Post-Doctoral Fellow, Cancer Imaging - BC Cancer Research Centre - Vancouver

Post-Doctoral Fellow, Cancer Imaging – BC Cancer Research Centre

Post-Doctoral Fellow, Cancer Imaging

BC Cancer Research Centre

Vancouver, BC

Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Adenocarcinoma, the most common subtype, presents unique challenges in early detection and treatment. Immunotherapy treatments have helped to improve outcomes for many patients but there remains a need to predict who will respond to these treatments, who would benefit to them pre-surgery to prevent metastasis. We are spearheading a multidisciplinary initiative to develop AI-driven models that predict disease recurrence and guide immunotherapy decisions for patients with early-stage lung cancer.

This research will integrate clinical data, breath-omics (exhaled volatile organic compounds), pre-operative CT imaging radiomics, histopathology, and immune cell profiling and interactions within the tumour microenvironment. The goal is to identify patients at high risk of metastasis and tailor perioperative immunotherapy strategies accordingly.

The project applies artificial intelligence at multiple levels:

• Digital Pathology: Quantitative analysis of tumour morphology and cell distribution
• Spatial Biology: High-dimensional mapping of immune markers to characterize T-cell subtypes and immune response
• Radiomics: CT-based imaging features used to assess tumour aggressiveness and nodule progression
• Breath-omics (exhaled volatile organic compounds),
• Multi-modal Integration: Combining histology, radiology, breathomics, and genomics into unified predictive models

AI methods employed will include deep learning, convolutional neural networks (CNNs), graph neural networks (GNNs), and foundation models. The team is focused on adapting and refining novel architectures to integrate complex biological data.

Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunity:

Seeking a postdoctoral fellow with ideally with some background in spatial biology, digital pathology, or radiology, or biomedical engineering and expertise in computational science.

The fellow will work as part of our multidisciplinary team. Dr. MacAulay would be the direct supervisor. The successful applicant will be expected to contribute to developing predictive models for immunotherapy response and integrating multi-modal datasets into scalable AI frameworks.

This work has the potential to redefine early-stage lung cancer treatment by enabling personalized, data-driven decisions. With your support participation we can accelerate the development of predictive tools that improve survival and quality of life for patients—and lay the groundwork for broader applications in precision oncology.

• Well-funded team (https://www.bccrc.ca/articles/worlds-largest-philanthropic-gift-lung-cancer-will-help-further-our-understanding-deadly) with equipment, materials and support to accomplish this project

What You Bring:

• PhD, MD, DDS (or equivalent) completed within the past 5 years (PhD) or 10 years (MD/DDS)
• Background in spatial biology, digital pathology, radiology, biomedical engineering, computational biology, or related field
• Strong computational science / AI / ML expertise
• Experience with or interest in:
• Deep learning (CNNs, GNNs, foundation models)
• Multi-modal data integration (e.g., imaging, histology, genomics, breath-omics)
• Radiomics / digital pathology / spatial biology / tumour microenvironment analysis
• Ability to build predictive models for immunotherapy response
• Experience working with complex biological datasets
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within healthcare settings. This involves recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
• Knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within BC Cancer contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, BC Human Rights Code, Anti-racism Data Act and  how they intersect across the health care system. 

Core Competencies:

• Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure and has demonstrated leadership in breaking down barriers and ensuring an environment of belonging. Embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into all aspects of work. This means creating an environment where Indigenous patients feel respected, valued, and understood. Foster trust through respectful communication, active listening, and honoring equity-deserving people's perspectives on health and wellness. Commit to ongoing education and training on Indigenous health issues, cultural safety, and DEI principles. Participate in workshops, cultural immersion experiences, and continuous professional development to stay informed and responsive to equity-deserving groups. Provide patient-centred care that respects Indigenous ways of knowing and healing, respects BIPOC experiences and world views ensuring that care plans are culturally relevant and holistic.
• Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (The Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).

You have:

• Demonstrated deep understanding of their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Able to articulate and share this journey to motivate and inspire others.
• Knowledge of the social, economic, political realities of settler-colonialism and impacts on Indigenous peoples in social and health contexts as well as knowledge and understanding of, and commitment to upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments in the foundational documents: Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, and the Distinctions Based Approach.

What we bring:

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Temporary, Full-Time (Until December 31, 2027)
Salary Range: The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. The expected pay range for this position is $4,250 - $5,500 per month. Candidates are expected to apply for external peer-reviewed salary awards.
Location: 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver BC V5Z 1G1
Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
Hours of Work: Monday - Friday; 0830-1630.
Requisition Number: 190680E

What we do

BC Cancer (BCC) provides comprehensive cancer control for the people of British Columbia.

BCC is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose. Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA and BCC are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.

Reconciliation is an ongoing process and a shared responsibility for all of us. The BC Governments’ unanimous passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a significant step forward in this journey—one that all health authorities are expected to support as we work in cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to establish a clear and sustainable path to lasting reconciliation. True reconciliation will take time and ongoing commitment to work with Indigenous Peoples as they move toward self-determination. Guiding these efforts Crown agencies must remain focused on creating opportunities that implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Mandate.

ATTN: PHSA Employees:

To be considered as a PHSA employee (internal applicant) for this position, you must apply online via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca

Please note the internal job posting will no longer be accessible after the expiry date of November 12, 2025. If the internal job posting has expired, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk and advise that you would like to be considered as a late internal applicant for this position. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not registered your internal profile, a password is required to log in for the first time. To obtain your password, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk at 604-875-7264 or 1-855-875-7264. Please note regular business hours are Monday – Friday (excluding stats), 8:30am to 4:30pm. For inquiries outside of regular business hours, please email the Internal Jobs Help Desk at internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca and a Help Desk Representative will contact you the next business day.