Program Head – Developmental, Stem Cell & Cancer Biology (DSCB) Research Program

Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) Research Institute; Toronto; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent children's hospital in Toronto is seeking a dynamic research leader as Head of the Developmental, Stem Cell & Cancer Biology Program. The role involves leading a team in innovative research to develop precision therapeutic strategies for pediatric disorders. Candidates must have a PhD or MD and demonstrated leadership in research, along with eligibility for academic appointment at the University of Toronto.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated track record of increasing leadership experience in research.
• Eligible to obtain a Visa and, if applicable, to practice as an MD in Ontario.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the DSCB Program.
• Develop scientific priorities to keep SickKids at the forefront.
• Collaborate to establish inter-programmatic projects.
• Initiate and maintain a competitive and funded research program.

Education

PhD, MD or equivalent

Eligibility for appointment at the Associate or Full Professor level

Job description

Overview

The Research Institute at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is seeking a dynamic research leader to be Head of the Developmental, Stem Cell & Cancer Biology (DSCB) Program, one of seven flagship research programs. The DSCB Program Head leads 20 independent investigators and more than 200 graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, administrative and research staff in discovery-based and translational research activities focused on developing and studying innovative experimental models of human development and disease. Our researchers use patient samples, stem cell and organoid platforms, as well as nematode, Drosophila, zebrafish, axolotl and mouse genetic models to interrogate pathogenic mechanisms underlying a diverse range of childhood disorders. Our common goal is to develop precision therapeutic strategies for paediatric cancer, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, congenital defects and rare childhood diseases. Visit our site to learn more about DSCB Program research.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the DSCB Program, including overall scope, focus and direction of research within the Program.
• Develop and implement scientific priorities within the Research Institute to keep SickKids at the forefront of Developmental, Stem Cell & Cancer Biology.
• Collaborate with other Program Heads to establish inter-programmatic projects, promote information sharing, and maximize use of resources.
• Work with Hospital and Centre leaders (e.g., Garron Family Cancer Centre) to promote interdisciplinary and translational research.
• Initiate and maintain an original, competitive, and independently funded research program of international caliber in addition to Program Head activities.

Qualifications

• PhD, MD or equivalent; demonstrated track record of increasing leadership experience in research.
• By the job start date, eligible to obtain an appropriate Visa (if applicable) and, to practice as an MD, obtain a Certificate of Registration from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (license to practice).
• Appointment as a Senior Scientist in the Research Institute; eligibility for appointment at the Associate or Full Professor level (status only) in an appropriate department at the University of Toronto.

Appointment Details

• Program Head is a five-year appointment, with the potential to renew for a further five-year term following a successful Program review.
• End of term: eligible to maintain the Senior Scientist appointment.
• The DSCB Research Program is located in the Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning (PGCRL) and adjoined to SickKids, within the Discovery District in downtown Toronto, in a highly collaborative environment with proximity to nine teaching and research hospitals and the University of Toronto.

Application Process

Interested applicants should e-mail their application (Curriculum Vitae, detailed research plan, leadership experience and vision, and equity, diversity and inclusion statement) in PDF format to Dr. Stephen Scherer, Chief of Research, at [e-mail] by the close of the search on September 30, 2025. The search committee will begin to review applications in October with a potential start date in Spring/Summer 2026. Applicants must also arrange to have three signed letters of reference on institutional letterhead sent directly to [e-mail], indicating the applicant’s name in the subject line.

Diversity, Accessibility & Equity

SickKids is strongly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from racialized persons, persons of colour, women, Indigenous/Aboriginal Peoples of North America, persons with disability, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and others who may contribute to the diversification of ideas. If requested, SickKids provides accommodations to support applicants during the interview and assessment process. We will accommodate accessibility needs in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Ontario Human Rights Code, and our Access and Accommodation Policy. Please email [e-mail] with your accessibility needs during the recruitment process. Information related to accommodation is confidential. Applicants are encouraged to explain any personal circumstances to allow for a fair assessment of their application.

How to Apply

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; all applicants must follow Canadian immigration requirements, with Canadians and permanent residents given priority. For informal inquiries, contact: [e-mail].