Research Fellow, Translational Medicine

The Hospital for Sick Children; Toronto; On-site; CAD 54,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Translational Medicine department in January 2027. The one-year contract, with potential extension, focuses on Hirschsprung’s disease and related disorders, under the Pierro Lab, developing disease models and evaluating novel therapies to enhance intestinal function.

You will lead in vitro and in vivo studies, collaborate across teams, mentor trainees, and contribute to manuscripts, meetings, and

Qualifications

• Hold a PhD in medical or related scientific field.
• Strong background in Hirschsprung’s disease pathophysiology and its developmental, cellular, and molecular mechanisms.
• Proven track record in research commensurate with your level of experience.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and ability to interact productively with team members and other trainees.
• Write high-quality scientific abstracts and manuscripts.
• Be able to work independently and meet deadlines (e.g. abstract/manuscript submissions, grant submissions, progress reports).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated scientific productivity (e.g., peer-reviewed publications).
• Interest in translational and clinically impactful research.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and characterize in vitro and in vivo models of Hirschsprung’s disease.
• Design and conduct experiments to investigate cellular and molecular mechanisms of intestinal dysfunction and regeneration.
• Develop and evaluate novel therapeutic approaches to improve intestinal function, including stem cell-, organoid-, or tissue engineering-based strategies.
• Perform molecular, cellular, histological, and functional analyses using a range of techniques.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data using statistical and bioinformatics methods.
• Maintain accurate research records and prepare manuscripts, conference presentations, and reports.
• Contribute to grant applications and collaborative research projects.
• Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate trainees as appropriate.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary research teams and external collaborators.
• Assist with general laboratory management, including maintaining equipment, ordering supplies, and ensuring safety compliance.

Skills

Communication skills

Independent work

Analytical skills

Scientific writing

Team collaboration

Research productivity

Translational research interest

Presentation skills

Education

PhD in medical or related field

Job description

Dedicated exclusively to children and their families, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is one of the largest and most respected paediatric healthcare centres in the world. As innovators in child health, we lead and partner to improve the health of children through the integration of healthcare, leading-edge research and education. Our reputation would not have been built - nor could it be maintained - without the skills, knowledge and experience of the extraordinary people who come to work here every day. SickKids is committed to ongoing learning and development, and features a caring and supportive work environment that combines exceptionally high standards of practice.

When you join SickKids, you become part of our community. We share a commitment and determination to fulfill our vision of Healthier Children. A Better World.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to work alongside the world’s best in paediatric healthcare.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Department: Translational Medicine

Reports to: Principal investigator

Hours: 35 hours per week

Salary Range: $54,000 - $93,000 per annum

Shifts: Monday to Friday

Status: Temporary Full-time (1 year contract with possibility of extension)

Closing Date: November 30th, 2026

Position Summary

A postdoctoral research fellow position at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is available to start in January 2027 in the Pierro Lab. The position is initially available for a 1-year period with the possibility of extension, depending on performance and further funding. Dr. Pierro is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead a translational project focused on Hirschsprung’s disease and related disorders.

As a postdoctoral fellow in this position, you will be expected to play a central role in establishing and characterizing Hirschsprung’s disease models, as well as developing novel therapeutic strategies to enhance intestinal function in this disease.

Duties

• Develop, optimize, and characterize in vitro and in vivo models of Hirschsprung’s disease.
• Design and conduct experiments to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying intestinal dysfunction and regeneration.
• Develop and evaluate novel therapeutic approaches to improve intestinal function, including stem cell-, organoid-, or tissue engineering-based strategies.
• Perform molecular, cellular, histological, and functional analyses using a range of experimental techniques.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical and bioinformatics methods.
• Maintain accurate research records and prepare manuscripts, conference presentations, and research reports.
• Contribute to grant applications and collaborative research projects.
• Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate trainees as appropriate.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary research teams and external collaborators.
• Assist with general laboratory management, including maintaining equipment, ordering supplies, and ensuring compliance with institutional safety and animal ethics regulations.

Qualifications

• Hold a PhD in medical or a related scientific field
• Strong background in the pathophysiology of Hirschsprung’s disease, with a deep understanding of its developmental, cellular, and molecular mechanisms
• Hold a track record in research commensurate with your level of experience
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills (oral and written) and be able to interact productively with team members and other trainees
• Write high-quality scientific abstracts and manuscripts
• Be able to work independently and meet deadlines (e.g. abstract/manuscript submissions, grant submissions, progress reports)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated scientific productivity (e.g., peer-reviewed publications)
• Interest in translational and clinically impactful research

This Opportunity Will Allow You To

• Draft manuscripts, abstracts, and grant applications
• Present research findings at meetings and conferences
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate trainees

Additional Information

In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, Sick Kids 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 Sick Kids.

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

SickKids is committed to championing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do, fostering an intentionally inclusive and culturally safe environment that reflects the diversity of the patients, families and communities we serve. Learn more about workplace inclusion.

If you require accommodation during the application process, please reach out to our aSKHR team. SickKids can provide access and inclusion supports to eligible candidates to support their full engagement during the interview and selection process as well as to ensure candidates are able to perform their duties once successfully hired. If you are invited for an interview and require accommodation, please let us know at the time of your invitation to interview. Information received related to access, inclusion or accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

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