Research Associate - Biological Chemistry

About the role

The University of British Columbia seeks a Research Associate in Biological Chemistry to join the Ryan Lab for a one‑year, 0.8 FTE appointment starting September 2026. The position focuses on the isolation, purification, and structural characterization of natural products, as well as the investigation of their biosynthetic pathways.

Key responsibilities

• Purify natural products and determine their structures using NMR spectroscopy.
• Perform mass‑spectrometric analysis of organic molecules.
• Apply bioinformatic, genetic, and chemical techniques to explore biosynthetic pathways.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to a collaborative research environment.

Required profile

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Natural Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Molecular Biology.
• Minimum five years of post‑doctoral experience in natural products research.
• Demonstrated expertise in microbiology, purification, and structural characterization of organic compounds.
• Strong publication record and excellent analytical abilities.
• Ability to work independently and guide less‑experienced team members.

Required skills

• NMR spectroscopy
• Mass spectrometry
• Purification of organic molecules
• Analytical and organic chemistry
• Bioinformatics
• Genetic techniques
• Chemical techniques
• Microbiology

What we offer

• Competitive salary range $85,000–$95,000 CAD per year.
• Fixed‑term appointment with potential for renewal.
• Inclusive, equity‑focused work environment.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities at UBC.