The Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Associate. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 2 years (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

This position reports to the Principal Investigator.

This position is primarily focused on the design, engineering, and pre-clinical evaluation of novel CAR T-cell therapies for Multiple Myeloma, including the discovery and validation of new tumor-targeting binders, the development of innovative CAR constructs, and the investigation of mechanisms of treatment resistance and relapse.

The successful candidate will work in a highly collaborative translational research environment and will be expected to lead independent research projects, mentor trainees, and contribute to grant-funded initiatives. Periodic travel may be required, including attendance and presentations at national and international conferences, workshops, and scientific meetings. The position may occasionally require evening or weekend work to support experimental objectives.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

Lead and execute research projects focused on CAR T-cell therapy development for Multiple Myeloma
Design, construct, and evaluate novel CAR T-cell platforms and engineered immune cell products
Lead discovery and validation efforts for novel binders and therapeutic targets
Develop and implement experimental protocols to evaluate CAR T-cell function, persistence, safety, and anti-tumor activity
Conduct in vitro and ex vivo studies utilizing Multiple Myeloma cell lines and patient-derived samples
Design and execute studies investigating mechanisms of resistance and immune escape
Apply molecular, cellular, genomic, and immunologic techniques to characterize therapeutic responses
Analyze complex datasets and generate biologically meaningful conclusions to guide future research directions
Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements
Collaborate with clinicians, scientists, industry partners, and translational researchers
Prepare scientific manuscripts, presentations, abstracts, technical reports, and grant applications
Mentor graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research staff, and trainees
Support laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, inventory management, and quality control processes
Represent the research group at scientific meetings and conferences
Promote a safe, inclusive, and collaborative research environment

Qualifications / Requirements:

PhD in Immunology, Cancer Biology, Hematology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Cellular Therapy, or a closely related discipline required
Minimum 5 years of postdoctoral experience in Multiple Myeloma research required
Demonstrated expertise in Multiple Myeloma biology and translational cancer research required
Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience working with Multiple Myeloma cell lines and primary patient samples, including bone marrow aspirates and blood specimens required
Direct experience designing and executing Multiple Myeloma research projects required
Minimum 5 years of supervisory, mentoring, or trainee management experience required
Demonstrated expertise in Multiple Myeloma immunobiology and mechanisms of response and resistance to CAR T-cell therapies required
Expertise in the discovery and characterization of novel binders, therapeutic targets, and biomarkers relevant to cellular immunotherapy development
Experience investigating therapeutic targets, antigen expression, antigen escape, and tumor-intrinsic mechanisms that influence CAR T-cell efficacy
Experience conducting translational research using Multiple Myeloma cell lines, primary patient samples, and preclinical models to evaluate factors associated with treatment response and relapse
Ability to generate and interpret molecular, genomic, proteomic, and functional data that support the development and optimization of next-generation CAR T-cell therapies
Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams involved in cellular therapy, immunotherapy, and translational oncology research
Knowledge of CAR T-cell therapeutic strategies, immune escape mechanisms, and emerging approaches to improve efficacy, persistence, and durability of response in Multiple Myeloma

Application Deadline: August 18, 2026

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 2. (Salary range is $35.72 - 51.72 per hour).

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

Business address: 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary AB T2N 1N4

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (oic@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

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Research Associate