Postdoctoral Researcher

University Health Network; Toronto; On-site; CAD 54,902 - 93,333; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive offer packages

Flexible work environment

Corporate discounts (travel, restaurants, etc.)

Job summary

A leading research hospital in Toronto is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate MYC-protein interactions crucial for cancer therapy development. The role involves conducting protein interaction assays and analyzing gene expressions in a collaborative research setting. Ideal candidates will hold a PhD in molecular biology or biochemistry with expertise in gene transcription and protein interaction. This temporary full-time position offers a competitive salary and rich benefits in an inspiring healthcare environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry or related discipline.
• Expertise in gene transcription and protein-protein interaction.
• Comprehensive experience in tumor models.

Responsibilities

• Conduct protein-protein interaction assays.
• Analyze protein-DNA interactions using CUT&RUN or ChIP.
• Perform gene expression analyses.

Skills

Protein-protein interaction

Gene transcription

Data analysis

Collaborative teamwork

Education

PhD in molecular biology or biochemistry

Job description

• Compensation: CAD 54902 - CAD 93333 - yearly

Company Description

UHN is Canada’s #1 hospital and the world’s #1 publicly funded hospital. With 10 sites and more than 44,000 TeamUHN members, UHN consists of Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, The Michener Institute of Education and West Park Healthcare Centre. As Canada's top research hospital, the scope of biomedical research and complexity of cases at UHN have made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care. UHN has the largest hospital-based research program in Canada, with major research in neurosciences, cardiology, transplantation, oncology, surgical innovation, infectious diseases, genomic medicine and rehabilitation medicine. UHN is a research hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto.

UHN’s vision is to build A Healthier World and it’s only because of the talented and dedicated people who work here that we are continually bringing that vision closer to reality.

Union: Non-Union
Number of Vacancies: 1
New or Replacement Position:New
Site: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, MaRS Tower
Department: Princess Margaret Research
Reports to: Principal Investigator
Salary Range: $54,902 - $93,333 Annually
Hours: 37.5 Hours Per Week
Shifts: Monday - Friday
Status: Temporary Full-time
Closing Date: April 3, 2026

Position Summary

The Myc oncoprotein is dysregulated in most human cancers and is a key regulator of gene transcription, binding to ~10% of the human genome to drive biological activities associated with the hallmarks of cancer. Successfully targeting MYC would represent a breakthrough in cancer therapy, but due to the intrinsically disordered nature of the MYC protein it has evaded classic drug development approaches for several decades. Our lab has recently had a breakthrough and identified several proteins that interact with MYC. These data provide an unprecedented opportunity to i) better understand MYC regulation and function as a potent cancer driver, and ii) develop anti-MYC activity therapies by blocking critical MYC-protein interactions. This novel line of research has enormous potential to radically advance new knowledge, revolutionize cancer treatment, have economic impact to Canada, and make a lasting impact to patients and their families.

We are searching for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with a PhD in a related discipline, such molecular biology or biochemistry. This project will consist of validating and characterizing novel MYC-protein interactions at the cellular and tumor levels, with a focus on proteins that are essential to MYC oncogenic function. The successful candidate will be working at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and will benefit from a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research team.

Duties

• Conduct protein-protein interaction assays, such as proximity ligation assay, co-immunoprecipitation, BioID
• Interrogate the role of phosphorylation on MYC-protein interaction
• Analyze protein-DNA interactions using CUT&RUN or Chromatin Immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing or qPCR
• Perform analyses of gene expression including RT-qPCR, RNA-seq, EU incorporation
• Assay MYC-protein complexes regulating gene transcription and oncogenesis by a variety of methods
• Have strong computational skills to enable genomic analyses and data integration
• Work with databases that enable our research such as Encode and DepMap
• Understand the state-of-the-art at both the methodological and biological levels
• Report results both in writing and orally to individuals as well as collaborative groups

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry or related discipline
• Expertise in the area of gene transcription and protein-protein interaction, signaling and/or protein phosphorylation and function
• Comprehensive experience in using and developing tumor models based in tissue culture and mice
• Work well independently as well as with others as part of a team
• Excellent problem recognition and problem-solving and data interpretation
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to set priorities and work independently with accuracy in a fast-paced multitasking environment

Additional Information

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 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.