Job description

Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Job Category

Faculty Non Bargaining

Job Family Group

Academic

Department

Research | Kumar Lab | Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Ujendra Kumar)

Job End Date

December 31, 2027

Posting End Date

November 20, 2026

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

The expected salary for this position is $55,000 CAD.

Position Details:

Start Date: January 1, 2027
Term: The initial appointment is for 1 year with the possibility of renewal subject to availability of funds and work performance
Salary: The expected salary for this position is $55,000 CAD
Location: UBC Vancouver Campus
Supervisor: Dr. Ujendra Kumar
Application Deadline: November 20, 2026

Position Summary:

Application are invited for a full-time postdoctoral position to join our team, focusing on studies related to excitotoxicity in neurodegenerative disease models. The lab’s primary research explores the roles of somatostatin and cannabinoids in these models. Additionally, the lab investigates herbal compounds with potential anti-cancer properties.

The successful candidate will be engaged in research to understand the mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease. Key responsibilities include validating biomarkers, testing small-molecule therapeutics in animal models, and evaluating the neuroprotective and behavioral effects of cannabinoids and somatostatin. Another important aspect of the research involves screening and evaluating herbal compounds using various breast cancer cell lines and in vivo models.

Consequences of Error:

This position requires professional action on all aspects of research work and is responsible for the production of high quality, reproducible, well-documented research activities. Errors in judgement and failure to report problems have significant consequences and will lead to termination of the position.

Supervision Received:

The Postdoctoral Fellow will work with a high degree of independence and set priorities under directives from Dr. Kumar.

Supervision Given:

This position may involve supervision of undergraduate students, other lab members and collaborators to accomplish research goals.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in a relevant field, with expertise in neuroscience and cellular and molecular biology.
Proficiency in immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, and cell culture, with required experience in in vivo models.
Experience in behavioral studies, RNA-Seq analysis, and molecular biology is highly desirable.
Strong skills in scientific writing, including manuscript and grant preparation. Experience mentoring students is a plus.

General Responsibilities:

Conduct research on assigned projects.
Assist in writing grant proposals and research papers.
Mentor undergraduate and graduate students, guiding experimental design, analysis etc.
Collaborate with research partners and present findings.

Application Requirements:

Cover letter detailing your research experience and qualifications.
Academic CV, including a list of publications and
Contact information for at least two-three referees (including PhD Supervisor).

Applications including cover letter, curriculum vitae and the contact information of two-three references must be submitted online by November 20, 2026 (https://hr.ubc.ca/careers-and-job-postings/faculty-careers). Review of applications will begin on that date. Further information on the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences is available at www.pharmsci.ubc.ca.

This position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package. For details, see https://hr.ubc.ca/benefits

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.

View original posting on Workday

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