Current Positions

Dr. Sabrina Leslie at UBC Michael Smith Laboratories is recruiting a graduate student with interest in biophysics and nanomedicines. Our group develops and utilizes single-molecule fluorescence microscopy techniques to study lipid nanoparticle loading and delivery of biomolecules in cell-like environments. We’ve developed the Convex Lens-induced Confinement (CLiC) imaging platform, which makes it possible to watch individual, freely diffusing biomolecules/ nanoparticles as they search for and bind to each other, allowing us to make measurements that are not possible with other methods. This technique is applied both to basic biophysical research and development of drugs and therapeutics.

Project: Nanoparticle analytics

This project will study the structure and structural transitions of nanoparticles in controlled environments, to help develop nanoparticle-based drug delivery platforms. Nanoparticles are an emerging technology used to encapsulate drugs for delivery into the body. Upon an environmental shift, the structure of the nanoparticle changes, releasing the drug. The goal of this research will be to characterize these dynamics and understand drug delivery mechanisms.

Training: Graduate students in the Leslie Lab receive training in single-molecule microscopy, specializing in the CLiC imaging technique pioneered in our lab; bulk characterization techniques such as Dynamic Light Scattering, fluorimetry, and gel electrophoresis; and computational modelling and analysis. The candidates will work with sophisticated DNA/RNA constructs as well as complex lipid nanoparticle formulations, with exposure to molecular design of oligotherapeutic compounds and biomimetic delivery vehicles. The training environment will include interactions with a start-up company, ScopeSys Inc., which is commercializing CLiC technology; as well as collaborators in pharmaceutical science, biochemistry and medicine.

We are looking for a well-organized, enthusiastic team player who enjoys lab work and troubleshooting scientific instrumentation. Background/training in biochemistry, quantitative biology, pharmaceutical sciences or surface chemistry is an asset. Proficiency with a musical instrument and/or dungeons and dragons are also assets. The successful candidates must have a passion for innovation and pushing scientific and engineering capabilities to the forefront of what is possible today.

Application deadline: December 31, 2024. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

To apply, please send a cover letter and CV to leslielab [at] msl.ubc.ca.

Dr. Sabrina Leslie at UBC Michael Smith Laboratories is recruiting a graduate student with interest in biophysics, nanoscience, biotechnology, engineering and computational analysis. Our group develops and utilizes single-molecule fluorescence microscopy techniques to study interactions of biomolecules in cell-like environments. We’ve developed the Convex Lens-induced Confinement (CLiC) imaging platform, which makes it possible to watch individual, naturally fluctuating biomolecules as they search for and bind to each other, allowing us to make measurements that are not possible with other methods. This technique is applied both to basic biophysical research and development of drugs and therapeutics.

Project: Oligonucleotide therapeutics

Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are an emerging treatment for genetic diseases. They are snippets of modified DNA designed to bind to mRNA produced by a detrimental gene and targeting it for destruction. The goal of this research project will be to characterize ASO-mRNA binding dynamics to improve drug and treatment development.

Training: Graduate students in the Leslie Lab receive training in single-molecule microscopy specializing in the CLiC imaging technique pioneered in our lab, bulk characterization techniques such as Dynamic Light Scattering, fluorimetry, spectrophotometry, and gel electrophoresis, and computational modelling and analysis. The candidates will work with sophisticated DNA/RNA constructs as well as complex lipid nanoparticle formulations, with exposure to molecular design of oligotherapeutic compounds and biomimetic delivery vehicles. The training environment will include interactions with a start-up company, ScopeSys Inc., which is commercializing CLiC technology; as well as collaborators in pharmaceutical science, biochemistry and medicine.

Interested candidate should have a degree in physics, engineering, or biophysics, with passion for lab work and troubleshooting scientific instrumentation, and is creative, versatile and well-organized. Strong interest in optics and instrumentation is an asset. Proficiency with a musical instrument and/or dungeons and dragons are also assets. The successful candidates must have a passion for innovation and pushing scientific and engineering capabilities to the forefront of what is possible today.

Application deadline: December 31, 2024. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

To apply, please send a cover letter and CV to leslielab [at] msl.ubc.ca

Dr. Sabrina Leslie at UBC Michael Smith Laboratories is recruiting a graduate student with interest in biophysics, nanoscience and biology. Our group develops and utilizes single-molecule fluorescence microscopy techniques to study interactions of biomolecules in cell-like environments. We’ve developed the Convex Lens-induced Confinement (CLiC) imaging platform, which makes it possible to watch individual, naturally fluctuating biomolecules as they search for and bind to each other, allowing us to make measurements that are not possible with other methods. This technique is applied both to basic biophysical research and development of drugs and therapeutics.

Project: Effects of topology on DNA structure and interactions

DNA supercoiling drives structural transitions within a DNA molecule. This project will study the dynamics of such transitions, how multiple transitions within the same molecule can compete with one another, and how such transitions affect protein-DNA interactions. The goal of the research project will be to better understand the role of these structural transitions in gene regulation and bridge the gap between in vitro and live cell studies.

Training: Graduate students in the Leslie Lab receive training in single-molecule microscopy, specializing in the CLiC imaging technique pioneered in our lab; bulk characterization techniques such as Dynamic Light Scattering, and fluorimetry; standard molecular biology techniques including cell transformation, and gel electrophoresis; and computational modelling, image processing and analysis. The training environment will include interactions with a start-up company, ScopeSys Inc., which is commercializing CLiC technology; as well as collaborators in pharmaceutical science, biochemistry and medicine.

We are looking for a well-organized, enthusiastic team player who enjoys lab work and troubleshooting scientific instrumentation. A successful candidate would have experience with or interest in DNA structure and function, fluorescence microscopy, statistical mechanics, mathematical modelling, and computer programming. Background in biophysics, molecular genetics, quantitative biology, or a related field is an asset. Proficiency with a musical instrument and/or dungeons and dragons are also assets. The successful candidates must have a passion for innovation and pushing scientific and engineering capabilities to the forefront of what is possible today.

Application deadline: December 31, 2024. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

To apply, please send a cover letter and CV to leslielab [at] msl.ubc.ca.