The University Health Network, where "above all else the needs of patients come first", encompassesToronto 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.

Job Description

Union: Non-Union
Site: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Department: Department of Surgical Oncology
Reports to: Principal Investigator
Work Model: On-Site
Grade: X0:03
Hours: 37.5 hoursper week
Salary: $80, 387 - $100, 484: To commensurate with experience and consistent with UHN. compensation policy. Shifts: Monday - Friday
Status: Temporary Full-Time (12 months)
Closing Date: July 1, 2024

Position Summary
Our research seeks to ambitiously lead the next technology driven innovation cycle of engineered cell therapies against genitourinary cancers. To accomplish this, we systematically apply high-content, multi-gene targeting CRISPR screens to patient-derived humanized models of cancer to identify strategies for improving response to therapy. We have a particular focus on employing locoregional or "surgically" delivered cell-based therapies against localized aggressive cancers, with the goal of developing minimally invasive, organ sparing, curative alternatives to currently existing ineffective radical ( e.g. surgery) treatments. Our work resides within the intersection of surgery, engineering, immunology and genetics, providing a highly collaborative, stimulating and multidisciplinary ecosystem to conduct research within.

We are seeking a highly motivated and accomplished PhD-level Research Associate to lead our dynamic team focused on functional genomic strategies for improving surgically delivered cell therapies targeting genitourinary malignancies. The successful candidate will not only drive research efforts but also play a crucial role in supervising and mentoring PhD students and post-doctoral researchers. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to ground-breaking discoveries that have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of genitourinary cancers.

Duties

• Lead and manage a team of PhD students and post-docs engaged in functional genomics research, providing guidance, mentorship, and support to ensure project success.
• Design and execute experiments leveraging high-content single-cell genomic and spatial CRISPR screens for engineering of novel cell-based therapies ( e.g. CAR-T cells) against genitourinary cancers.
• Establish standard operating procedures for the generation and characterization of CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell derived humanized mice bearing patient derived orthotopic xenografts (in collaboration with animal facility).
• Collaborate closely with our interdisciplinary teams of surgeons, oncologists, pathologists and scientists across academia and industry.
• Contribute to the development of novel methodologies and technologies for functional genomics research, with a focus on optimizing workflows for cell-based therapy applications.
• Prepare research findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences and internal meetings.
• Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures, data analysis, and research outcomes, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and best practices.

Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Cell Biology, or a related field, with a strong publication record demonstrating expertise in functional genomics research.
• 5+ years of research experience with a PhD in molecular biology or related field.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, cloning, CRISPR-Cas based gene editing, single-cell genomics.
• Demonstrated expertise in cell culture techniques, preferably with experience working with primary cells or stem cells.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms and associated data analysis tools ( e.g., R, Python, Bioconductor) is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to critically evaluate complex genomic datasets and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proven leadership and mentoring abilities, with experience supervising and managing PhD students and post-doctoral researchers.

Additional Information

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 )
• 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.

All UHN Employees are required to be fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine series, approved by Health Canada or the World Health Organization, as a condition of hire. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required. Should you be the successful candidate, you will be required to comply with UHN's mandatory Vaccination Policy that is in effect.

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.

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