City : Hamilton

Category : Other

Industry : Education

Employer : McMaster University

Post Doctoral Fellowship
McMaster University, Faculty of Engineering, Biointerfaces Institute

Engineering a Brighter Future
https://www.eng.mcmaster.ca/about-us/strategic-plan/

Applications are invited for a total of two (2) Postdoctoral Fellowships within the Biointerfaces Institute at McMaster University.  Working closely with our partners at Methapharm Specialty Pharmaceuticals and St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hamilton, these positions will offer a unique opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team of scientists and clinicians the interface of functional nucleic acids or point of care diagnostics.

We are currently developing lateral flow devices (LFDs) and fluorescence assays utilizing RNA-cleaving DNAzymes (RCD) for the simple and rapid detection of clinically relevant biomarkers. The project will involve: the optimization of methods used for the selection of protein-specific RCDs; the generation of RCDs for a range of key protein and polysaccharide biomarkers (mainly related to respiratory disease); the development of more advanced lateral flow and fluorescence assays that incorporate room temperature amplification and simple methods to quantify the outputs to allow detection and quantification of low abundance markers; the development of scalable methods for production of lateral flow devices and fluorescence assay kits; and the undertaking  of initial clinical validation of any new tests using appropriate patient samples. 

The lab is seeking a highly qualified individual to join our team to play a pivotal role in advancing our innovative point-of-care diagnostics.

Duration and Funding 

The anticipated start date is as soon as possible. For applicants completing a PhD, documentation will be required to confirm that the Clearance to Graduate Letter with a PhD will be issued prior to the fellowship start date. This fellowship will be funded as part of a NSERC Alliance grant. The target salary is $60,000.00 CAD/year plus benefits. This will be a 2-year term, with the possibility of an extension. 

Key Responsibilities 

The candidates will work one or more of the following aspects related to the RCD project:

RCD Selection: Develop automated methods for rapid selection of new RCDs, optimize selection protocols and new algorithms for identifying potential RCDs though next generation sequencing.  Background in bioanalytical chemistry and molecular biology techniques (PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA ligation, magnetic separation and/or sequence analysis) is required.

Assay Development and Optimization:  Develop rapid fluorescence and lateral flow assays; integrate amplification methods into LFDs, generate multiplexed LFD assays.  Background in biosensors would be an asset.

LFD Production and Optimize Kit Performance: Key goals will be to scale up production of LFDs and fluorescence assays kits, to work with external manufacturing partners to transfer protocols and design files, and to validate assay performance.

Preliminary Validation on Clinical Samples:  In partnership with our collaborators at St. Joseph’s Hospital, evaluate the performance of optimized assay kits using a variety of respiratory samples from patients.  Aid in the design of clinical trials for regulatory approval of new tests. 

In addition to working on this specific project, the candidate will also be responsible for:

• Support the maintenance and organization of the laboratory
• Collaborate with the team on grant writing or preparing scientific articles when required

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications: 

• Completed their Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, or similar discipline 
• Prior experience in solution- and solid-phase assay development involving RCDs or DNA aptamers; a strong understanding of surface derivatization and printing; as well as prototyping and device development as well as developing protocols for targeted functional nucleic acids or lateral flow devices.
• Familiarity with different types of selection protocols such as SELEX, etc. 
• Standard laboratory skills for nucleic acids research including pipetting, running PAGE gels, etc.
• Experience and expertise in printing biologicals using printers (such as BioDot, Sciex, etc.)
• Experience with analytical methods development and validation.
• Independent and proactive work ethic with the ability to thrive in a collaborative team environment.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and adaptability to evolving project needs.
• Effective communication skills to convey complex scientific concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Comfortable working with minimal supervision and transitioning from academic to industry settings.

Assets

The following experience will be an asset for candidates:

• Experience with writing scientific articles with an established track record of research productivity.
• Experience with scaling up processes toward commercial production or technology transfer to industrial partners.
• Familiarity with GLP or GMP guidelines.