Postdoctoral Fellowship in Islet Biology and Diabetes

University of British Columbia / BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute

The Luciani Lab, located at the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute (BCCHR) and affiliated with the University of British Columbia (UBC), is seeking a motivated postdoctoral fellow to join our research program focused on pancreatic beta-cell function, stress adaptation, and failure in diabetes. The position includes opportunities for academic–industry interaction as part of a structured training and professional development program.

Research Project

This postdoctoral fellowship addresses a central question in diabetes biology: why human pancreatic beta-cells fail to maintain functional and metabolic resilience under chronic diabetogenic stress. The Fellow will investigate mechanisms linking lysosomal–autophagy pathways, mitochondrial homeostasis, and beta-cell function and survival in the context of type 2 diabetes. Building on data from mouse beta-cell models, the project will combine work with primary human islets and genetic and pharmacological perturbation approaches. Experimental strategies include advanced fluorescence microscopy and high-content live-cell imaging, functional beta-cell assays, and transcriptomic analyses to define stress-response pathways that may be leveraged for beta-cell protection. The Fellow will work in a collaborative research environment and will be encouraged to contribute intellectually to the development and direction of the project.

Candidate Qualifications

• PhD in cell biology, physiology, molecular biology, biomedical engineering, or a related field
• Strong research track record, demonstrated by publications, accomplishments, and references
• Experience in islet and/or beta-cell biology strongly preferred
• Expertise in one or more of the following: advanced fluorescence microscopy, AAV-based approaches, flow cytometry/FACS, RNA-Seq or other omics methods, immunostaining, molecular biology, or cell culture
• Experience with in vivo metabolic phenotyping of mice is considered an asset
• Demonstrated ability to drive independent research projects while working effectively within a team
• Strong time-management, organizational, and communication skills

Environment & Opportunities

Vancouver is consistently ranked among the world’s most livable cities, offering an exceptional quality of life. UBC and the greater Vancouver area are a major hub for diabetes and islet research, with a high concentration of investigators spanning beta-cell biology, metabolism, immunology, and translational diabetes science. The Fellow will work within an interactive research environment that includes multiple islet-focused laboratories and translational research programs.

BCCHR and UBC provide access to extensive core facilities and modern research infrastructure supporting advanced imaging, flow cytometry, metabolic analysis, and omics-based phenotyping. The Luciani Lab offers close mentorship, strong technical support, and an environment that encourages intellectual ownership and independent scientific contribution within a collaborative team. In addition to primary academic supervision, the Fellow will receive complementary mentorship from an external industry research scientist, with opportunities for a short-term international industry research visit and access to networking and professional development activities through the Canadian Islet Research Training Network (CIRTN).

The expected pay for this position is $70,000 per year plus benefits.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit:

1. A curriculum vitae
2. A cover letter summarizing research interests and relevant experience
3. Contact information for three references

Applications should be sent to dluciani@bcchr.ca with the subject line: Postdoctoral position in islet biology – Nature Jobs

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The start date is flexible but ideally by April 1, 2026. The initial appointment will be for one year, with expected renewal for a second year subject to satisfactory performance.