Description
The Department of Oncology in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Associate. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 2 years (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
The Research Associate will report directly to the Principal Investigator, Professor in The Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute within the Cumming School of Medicine and will play a central role in advancing research in Multiple Myeloma at the Arthur Child Cancer Center.
This is a full-time position primarily focused on understanding mechanisms of resistance to T-cell based therapies in Multiple Myeloma.
There will be periodic travel, may include working weekends asked to participate and present in national and international workshops and conferences.
The primary purpose of this position is to lead and advance experimental research in Multiple Myeloma by designing, implementing, and optimizing laboratory-based studies that investigate disease mechanisms, identify therapeutic targets, and predict treatment responses. The role is responsible for conducting complex in vitro and ex vivo experiments using cell lines and primary patient samples, applying a range of molecular, cellular, and biochemical techniques, as well as advanced approaches such as single-cell analysis and liquid biopsy methodologies to better understand disease progression and mechanisms of resistance. This position also involves analyzing and interpreting data to inform research direction, ensuring rigorous standards of reproducibility and compliance, and contributing to the dissemination of findings through publications and grant applications.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
-
Lead and execute experimental Multiple Myeloma research projects, including the design, optimization, and implementation of laboratory-based assays and protocols
-
Assist with plans and designs for specialized applications to meet the needs of operations, research, and services. These include the design and perform of in vitro, and ex vivo experiments using Multiple Myeloma cell lines and primary patient samples to investigate disease mechanisms, identify therapeutic targets, and predict treatment responses
-
Perform a range of molecular, cellular, and biochemical techniques, including cell culture, flow cytometry, Western blotting, PCR/qPCR, immunoassays, microscopy, and drug response analyse
-
Execute highly complex and highly analytical functions such as single-cell studies using primary patient samples to identify mechanisms of treatment resistance
-
Utilize liquid biopsy approaches, including cell-free DNA (cfDNA), to monitor disease progression and relapse
-
Maintain high level concentration to analyze and interpret experimental data to identify disease-relevant pathways and inform hypothesis generation and study refinement
-
Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records, ensuring reproducibility, data integrity, and compliance with institutional, ethical, and regulatory standards
-
Recommend changes to methods, procedures, and practices within the lab
-
Contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts, abstracts, grant applications, and technical reports
-
Collaborate with clinicians, translational researchers, and external partners to advance interdisciplinary and translational cancer research initiatives
-
Provide mentorship, day-to day supervision, and technical training to graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduate trainees
-
Demonstrate strong communication, team and customer service skills, and an ability to exercise judgment within established guidelines
-
Establishes and maintains effective, productive relationships with staff, peers, immediate supervisor and senior management and with the campus community
-
Support overall laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, reagent preparation, inventory management, and adherence to biosafety protocols
-
Under limited supervision and direction, develop and implement original experiments within the guidelines of the research
Qualifications / Requirements:
-
PhD in Immunology, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Hematology, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related discipline required
-
Minimum 5 years of post-doctoral experience in a Myeloma research area required
-
Minimum 5 years of technical experience and completion of post-secondary education in oncology research
-
Demonstrated post-doctoral expertise in Multiple Myeloma research, with hands on experience using established cell lines and/or primary patient samples for at least 5 years required
-
Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience
-
Ability to perform detailed design, documentation, and implementation of complex technological systems relevant to cancer research, such as mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, molecular and protein analysis (e.g., PCR/qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA), microscopy, and drug response assays required
-
Deep proficiency in multi-omics single cell studies such as scRNASeq, scAtacSq and scVDJ including library preparation, sequencing and bioinformatic analysis
-
Extensive knowledge of theory and ability to operate and maintain complex technical equipment such as next generation sequencer and single cells 10x Chromium required
-
Experience with various biological samples (eg. blood, tissues, bone marrow aspirates and liquid biopsies etc)
-
Direct and demonstrable research experience in Myeloma research project is essential
-
Proven track record of productivity, including first author or contributing publications in peer reviewed biomedical or oncology journals
-
Ability to provide technical support for other team members through advice on technical lab issues
-
Must be open to learning and development and be willing to accept new challenges and assignments
-
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated experience presenting research findings at lab meetings, conferences, and in manuscripts
-
Understanding of safety codes and standards related to specialization
Application Deadline: June 26, 2026
To Apply, please visit the University of Calgary's career opportunities page: http://careers.ucalgary.ca Job Opening ID #37570
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 2. (Salary range is $32.69 - 47.33 per hour)
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
Business address: 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary AB T2N 1N4
Contact information: [email protected], Re: Job Opening #37570
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.
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]).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
