Available Positions

Currently Accepting Applicants for Undergraduate and Graduate Trainees for:

1) Graduate Students for projects on microvascular dysfunction in human lung infections due to common pathogens (3-5 years funding available) - Multiple ongoing projects related to bacterial (Staph. aureus, Strep. pneumoniae), viral (influenza, SARS-CoV2 via BSL3) and fungal (Candida and Aspergillus) are ongoing in lab directly or in collaboration with other groups. Projects focus on microvascular inflammatory cell death pathways, biomechanical forces (flow and stretch) regulating infection dynamics, impact of tissue oxygen on lung microvascular function and integration of immune cells using advanced tissue engineering and live-cell imaging techniques.

• • • • JOB Posting: Link coming - see below for details on inquiries

      • Anticipated Start Dates - Sept 2024 but flexible

2) Graduate Students for Severe Malaria-related projects on microvascular dysfunction in the human brain and lung (3-5 years funding available)

• Qualified applicants will possess BSc in related biomedical or bioengineering discipline, minimum GPA of 3.5 (last 1-2 years), and with some basic science training in human tissue culture. Parasitology experience including work with culture of Plasmodium falciparum is preferred but not expected. This project focuses on  understanding stromal cell responses to  an involves both international and local collaborations with clinicians, neuroscientists, tissue engineers, and sequencing experts (scRNAseq). 

  • • • JOB Posting: Link coming - see below for details on inquiries

      • Anticipated Start Dates - Sept 2024 but flexible

3) Currently Accepting Applicants for Related Undergraduate Projects

• Qualified applicants will be in process of obtaining an undergraduate degree related to medicine, health sciences, biology, engineering or biomedical sciences with a minimum GPA of 3.5 (last 1-2 years). Preference will be given to those with prior basic science training in human tissue culture or for those with training / interest in biomedical engineering and biofabrication. Due to complex nature of projects in lab, preference will also be given to those interested in future honors and graduate studies projects to build on training. A variety of projects focused on assessing basic tissue culture techniques, 3D tissue model design / advancement related to microfluidics / automation / sensor integration plus image and sequencing databases analysis / programming are available. All undergraduates will be partnered with a more senior lab member. 

All trainees will be provided:

• Frequent (daily-weekly) direct supervision by the lab PI, have a detailed career development / mentoring plan, be encouraged to obtain additional training outside the lab (eg university MyGrad courses, potential trips abroad), attend conferences annually, and contribute new lab projects during training. Be a part of a fun and collaborative team that values diverse perspectives with emphasis on Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity and accepting of all LGBTQIA2S+ sex and gender identities.

***For inquiries, please contact Lab PI Mark Gillrie Directly - mark.gillrie@ucalgary.ca with CV, most recent transcripts (undergrad and graduates not PDA), and brief message of interest (1-2 paragraphs). Potential candidates will be contacted and references potentially requested if initial meeting proves promising for both parties! ***