Current Employment Opportunities

Location: Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC
Affiliation: Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia
Appointment: Temporary Full-time (renewal based on funding), Research Associate
Reports to: Director of Supportive Care

The Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC) has an exceptional opportunity available for a Temporary, Full-Time (renewal based on funding) Research Associate to join the PCSC Program

VPC and M. H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences

The VPC houses a large, multi-disciplinary research program that undertakes basic, clinic, and translational research. It is one of six specialized research centres in the M. H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences, a National Centre of Excellence, and a designated Centre of Excellence for Commercialization and Research. The VPC is affiliated with the University of British Columbia (Department of Urologic Sciences) and the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority. Further details on VPC and its research programs are available at www.prostatecentre.com.

Position Summary

The Research Associate will be responsible for identifying funding opportunities, gathering and synthesizing background literature, crafting compelling grants, developing accurate budgets, interacting and coordinating appropriate stakeholders and co-applicants and ensuring strict compliance with sponsor guidelines under the direction of the Provincial Program Manager and Director of Supportive Care and in collaboration with the Research Operations Lead. This research position will span clinical trials, implementation sciences, and programmatic scaling related to urologic and supportive care.

The Urologic Supportive Care Program

The Research Associate will be joining the Prostate Cancer Supportive Care (PCSC) Program and Bladder Cancer Supportive Care (BCSC) Program housed within the M.H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences (https://mius.ca/the-centres/the-reproductive-sexual-medicine-centre/) and Department of Urologic Sciences at the University of British Columbia. Our Centre comprises several Faculty members performing inter-disciplinary research in the area of supportive care. Research programs span value-based medicine, implementation science, clinical trials, digital technologies, and quality improvement-based research approaches. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis methodologies are utilized.

Key Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities will be preparing competitive grant and contract funding applications and preparing grant reporting. 

Additional responsibilities will include assisting in facilitating original research, manuscript writing and publishing research findings. They will coordinate and facilitate collaborations within our institution and among external institutions nationally and internationally. They will need to familiarize themselves at a high level in the field of supportive care in urologic sciences which may span sexual medicine, pelvic floor health, exercise, nutrition, mental health and urologic cancer management. They will need to network and collaborate with internal and external researchers.

In collaboration with the Research Operations Lead, they will be responsible for research design, methodology determination, advising on data collection, conducting advanced analysis of research results, ensuring quality control, and working closely on a day-to-day with Research Assistants, Clinical Research Coordinator and trainees.

Decision Making/Level of Accountability

High Level. The role is accountable for identifying and evaluating funding opportunities, synthesizing scientific and clinical literature, preparing high-quality grant and research materials, and ensuring all submissions comply with sponsor, institutional, and regulatory requirements. Decisions made directly impact the quality, competitiveness of research funding applications and programmatic initiatives.

Supervision Received

Works within broad parameters. Work reviewed by the Steering Committee.

Supervision Given

This position will provide co-supervision of potential undergraduate and graduate students, and co-supervision of research activities performed within the team. 

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD or MD in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum five years relevant work experience, including extensive research knowledge, established grant and peer-review publication record.
• Exceptional grant and manuscript writing skills
• Extensive knowledge of research processes and methodology.
• Exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated supervisory expertise.
• Effective interpersonal, facilitation and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously
• Excellent communicator with strong written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to deliver presentations and present information clearly and concisely
• Self-directed, detail orientated and enjoy working as a member of a team
• Computer skills in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, excel, referencing software, statistical analysis software, illustrator software

Compensation

Starting salary range for this position is $82,000–$87,000 per annum, plus benefits including extended health and dental coverage; paid vacation; and Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP); and a defined benefit pension plan.

Application Materials

To apply for this position, please email @email with subject line Research Associate PCSC Program with the following items attached:

• Current CV or resume
• Cover Letter

Note: Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest. However, due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Location: Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC
Affiliation: Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia
Appointment: Temporary Full-Time, Laboratory Research Assistant
Expected Start Date: August or September 2026
Reports to: Senior Staff Scientist

The Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC) has an exceptional opportunity available for a temporary full-time Laboratory Research Assistant to join Dr. Daugaard's lab.

VPC and M. H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences

The VPC houses a large, multi-disciplinary research program that undertakes basic, clinic, and translational research. It is one of six specialized research centres in the M. H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences, a National Centre of Excellence, and a designated Centre of Excellence for Commercialization and Research. The VPC is affiliated with the University of British Columbia (Department of Urologic Sciences) and the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority. Further details on VPC and its research programs are available at www.prostatecentre.com.

Lab Introduction

The Daugaard Lab develops innovative technologies for cancer therapeutics and diagnostics. Therapeutic research in the lab includes small-molecule drugs, protein-drug conjugates, bispecific therapeutic proteins, and cell-based immunotherapies. Diagnostic research focuses on platform technologies for isolating circulating tumour cells and cancer stem cells, as well as assays for detecting urine-based biomarkers across multiple cancer indications.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced laboratory technician with a strong background in mammalian cell culture, oncology drug screening, and standard molecular biology techniques. The successful candidate will perform cell-based assays, analyze drug-response data, support in vivo tumour studies, and maintain accurate laboratory records. The role requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow and help prepare standard operating procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and culture mammalian cancer cell lines using aseptic technique.
• Perform drug screening assays, including proliferation, viability, dose-response, and IC50 studies.
• Conduct standard molecular biology techniques, including Western blotting and PCR.
• Support preclinical in vivo experiments, including treatment administration, tumour measurement, animal monitoring, and sample collection.
• Organize experimental data and prepare summaries, tables, and graphs using Excel and GraphPad Prism.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure proper sample labelling, tracking, and storage.
• Prepare, update, and follow standard operating procedures.
• Assist with reagent preparation, inventory management, and general laboratory organization.
• Work collaboratively with scientists, postdoctoral fellows, technicians, and trainees while following institutional safety, biosafety, and animal care guidelines.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, cancer biology, or a related discipline.
• Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture.
• Experience performing cell proliferation, viability, or drug screening assays.
• Experience with Western blotting, PCR, or related molecular biology techniques.
• Ability to maintain clear, accurate, and organized laboratory records.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established protocols.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research laboratory environment.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is someone who:

• Is highly reliable and detail-oriented.
• Has more than 5 years of previous hands-on laboratory experience.
• Has strong technical skills in cell culture and drug screening.
• Can perform repetitive workflows with consistency and accuracy.
• Understands the importance of sample integrity, data quality, and accurate documentation.
• Is comfortable supporting both in vitro and in vivo research workflows.
• Communicates clearly and works well with technical and scientific team members.

Compensation

Starting salary range for this position is $55,000–$65,000 per annum, plus benefits including extended health and dental coverage; paid vacation; Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP); and a defined benefit pension plan.

Application Materials

To apply for this position, please email @email with the subject line Temporary Laboratory Research Assistant – Daugaard Lab and attach the following:

• Current CV or resume

• Cover letter

• Contact information for 2–3 references

Note: Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No phone calls, please.