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: Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower
Department: Research
Reports to: Dr. Steven Chan, Principal Investigator
Work Model: On-Site
Grade: V0:90
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: $53,303 - $79,954 annually (To commensurate with experience and consistent with UHN compensation policy)
Shifts: Day
Status: Temporary Full-time
Closing Date: January 18, 2025

Position Summary
We are seeking an exceptional Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team investigating dependencies associated with clonal hematopoiesis and acute myeloid leukemia and developing innovative therapeutic strategies targeting these conditions. The Chan Laboratory is located at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Canada with full access to state-of-the-art facilities in Toronto's Discovery District. The lab employs advanced genetic screening and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing tools to identify and investigate specific gene dependencies that drive clonal hematopoiesis and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) progression in mouse models.

Duties

• Design and Conduct Experiments: Develop and execute experimental protocols to investigate the biology of leukemia stem cells and mechanisms of clonal hematopoiesis, using advanced molecular and cellular techniques
• Data Analysis and Interpretation: Perform comprehensive data analysis, including bioinformatics and statistical analysis, to interpret experimental results and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Stem Cell Isolation and Characterization: Isolate and characterize hematopoietic stem cells and leukemia stem cells from primary patient samples or animal models, utilizing techniques such as flow cytometry, cell sorting, and other stem cell assays.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Work closely with other researchers, including graduate students and other post-doctoral fellows, to support ongoing projects and foster a collaborative research environment.
• Literature Review and Research Development: Stay updated on recent literature and advancements in leukemia research, identify new research opportunities, and propose novel hypotheses to explore within the lab's focus area.
• Manuscript and Grant Writing: Prepare research findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to writing grant applications to secure additional funding for research projects.
• Mentorship and Training: Mentor junior researchers, including graduate and undergraduate students, by providing guidance on experimental design, lab techniques, and data analysis.
• Presentation of Findings: Present research findings at lab meetings, seminars, and national or international conferences to share progress and gain feedback from the scientific community.

• PhD must be obtained within the previous 5 years in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, or related field
• Strong background in cancer biology, particularly hematological malignancies
• Expertise in molecular biology, genetic screening and genome editing techniques
• Experience in flow cytometry, tissue culture, or working with animals is an asset.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proven track record of scientific publications

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.