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 Research Institute-Toronto Western Hospital
Department: Schroeder Arthritis Institute
Reports to: Principal Investigator
Work Model: On-Site
Grade: V0:90
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: $51,750 - $72,450 annually (To commensurate with experience and consistent with UHN compensation policy)
Shifts: Day
Status: Temporary Full-Time
Closing Date: October 11, 2024

Position Summary
The candidate will be supervised by Dr. Sowmya Viswanathan, who is a translational scientist, leading several cell-based clinical initiatives. The Postdoctoral Researcher will be working on a Health Canada-authorized clinical trial and conducting translational research that is expected to form the basis for clinical evaluations in the near future.

The Postdoctoral Researcher (PDR) is required to investigate different cellular therapies, both in clinical trials and in research and development stages. Specifically, the Postdoctoral Researcher will focus on investigating bone marrow aspirate, lipoaspirate, iPSCs-differentiated MSCs, MSCs or immune cells in the context of Osteoarthritis. Moreover, the PDR will be involved in immunophenotyping patient fluids as part of a clinical trial. Additional research into differentiating iPSCs to MSCs or monocytes with and without gene editing and evaluating the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of MSCs in vitro, explant and in vivo models of osteoarthritis will also be conducted. Experience with iPSC/MSCs/immune cells is a must. Experience with scale up and growing cells in a bioreactor will be an asset.

Duties

• Design and execute translational research studies under PI guidance
• Regularly updating the PI on the research progress
• Write and review standard protocols for the lab
• Write and review manuscripts for publication
• Work with team members to advance multiple research projects simultaneously
• Work with collaborators to execute research project
• Training and supervising students in the lab
• Present research findings in seminars and conferences

• PhD degree obtained within the previous 5 years in Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Immunology or related field with extensive experience in primary cell culture and isolation
• Strong publication record in cancer research
• Knowledge of iPSC/MSCs or immune cells is essential
• Knowledge of stem cell biology would be an asset
• Background in hematology or immunology (macrophage related preferred) and osteoarthritis is a definite asset
• Excellent critical thinking and analytical skills to execute research projects under PI guidance
• Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills for collaboration with team members and collaborators
• High degree of initiative, creativity, independence, and leadership skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

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.