Research Associate

Job Category
Faculty Non Bargaining

Job Title
Research Associate

Department
Benard Laboratory | Department of Radiology | Faculty of Medicine (Francois Benard)

Posting End Date
April 13, 2026

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

Job End Date
May 31, 2028

This is a fully funded 2-year position with opportunities for renewal.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. ​​​​​​

Benard and Lau laboratories in the Department of Radiology is seeking a full-time Research Associate to join our research groups at the BC Cancer Research Institute to support our research and development efforts and overall laboratory operations. The selected candidate will contribute to the development of antibody, peptide, or inhibitor-based radiopharmaceuticals. This position offers an excellent opportunity for interaction in a multidisciplinary environment at the interface between radiology, oncology, pharmacology, and medical chemistry.

The translational research performed in the Benard and Lau laboratories seeks to develop radiopharmaceuticals to improve the diagnosis and treatment of hematological and solid malignancies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Dr. Francois Benard, the incumbent will be responsible for:

• Synthesize and evaluate novel theranostic agents for cancer imaging and therapy.

• Develop new laboratory methods and refine existing procedures to support research objectives.

• Perform radiolabeling of antibodies, antibody fragments, peptides, and small molecule inhibitors with a variety of isotopes, including 89Zr, 64Cu, 68Ga, 44Sc, 18F, 155Tb, 99mTc, 111In, 177Lu, and 225Ac.

• Establish in vivo cancer models including patient-derived xenograft models for PET/SPECT imaging and therapy studies.

• Collect, record, analyze, validate, interpret, and organize experimental and research data, and communicate findings to the Principal Investigator (PI); recommend research directions based on preliminary results in consultation with the PI.

• Develops new laboratory methods and modifies existing procedures to facilitate research projects.

• Identify funding opportunities and contribute to grant writing

• Train and supervise graduate students and/or research assistants.

• Adhere to all laboratory safety

QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in a relevant discipline such as Chemistry, Radiochemistry, Biochemistry, or Pharmacology, with at least five (5) years of recent, relevant post-doctoral research experience.

• Prior experience with molecular docking is preferred.

• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.

• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects efficiently.

• Commitment to maintaining high-quality standards, adhering to safety protocols, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

• Experience in radiopharmaceutical research is an asset

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.

• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.