Graduate Student: Oligotherapeutics Imaging

Dr. Sabrina Leslie at UBC Michael Smith Laboratories is recruiting a Ph.D. student with interest in biophysics, nanoscience, biotechnology, engineering and computational analysis. Our group develops and utilizes single-molecule fluorescence microscopy techniques to study interactions of biomolecules in cell-like environments. We’ve developed the Convex Lens-induced Confinement (CLiC) imaging platform, which makes it possible to watch individual, naturally fluctuating biomolecules as they search for and bind to each other, allowing us to make measurements that are not possible with other methods. This technique is applied both to basic biophysical research and development of drugs and therapeutics. 

Project: Oligonucleotide therapeutics 

Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are an emerging treatment for genetic diseases. They are snippets of modified DNA designed to bind to mRNA produced by a detrimental gene and targeting it for destruction. The goal of this research project will be to characterize ASO-mRNA binding dynamics to improve drug and treatment development.

Training: Graduate students in the Leslie Lab receive training in single-molecule microscopy specializing in the CLiC imaging technique pioneered in our lab, bulk characterization techniques such as Dynamic Light Scattering, fluorimetry, spectrophotometry, and gel electrophoresis, and computational modelling and analysis. The candidates will work with sophisticated DNA/RNA constructs as well as complex lipid nanoparticle formulations, with exposure to molecular design of oligotherapeutic compounds and biomimetic delivery vehicles. The training environment will include interactions with a start-up company, ScopeSys Inc., which is commercializing CLiC technology; as well as collaborators in pharmaceutical science, biochemistry and medicine.

Interested candidate should have a degree in physics, engineering, or biophysics, with passion for lab work and troubleshooting scientific instrumentation, and is creative, versatile and well-organized. Strong interest in optics and instrumentation is an asset. Proficiency with a musical instrument and/or dungeons and dragons are also assets. The successful candidates must have a passion for innovation and pushing scientific and engineering capabilities to the forefront of what is possible today. 

To apply, please send a cover letter and CV to leslielab@msl.ubc.ca

Dr. Sabrina Leslie would consider supervising a MSc or PhD in any of the following programs as allowed by the program guidelines and admission committees.

MSc/PhD in Physics and Astronomy

MSc/PhD in Genome Science and Applied Technology

MSc/PhD in Bioinformatics

MSc/PhD in Biomedical Engineering

This posting is for the UBC Vancouver campus in British Columbia, Canada.

Please refer to reference number EU-57305 during correspondence about this position.

To express interest and initiate contact to the principal investigator applicants are encouraged to follow the instructions as provided in the position description or to submit an enquiry form on the position posting. Please note that applicants will have to complete an online application to the University of British Columbia and gain admission as a graduate student to the university. Please visit the researcher profile of the supervisor for this position to learn more about their research.

About UBC
The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. Since 1915, UBC's entrepreneurial spirit has embraced innovation and challenged the status quo. UBC encourages its students, staff and faculty to challenge convention, lead discovery and explore new ways of learning. At UBC, bold thinking is given a place to develop into ideas that can change the world.

Doctoral studies at UBC Vancouver
UBC is a public university with a comprehensive program offering - covering all major academic disciplines and degree levels, with both research- and course-based program options. More than 50,000 students attend UBC Vancouver. As a PhD student at UBC Vancouver you'll be part of a diverse community of over 3,600 doctoral scholars at an institution that recognises and rewards the significant contributions of doctoral research. UBC is at the forefront of responding to and building on the extraordinary changes happening in our societies and our world, through reimagining approaches to research graduate education and exploring flexible methodologies for learners to develop needed expertise. UBC's Public Scholars Initiative for example is a pioneering program designed to encourage and support doctoral students to reimagine the PhD, contribute to the public good, and with their doctoral work rise to the challenges that increasingly define our times.

At UBC, you will be supported with a range of professional development workshops and services, and we'll partner with you to ensure you have a graduate game plan for academic and professional success.

You are encouraged to review the awards and scholarship database to determine funding opportunities for your doctoral degree. UBC Vancouver guarantees a minimum of CAD $22,000 of funding to eligible students for your first four years of PhD study with many programs offering higher funding packages. Funding highly varies by program and will be commensurate with qualifications, experience and awards secured. Most international students benefit from the International Tuition Award and PhD students usually qualify for the President's Academic Excellence Initiative PhD Award.

About Vancouver
Vancouver is a dynamic, cosmopolitan and progressive city, consistently ranked as one of the top cities to live in the world. Canada's third largest city has it all: sea, parks, mountains, beaches, and four seasons per year, including beautiful summers and mild, wet winters with snow in the mountains. It's the perfect backdrop to your academic research.