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UBC Chair in Cell Therapies for MS and Autoimmune Diseases

By pei-hsuan sha | October 13, 2023

The Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver campus, in partnership with the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health invites applications for a full-time position at the rank of Full Professor with tenure. Qualified applicants at ranks or positions other than Professor are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will hold the UBC Chair in Cell Therapies for MS and Autoimmune Diseases, subject to university approvals. This position will have a membership as a Core Member with the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, a UBC Senate-approved centre supported by the UBC Faculty of Medicine.

The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health brings together experts in the fields of neuroscience, neurology, psychiatry, and rehabilitation in a hub for training, research, and clinical care. The philosophy of the centre is to work with all facets of brain health as knowledge gained from treating and investigating one disease of the brain will advance our understanding of others. The centre brings research closer to patients, providing British Columbians with better access to the best possible treatments. For more information about the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health https://www.centreforbrainhealth.ca/.

The successful candidate will lead an internationally-recognized research program focusing on cell-based therapies for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, participate in graduate and undergraduate teaching in neuroscience and related topics, and provide service within the University and to both the academic and broader community. Of interest is research in developing biomarkers and advancing cell therapy for multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. Research areas of particular interest include: understanding and controlling the pathological mechanisms of inflammatory components of neurological disorders; how the immune system influences the nervous system during development, ageing and disease; and understanding and controlling crosstalk between neural and immune systems. The successful candidate is also expected to contribute to teaching and culture in the Faculty of Medicine and the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, work with the directors and other colleagues at the Centre on facility issues and other centre initiatives. The successful candidate will foster engagement, collaboration, and inclusivity within and beyond Faculty and Centre and its stakeholders and promote a culture of respect, integrity, compassion the broader academic and professional community.

The successful candidate will hold a MD and/or Ph.D. or equivalent. Proposal of an original, innovative research program of high quality, a collaborative team-based approach to building a successful research program, and having potential to attract, develop and retain excellent trainees, students and future researchers are important characteristics of desirable candidates. The successful candidate will be an internationally recognized leader and have attained distinction within their discipline, with a sustained and productive program of scholarly activity. Expertise in the fields of neuroimmunology and/or immunology is required, experience leading phase one clinical trials is an asset. The successful candidate will also have demonstrated evidence of excellence in teaching and have participated significantly in academic and professional affairs. They will have demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and interact with empathy, understanding and, respect of diverse and divergent perspectives and behaviours.

This position is located within a health-care facility. Therefore, this position requires successful verification of full vaccination against Covid-19 provided prior to the start date, as required by the provincial health mandate.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Interested applicants should submit an application package consisting of:

1. a full curriculum vitae,
2. a statement of teaching interests and accomplishments (up to 2 pages),
3. a five-year research program plan that includes, but not limited to, cell-based therapies (up to 4 pages),
4. a brief statement of the applicant’s current or planned contributions to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in academic, professional, or community contexts (1-2 pages), and
5. the names and contact information for four arm’s length referees.

For questions or to submit your application to, please contact the BC MS Cell Therapies Translational Research Network:
Email: ms.researchnetwork@ubc.ca
Subject Line: UBC Chair in Cell Therapies for MS and Autoimmune Diseases

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2024, or upon a date to be mutually agreed.

In assessing applications, UBC recognizes the legitimate impact that leaves (e.g., maternity leave, leave due to illness) can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. These leaves will be taken into careful consideration during the assessment process.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students, and is essential to fostering an outstanding work environment. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

The University is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable work environment for all members of its workforce. An inclusive work environment presumes an environment where differences are accepted, recognized, and integrated into current structures, planning, and decision-making modes. Within this hiring process we will make efforts to create an inclusive and equitable process for all candidates (including but not limited to people with disabilities). Confidential accommodation is available on request for applicants who are short-listed. Please contact Neha Manjari Akella via email at neha.akella@ubc.ca.

To learn more about UBC’s Center for Workplace Accessibility, visit the website here https://hr.ubc.ca/CWA.

The UBC Vancouver Campus is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of thexʷm əθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people. The City of Vancouver is located on Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations territory.

UBC — One of the World's Leading Universities. As one of the world's leading universities, the University of British Columbia creates an exceptional learning environment that fosters global citizenship, advances a civil and sustainable society, and supports outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada and the world.

Our Vision: To Transform Health for Everyone.

Ranked among the world’s top medical schools with the fifth-largest MD enrollment in North America, the UBC Faculty of Medicine is a leader in both the science and the practice of medicine. Across British Columbia, more than 12,000 faculty and staff are training the next generation of doctors and health care professionals, making remarkable discoveries, and helping to create the pathways to better health for our communities at home and around the world.

The Faculty — comprised of approximately 2,200 administrative support, technical/research and management and professional staff, as well approximately 650 full-time academic and over 10,000 clinical faculty members — is composed of 19 academic basic science and/or clinical departments, three schools, and 24 research centres and institutes. Together with its University and Health Authority partners, the Faculty delivers innovative programs and conducts research in the areas of health and life sciences. Faculty, staff and trainees are located at university campuses, clinical academic campuses in hospital settings and other regionally based centres across the province.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualifies persons are encouraged to apply. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.