
Duration: One year with potential for extension pending availability of funding
Start Date: June 15, 2026 (as soon as possible)
Salary :Commensurate with experience
The Department of Oncology in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Immunology, Genomics, and Cancer Evolution.
Job Description:
The laboratory of Dr. Holly Lee is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate with strong expertise in immunology and functional genomics. The research program focuses on understanding how immune pressure shapes tumor evolution and therapy resistance in multiple myeloma. The successful candidate will work with banked primary myeloma tumor and immune cell samples, human myeloma cell line models, and multi-omic datasets including scRNA-seq and WGS.
The H. Lee Lab is a new translational research group that leverages clinical tumor samples to investigate multiple myeloma tumor immunology, clonal evolution, and the development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies.
Our research platform includes:
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Primary tumor sampling and immune cell assays
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Genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and molecular profiling
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Multiple myeloma human cell line models
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Mouse models of immunotherapy
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In vitro and in vivo evaluation of immunotherapeutic agents (T cell engagers, CAR T)
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Tumor evolution and resistance modeling
The candidate will be enrolled in a comprehensive benefits program covering health, dental, life insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and disability. Although funding is available for two years, candidates will be strongly encouraged to apply for external fellowships.
The responsibilities of this position will include:
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Design and execute experiments involving gene knock-in and knock-out using molecular cloning, lentiviral production, and CRISPR-based editing
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Perform functional in vitro and in vivo assays with tumor cell lines and primary immune cells
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Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant literature and scientific advancements
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Prepare manuscripts, abstracts, reviews, and scientific presentations
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Provide mentorship and training to junior trainees in wet-lab techniques
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Collaborate with core facilities (FACS, genomics, animal facilities) as needed
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications
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PhD in immunology, molecular biology, or cancer biology
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Extensive knowledge of immunology and cancer biology
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Strong publication record, including at least one first-author paper in the past 5 years
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Strong mammalian cell culture skills under sterile conditions
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Experience working with primary immune cells and co-culture assays/ cytotoxicity screen
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Experience with PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, and flow cytometry
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Experience with molecular cloning and lentiviral vector production
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Experience performing CRISPR-based editing (knock-out and/or knock-in)
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Experience working with mouse models
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Strong experimental troubleshooting skills and excellent record keeping
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Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, and to mentor trainees
Preferred / Highly Desirable Skills
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Experience with pooled functional genomics screens (CRISPRko/CRISPRa/CRISPRi)
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Experience delivering constructs using viral vectors, reporter systems, or barcoding strategies
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Familiarity with single-cell experimental platforms (e.g., 10x Genomics)
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Basic proficiency in R or Python for exploratory data analysis
Application Details:
Applications should be submitted by email with the subject line ¿(Name) ¿ Postdoctoral Position.¿ Please include:
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Cover letter describing research interests, future goals, and fit with the lab¿s research program
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Curriculum vitae
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Names and contact information of three external references
Contact:
Lisa Willms on behalf of Dr. Holly Lee
[email protected]
[email protected]
Cumming School of Medicine
Department of Medicine
University of Calgary
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The terms and conditions of employment are covered under the UCalgary and PDAC Collective Agreement. To find out more about postdoctoral scholar program at the University of Calgary visit our Postdocs website.
To learn more about postdoctoral scholar opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Postdoc Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
About Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders' in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from the strongest economy in the nation and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.
With a growing urban Indigenous population of approximately 50,000 people, there are several Indigenous organizations and many events and ceremonies taking place in the city throughout the year.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).
