Postdoctoral Researcher

The University Health Network, where "above all else the needs of patients come first", encompasses Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and the Michener Institute of Education. The breadth of research, the complexity of the cases treated, and the magnitude of its educational enterprise has made UHN a national and international resource for patient care, research and education. With a long tradition of ground breaking firsts and a purpose of "Transforming lives and communities through excellence in care, discovery and learning", the University Health Network (UHN), Canada's largest research teaching hospital, brings together over 16,000 employees, more than 1,200 physicians, 8,000+ students, and many volunteers. UHN is a caring, creative place where amazing people are amazing the world.

Union: Non-union
Site: Krembil Discovery Tower
Department: Research
Reports to: Senior Scientist
Work Model: On-site
Grade: V0:90
Hours: 37.5 per week
Salary: 53,303 - 69,293/annum (To commensurate with experience and consistent with UHN compensation policy)
Shifts: Monday to Friday
Status: Temporary Full-time
Closing Date: Jan 31, 2025

Position Summary

The Keating Research Lab at the Krembil Research Institute is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to join our research team. The successful applicant will report directly to Dr. Armand Keating. The successful applicant will be part of a group that conducts translational research on immune and stromal cells subsets that influence anti- and pro-inflammatory mechanisms to treat arthritis and cancer, respectively, using genomic and cell culture techniques. The successful applicant will work with other labs at University Health Network and close collaborators at the Robarts Institute, Western University, London Ontario. The postdoctoral research fellowship is a temporary full-time position for one year with the opportunity for an additional year pending satisfactory performance.

Primary Duties:

• The Postdoctoral Fellow will help develop and investigate genetically modified NK cells expressing reporter genes to target stromal and other elements visualized by PET and MRI imaging in vitro in conventional tissue and organoid cultures and in vivo using immune deficient murine models to provide insights into mechanisms able to overcome the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying arthritis and cancer.
• Familiarity with multi-omics techniques, including RNAseq as well as vector design, virus transduction, EV generation and standard lab techniques using flowcyometry, ELISA, qPCR, Western Blotting is important.
• Producing timely and rigorously written scientific peer review publications related to the research is expected.
• Maintaining complete and accurate documentation of data generated.
• Adhering to Quality Control and Quality Assurance programs to support the effective operation of the lab, and to maintain appropriate laboratory standards.

• Completion of a doctoral degree (PhD) from a recognized and competitive institution
• Strong background (> 3 years) in molecular biology, genomics and complex tissue culture
• Well-developed computer skills and/or the ability to learn new computer programs for analyzing imaging data
• Ability to plan experiments and rigorously analyze data, and work collaboratively with various research partners
• Good statistical analysis knowledge is required
• Excellent problem solving skills and critical thinking
• Ability to work independently, and as a team member in a collaborative manner
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including scientific writing skill as evidenced by a strong publication record
• Ability to advise, guide and mentor students (e.g., summer/graduate students)

Why join UHN?

In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, UHN offers a wide range of benefits, programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN.

• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP https://hoopp.com/)
• Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.)

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, to be eligible for consideration.

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates. Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.