Academic

Job Category

Faculty Non Bargaining

Job Title

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Single-Molecule Biophysics and Nanomedicine

Department

Research | Leslie | Michael Smith Laboratories | Faculty of Science (Sabrina Leslie)

Posting End Date

June 4, 2026

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

Job End Date

June 30, 2027

The expected pay for this position is $60,000/year.

The Michael Smith Laboratories at the University of British Columbia invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with hands-on single-molecule microscopy expertise under the supervision of Dr. Sabrina Leslie. The Leslie Lab is a leading single-molecule and single-cell biophysics group developing next-generation imaging technologies to elucidate complex biological systems with unprecedented resolution, including mRNA-LNP (lipid nanoparticle) nanomedicines.

We are seeking an exceptional candidate who would enjoy a three-year Mitacs-funded collaborative research program in partnership with ScopeSys, a Vancouver-based life sciences tools company. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing analytical technologies for RNA-based therapeutics, with a focus on lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems and molecular interaction kinetics.

Project

RNA-based nanomedicines, including mRNA vaccines, gene therapies, and oligonucleotide therapeutics, have emerged as powerful new approaches for preventing and treating diseases ranging from infectious illnesses, to cancer and genetic disorders. These therapies commonly rely on lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to protect fragile nucleic acid cargo, transport it through the body, and release it into cells. While recent clinical successes have demonstrated their tremendous potential, further progress has been limited by incomplete characterization and understanding of how mRNA-LNPs work, with room for improvement in the optimization of nanoparticle composition, manufacturing conditions, and cargo properties, as well as in connecting these biophysical details to therapeutic performance, safety, and reproducibility.

This research project will use CLiC (Convex Lens-induced Confinement) microscopy, an advanced single-molecule imaging platform that enables direct, real-time measurements of molecular interactions and structures under solution conditions. Unlike bulk methods, CLiC can resolve particle-to-particle variability and simultaneously quantify multiple properties such as LNP size, mRNA (and other) payload, molecular conformations, and interaction kinetics. The long-term goal is to generate data-driven design principles that accelerate the development, optimization, and standardization of next-generation nanomedicines.

Key Objectives

Objective 1: High-resolution characterization of LNP formulations

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will generate quantitative datasets of particle size distributions and mRNA payload heterogeneity across multiple clinically relevant LNP formulations. This work will leverage advanced CLiC-based single-molecule FRET methodologies to resolve nanoscale variability that is not accessible through ensemble techniques, and investigate emerging multi-valent formulations which have multiple cargo per particle.

Objective 2: Development of post-formulation labeling strategies

Develop a novel post-formulation labeling assays which allow for the LNP, mRNA and other cargo to be detected specifically and sensitively. This approach decouples LNP formulation from the fluorescent labeling of the particle and cargo, enabling more flexible and scalable workflows. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will design, validate, and benchmark this method against existing protocols, with the goal of producing a high-impact publication and broadly adoptable, impactful methodology.

Objective 3: Scale-up of measurements using microfluidics and AI-enhanced tools

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will collaborate with a microfluidics engineer and AI/ML expert in the Leslie Lab to increase the throughput of the CLiC single-particle assays on a next-generation of our microfluidics-enabled imaging platform. They will collaborate closely with engineers who have complementary expertise and focus on the scientific microscopy results while gaining experience in device improvement.

Qualifications

Candidates must have a PhD in Physics, Biophysics, Bioengineering, Chemistry, or a related field. The candidate will have strong experimental, hands-on background in quantitative science, including experience with data analysis and scientific programming. We are seeking a good team player with strong interpersonal communication and relationship skills.

Preferred candidates will be those with experience with single-molecule or fluorescence microscopy, a background in microfluidics, nanotechnology, or soft matter systems, experience with interferometric (iSCAT) scattering microscopy, familiarity with RNA biology or drug delivery systems, programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or similar, experience with mammalian cell culture and sterile technique, and experience with live-cell imaging.

Opportunity

The funding is supported by a Mitacs postdoctoral fellowship in partnership with ScopeSys. The salary commensurate with experience with a minimum salary of $60,000/year. The start date is negotiable and will initially be for one year, with the possibility of extension depending on satisfactory performance and funding, up to 3 years.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a cover letter describing research experience and interests, and contact information for 2 to 3 references. Applications should be submitted to the UBC Career Portals.

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.

About Us

UBC - One of the World's Leading Universities

As one of the world's leading universities, the University of British Columbia creates an exceptional learning environment that fosters global citizenship, advances a civil and sustainable society, and supports outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada and the world.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply.

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, and/or Indigenous person.

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

If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at workplace.accessibility@ubc.ca.