Postdoctoral Fellowship in Single-Molecule Biophysics and Nanomedicine

About the role

The Michael Smith Laboratories at the University of British Columbia seeks a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join Dr. Sabrina Leslie's lab. The fellow will apply advanced single‑molecule microscopy to study lipid‑nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems for RNA‑based therapeutics.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and operate CLiC (Convex Lens‑induced Confinement) microscopy for real‑time single‑molecule measurements.
• Generate quantitative datasets on LNP size distribution, mRNA payload heterogeneity, and interaction kinetics.
• Collaborate with ScopeSys on a Mitacs‑funded three‑year research program.
• Analyze data to derive design principles for next‑generation nanomedicines.
• Prepare scientific reports and present findings at conferences.

Required profile

• Ph.D. in biophysics, nanomedicine, molecular biology, or a related field.
• Strong background in single‑molecule imaging and quantitative data analysis.
• Experience with lipid‑nanoparticle formulations or RNA therapeutics is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Required skills

• Single‑molecule microscopy
• CLiC microscopy
• Biophysical characterization of LNPs
• Data analysis for molecular interaction kinetics

What we offer

• Three‑year Mitacs‑funded fellowship ($60,000 CAD per year).
• State‑of‑the‑art imaging facilities.
• Opportunity to collaborate with an industry partner (ScopeSys).
• Professional development in cutting‑edge nanomedicine research.