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
Department: Donald K. Johnson Eye 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: Until filled

Position Summary
The Krembil Research Institute at the University Health Network (fully affiliated with the University of Toronto) has an opening for a temporary full-time, Postdoctoral Researcher in the laboratory of Dr. Brian Ballios. This position is available for a one-year full-time contract, with possibility for renewal.

Dr. Brian Ballios is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, and a Clinician-Scientist in the Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute at the University Health Network, as well as a Scientist at the Krembil Research Institute. He is a specialist in acquired and inherited retinal disease and ocular genomics. Our laboratory work is focused on:

• Understanding the pathobiology of retinal disease, by establishing translational models of retinal degeneration;
• Discovering new therapeutics to treat retinal disease, using retinal and stem cell biology;
• Integrating new technologies, to enhance the performance of cell-based retinal therapies; and,
• Developing preclinical technologies to translate to first-in-human clinical studies

The overall goal of our work is to cure retinal blindness by discovering new therapies for inherited and acquired disease.

We are looking for an independent and highly motivated recent PhD or MD/PhD graduate with a strong background in molecular genetics to study mechanisms of novel pathogenic variants of inherited retinal disease, using mouse and human organoid models.

The successful candidate will also receive training and mentorship in key developmental areas. These areas include grant writing, manuscript review, supervision of trainees, conference travel and networking opportunities.

Duties

• Maintaining mouse lines, including animal handling, sample collection and processing, colony maintenance, and genotyping, according to standard animal use protocols.
• Maintaining cell lines (cultured and primary), including multipotent and pluripotent stem cell cultures, using standard sterile techniques.
• Conduct experiments to support ongoing lab research projects (Western blots, qRT-PCR, immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry).
• Conduct and assist with in vivo experiments in animal models of disease (drug and cell injections, cell transplantation, in vivo retinal imaging (fundus, OCT), ERG), as well as necropsy and dissection for primary cell isolation.
• Coordinate the collection and organization of patient samples for stem cell derivation.
• Support the day-to-day operations of the laboratory and assist the research team with daily lab tasks
• Help to develop standard operating procedures and protocols for lab-related activities.
• Assist with grant writing and manuscript review.

• At minimum, a PhD degree (awarded within the previous 5 years) in biological sciences, or equivalent discipline; or, an MD/PhD degree with a strong focus on retinal disease.
• Prior experience with animal models and genetically modified mice is required.
• Experience in retinal and vision science research is an asset.
• Mandatory prior experience with standard laboratory protocols for cell culture, Western blot, qRT-PCR, DNA electrophoresis and genotyping, molecular cloning
• Prior experience with multipotent and pluripotent stem cell cultures is preferred, but candidates with other mammalian cell culture experience will be considered.
• Prior experience with primary cell isolation from tissue specimens (animals +/- human) is an asset.
• Prior experience in flow cytometry is an asset.
• Viral transduction and genetic engineering / gene-editing (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9) experience is an asset.
• RNA sequencing and bioinformatics experience is an asset.
• Publication experience required; publications in high quality journals an asset.
• Willing to rapidly learn new techniques and skills with training.
• Capacity to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Highly organized and able to prioritize effectively.
• Able to communicate and interact with staff, students, colleagues in a clear and professional manner.
• Flexible to work occasional evenings and/or weekends.

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.