Postdoctoral Fellow

The Donnelly Centre; Toronto; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent research institution in Toronto is seeking two motivated Postdoctoral Fellows to develop a new platform for measuring metabolites and drugs. The role combines innovative technology and basic science, involving close collaboration with leading researchers. Candidates must possess a PhD in molecular biology and demonstrate strong publication records. Additional qualifications include strong communication skills and the ability to lead research initiatives. The position offers flexibility and is funded through collective agreements.

Benefits

Flexible work hours

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Previous experience with multiple nextgen sequencing platforms is preferred.
• Knowledge of aptamers, SELEX, or nucleic acid structure prediction would be ideal.
• At least one first-author publication is required.

Responsibilities

• Establish a new metabolomics platform using innovative sequencing techniques.
• Lead ambitious research projects within a collaborative environment.

Skills

PhD in molecular biology

Experience with nextgen sequencing platforms

Strong computational background

Knowledge of aptamers

Excellent written communication skills

Excellent verbal communication skills

Ability to work independently

Strong publication record

Education

PhD in molecular biology or functional genomics

Job description

Fraser lab

The Fraser lab in the Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research at the University of Toronto is looking for two creative and highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellows to establish a new platform that will transform how we measure metabolites and drugs. These are fully‑funded positions but candidates are also strongly encouraged to apply for national and international fellowships.

Outline

Our group developed a new method, smol‑seq, that uses DNA sequencing to measure metabolites and drugs. This harnesses the incredible power of DNA sequencing for metabolomics. It also allows metabolomics to be integrated with other sequence‑based omics technologies. We are looking for two postdocs to establish this new technology as a new metabolomics platform — this is an exciting project that combines basic science with biotech applications and combines rich functional assays with cutting‑edge computational biology.

Key Reference

Quantifying metabolites using structure‑switching aptamers coupled to DNA sequencing. Tan J.H. and Fraser A.G. Nature Biotechnology 2025.

Fraser Lab Publications

• Quantifying metabolites using structure‑switching aptamers coupled to DNA sequencing. Tan J.H. and Fraser A.G. Nature Biotechnology 2025.
• Identification of a family of species‑selective complex I inhibitors as potential anthelmintics. Davie T. Nature Communications 2024.
• RNAi screens in C. elegans reveal that variation in gene expression modulates the severity of mutant phenotypes. Vu V. et al. Cell 2015.
• The majority of animal genes are required for wild‑type fitness. Ramani A. et al. Cell 2012.
• Systematic mapping of genetic interactions in Caenorhabditis elegans identifies common modifiers of diverse signaling pathways. Lehner B et al. Nat Genetics 2006.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology or functional genomics — previous experience with multiple nextgen sequencing platforms, spatial multiomics platforms, and/or a strong computational background is preferred. Knowledge of aptamers, SELEX, or nucleic acid structure prediction would be ideal.
• Strong publication record including at least one first‑author publication.
• Ability to work independently and to lead an ambitious research project.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should send a cover letter, CV, and contact information of three references to [e-mail] by the closing date.

Closing date

January 31st, 2026

Supervisor

Prof. Andy Fraser

Expected start date

Immediately

Salary

Commensurate with qualifications and experience

The normal hours of work are 40 hours per week for a full‑time postdoctoral fellow (pro‑rated for those holding a partial appointment) recognizing that the needs of the employee’s research and professional development and the needs of the supervisor’s research program may require flexibility in the performance of the employee’s duties and hours of work.

Employment as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto is covered by the terms of the CUPE 3902 Unit 5 Collective Agreement.

This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 5 Collective Agreement.

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.