POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW

Taipale Lab, Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Canada is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow in Toronto to work on research in induced proximity and functional genomics, particularly in oncology and neurodegeneration. The position demands a PhD in a relevant field, knowledge of CRISPR technologies, and a strong publication record. The application deadline is December 19, 2025.

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology, functional genomics, chemical biology, cancer biology, or a related discipline.
• Previous experience with scalable technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 screens.
• Knowledge of induced proximity is ideal.
• Strong publication record including at least one first-author publication.
• Ability to work independently and lead a research project.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Skills

Scalable technologies (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9 screens)

Knowledge of induced proximity

Strong publication record

Excellent communication skills

Education

PhD in molecular biology or related discipline

Job description

Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research

University of Toronto

JOB POSTING – POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW

The Taipale lab in the Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research and University of Toronto is looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to work at the forefront of induced proximity and functional genomics in oncology and neurodegeneration.

Taipale lab

The research in the Taipale lab (taipalelab.org) is focused on the intersection of functional genomics, proteomics, and technology development. We employ and develop scalable technologies for fundamental biomedical discovery in protein homeostasis, gene regulation and genome engineering, synthetic biology, and host‑pathogen interactions. Individual projects in the lab are very diverse, spanning pathogenic effector proteins to transcriptional regulation to rare disorders to rewiring cellular pathways. But despite this diversity, all projects share common features. We take advantage of large‑scale systematic methods and use them as an entry point to understand biological processes and identify novel therapeutic approaches.

Relevant publications

• Proteome‑scale discovery of protein degradation and stabilization effectors. Poirson et al. Nature 2024.
• Pervasive mislocalization of pathogenic coding variants underlying human disorders. Lacoste et al. Cell 2024.
• Efficient, specific, and combinatorial control of endogenous exon splicing with dCasRx‑RBM25. Li et al. Molecular Cell 2024.
• A central chaperone‑like role for 14‑3‑3 proteins in human cells. Segal et al. Molecular Cell 2023.
• Identification and functional characterization of transcriptional activators in human cells. Alerasool et al. Molecular Cell 2022.
• An efficient KRAB domain for CRISPRi applications in human cells. Alerasool et al. Nature Methods 2020.

Donnelly Centre

The Donnelly Centre is one of the leading institutes in functional genomics, bioengineering, and technology development. It is located in the heart of downtown Toronto, in one of the world’s largest biomedical research campuses in a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. Our interdisciplinary research institute fosters the integration of biology, computer science, engineering, and medicine as well as collaborations across laboratories and scientific fields (thedonnellycentre.utoronto.ca).

Required Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology, functional genomics, chemical biology, cancer biology, or a related discipline
• Previous experience with scalable technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 screens, pooled screens, functional genomics, or proteomics.
• Knowledge of induced proximity, including but not limited to PROTACs, molecular glues, and TCIPs is 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

December 19, 2025

Supervisor

Prof. Mikko Taipale

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.