A two-year postdoctoral research position is available starting April 1, 2026 in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems at the University of British Columbia under the supervision of Dr. Simone D. Castellarin. The Faculty of Land and Food Systems is located in the vibrant and beautiful city of Vancouver (BC, Canada). The expected salary range is $60,000 - $65,000 CAD. Standard institutional benefits are provided in addition.

The postdoctoral fellow will make a vital contribution to the projects entitled BRB: An integrated omics approach to develop Better RaspBerries and Identification of Molecular Markers to Select Blueberry Cultivars with Improved Flavour and Shelf-Life, co-lead by Drs. Simone D. Castellarin and Marco Todesco (UBC Michael Smith Laboratories). These projects aim to apply metabolomics and advanced genomics to develop resources that can be integrated into breeding pipelines to enhance fruit aroma in raspberries and blueberries. The projects will combine metabolomic (GC-MS) profiling of volatile organic compounds with sensory and genome-wide association studies. Using genomic prediction and marker validation, we aim to identify the genetic basis of fruit aroma in raspberries and blueberries to develop new varieties with superior aroma profiles.

Specific research activities include i) implementing of GC-MS protocols for the untargeted analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in raspberry and blueberry fruits, ii) profiling of VOCs in large panels of raspberry and blueberry genotypes, iii) conducting sensory assays to determine which VOCs are relevant in determining pleasant and unpleasant aromas in raspberry and blueberry fruits, iv) collaborating on genomic analyses that aim to identify genetic determinants of aroma-active VOCs in raspberry and blueberry, and v) disseminating results and knowledge generated to the academic community and sector partners.

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in Analytical Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Plant Science, Metabolomics/Genomics, or a related field. Extensive experience in GC-MS techniques for volatile organic compound analysis is required, and experience in metabolomics and applied genomics is preferred. Very strong communication skills (oral and written) are required. Student mentorship is expected.

Application process: Interested candidates should apply by January 31, 2026. Applicants can submit their CV and names of three referees to Dr. Simone D. Castellarin at simone.castellarin@ubc.ca.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified 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, and/or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Selection Criteria: The selection of the candidate will be based on the following criteria: 1) a PhD in an appropriate field of research, 2) a sound knowledge of and demonstrated experience in analytical chemistry, GC-MS analyses for VOCs, sensory analyses and/or metabolomics, 3) ability to conduct high quality independent and innovative research with documented experience to carry work through to publication, 4) very strong oral and written communication skills, and 5) ability to work effectively both in an independent role and collaboratively with others in academic and industry settings.

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in Analytical Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Plant Science, Metabolomics/Genomics, or a related field. Extensive experience in GC-MS techniques for volatile organic compound analysis is required, and experience in metabolomics and applied genomics is preferred. Very strong communication skills (oral and written) are required. Student mentorship is expected.