Postdoctoral Fellow - saRNA for Vaccine Development

at  University of Alberta

Department ENG Biomedical Engineering
Hours per week -
Posted date October 24, 2024
Closing date January 24, 2025
Position Type Full Time

DESCRIPTION

This position offers a benefits package found at Postdoctoral Fellows Benefits.
Location - Work primarily takes place at North Campus Edmonton.

POSITION

We are seeking applications for multiple Senior Researcher positions, available immediately for exceptionally motivated Postdoctoral Fellows or PhD students. These positions are for a 1 year term with the possibility of renewal for up to 3 years. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a pioneering project applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to the development of RNA vaccines against emerging viral threats such as Influenza, Lassa, and Orthopox viruses.
Project Overview: This ambitious project utilizes self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) technology, which offers the potential for more potent immune responses at lower doses compared to traditional mRNA vaccines. Our approach focuses on the use of structural RNA bioinformatics to design vaccine candidates and predict the effects of viral mutations, enhancing our ability to respond rapidly to evolving pandemic threats.

QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, or a related field, with a strong emphasis on machine learning.
• Demonstrated experience in structural bioinformatics or a similar field, with a focus on RNA or protein structure prediction.
• Proven track record of innovative research and a strong publication record in relevant fields.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.
  At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
  We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
  The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
  Note: This opportunity will be available until midnight January 24, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time

• Develop AI-driven models to predict the structural implications of mutations in viral proteins, aiding in the rapid design of effective saRNA vaccines.
• Collaborate closely with a team of world-renowned experts, including Nobel laureate Michael Houghton and CIFAR AI Chair Russ Greiner, to integrate computational predictions with experimental virology.
• Engage in the full cycle of vaccine development, from computational design to laboratory validation and pre-clinical testing.