Associate Professor - Aging, Senescence, and Tissue Regeneration

The Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed research institution in Toronto invites applications for a full-time tenure stream position as an Associate Professor focusing on aging, cellular senescence, and tissue regeneration. The successful candidate will possess a PhD and demonstrate research and teaching excellence, contributing to both the Donnelly Centre and the Department of Biochemistry. A competitive salary and substantial research support will be provided.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated excellence in research and teaching.
• Established international reputation in aging or related fields.
• Strong letters of reference and significant scientific contributions.

Responsibilities

• Lead innovative and independent research.
• Contribute to teaching and research missions of the Department of Biochemistry.
• Establish a creative and impactful research program.

Skills

Research excellence

Teaching ability

Molecular genetics

Regenerative medicine

Systems biology

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Tools

Single-cell omics

Spatial transcriptomics

CRISPR screens

Live-cell imaging

Job description

Overview

The Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research (Donnelly Centre) and the Department of Biochemistry, in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, invite applications for a full-time tenure stream position in aging, cellular senescence and/or tissue regeneration. This will be a joint appointment between the Donnelly Centre (51%) and the Department of Biochemistry (49%) at the rank of Associate Professor, with an anticipated start date of September 1, 2026.

We are seeking a colleague whose research program explores the molecular and cellular mechanisms of aging and senescence and who applies these insights to understand tissue regeneration, age-related diseases, or longevity. The successful candidate will complement and strengthen our interdisciplinary community of scientists at the Donnelly Centre, where collaborative research and innovative technology development are valued.

Responsibilities and Qualifications

Applicants must have earned a PhD in a relevant field with a clearly demonstrated record of excellence in research and teaching. We are particularly interested in applicants employing cutting-edge approaches such as genetic and epigenetic analysis of aging, regenerative biology using organoids or model systems, senescence-targeted therapeutics, or high-dimensional functional genomic techniques (e.g., single-cell omics, spatial transcriptomics, CRISPR screens or live-cell imaging). Preference will be given to candidates with research and training in areas including molecular genetics, regenerative medicine, systems biology, or biogerontology.

The candidate will receive institutional support to establish a creative and impactful research program that will benefit from interactions with the Department of Biochemistry and the Donnelly Centre community of experimental and computational biologists. The successful candidate is expected to have an established international reputation and will be expected to sustain and lead innovative and independent research and to maintain an outstanding, competitive, externally funded program. Evidence of research excellence may include a record of high-impact contributions and publications in top-ranked journals, a strong research statement, invited presentations, awards, and strong letters of reference from referees of high standing.

Evidence of excellence in teaching will be demonstrated through: i) the teaching dossier submitted as part of the application (with required information outlined below); and ii) strong letters of reference. The successful candidate will contribute to the teaching and research missions of both the Donnelly Centre and the Department of Biochemistry, with a graduate faculty appointment in the Department of Biochemistry.

Salary and Research Space

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Research space will be provided in the Donnelly Centre, located in downtown Toronto. The Donnelly Centre is an interdisciplinary research institute fostering integration of biology, computer science, engineering, and medicine. The successful candidate will hold an academic appointment (49% FTE) in the Department of Biochemistry, which has a long tradition of teaching and research excellence and comprises more than 65 faculty members. The Donnelly Centre and Department of Biochemistry are part of a large biomedical research community with substantial annual funding and strong links to the Toronto Academic Health Science Network.

Application Process

1. A cover letter
2. A one-page summary including education/training history and a 350-word abstract of the research plan
3. A current curriculum vitae highlighting significant scientific contributions (up to five) relevant to the application
4. A detailed research statement (three pages, not including references)
5. A teaching dossier including a one-page teaching philosophy and interests, teaching accomplishments at undergraduate and graduate levels, sample course materials, and teaching evaluations
6. Three references with contact information. The University of Toronto’s recruiting tool will solicit reference letters automatically after an application is submitted; referees should provide letters dated and signed on letterhead by the closing date.

Submission guidelines can be found at the application site. CV and cover letter should be uploaded into dedicated fields. Combine remaining materials into one or two PDFs or Word files.

Questions about this position can be directed to: [e-mail]

All application materials, including recent reference letters, must be received by November 24, 2025. For more information about the Donnelly Centre, visit: https://thedonnellycentre.utoronto.ca

Diversity and Accessibility

The University of Toronto embraces diversity and is building a culture of belonging. We encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. Applicants are encouraged to complete a voluntary Diversity Survey. The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and provides accommodations upon request for applicants with disabilities. If accommodations are needed at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

For information about the AAU Principles on Preventing Sexual Harassment in Academia and related requirements, see the candidate FAQ.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.