Scientist I

St. Michael's Hospital; Toronto; On-site; CAD 111,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

The Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science (KRCBS) at Unity Health Toronto, affiliated with the University of Toronto, seeks a permanent Staff Scientist I to develop an independent MS-focused research program and pursue external funding. The role bridges basic science and clinical research, contributing to therapeutic strategies in progressive MS.

The candidate will lead translational efforts, collaborate across disciplines, and mentor trainees while advancing the center's research

Qualifications

• PhD or MD with postdoc experience in a related field.
• Early career researcher (within 5 years of first academic appointment; within 10 years of PhD).
• Eligible for an academic appointment at the University of Toronto.
• Evidence of research excellence, funding, publications and citations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and establish an independent basic science research program in multiple sclerosis.
• Pursue external funding and manage an externally funded program.
• Bridge basic and clinical research in MS and related neurological/autoimmune diseases.
• Supervise trainees and contribute to translational research initiatives.

Skills

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

PhD (MDs with related experience may also be considered)

Postdoctoral studies

Job description

Site: CA:ON:Toronto:St. Michael's Hospital

Category: Research

Work type: Full-Time Permanent

Date posted: October 9, 2026

Salary range: 57.14-71.42

Shift/ hours of work:

Description

Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of Unity Health Toronto

The Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science (KRCBS) of Unity Health Toronto, a fully affiliated hospital with the University of Toronto, is currently seeking a permanent, full-time Staff Scientist I that will develop and establish an original, competitive and independently-funded basic science research program in multiple sclerosis . The candidate will be eligible to hold the BARLO Multiple Sclerosis Catalyst Award. The candidate will contribute to advancements in the field of multiple sclerosis and other neurological or autoimmune diseases and continue to bridge the disciplinary boundary between basic and clinical research. They will be contributing to new knowledge and therapeutic strategies particularly in the context of progressive multiple sclerosis where current therapeutic options are not effective and the underlying biology is not well understood. They will also sustain an active externally funded program of research by pursuing opportunities through KRCBS, University of Toronto and all relevant major funding organizations.

The KRCBS at Unity Health Toronto is a dynamic research institute, focusing on basic science and translational research. It is home to ~65 principal investigators, whose interest spans from basic cell and molecular biology through animal models of disease to clinical trials. Research core facilities operates advanced shared platforms across disciplines including cell culture, genomics, histology, imaging, microfabrication, and flow cytometry. These facilities are staffed by highly skilled specialists who provide expert consultation, training, and hands-on support for experiment planning and execution.

QUALIFICATIONS:

PhD (MDs with related experience may also be considered) & postdoctoral studies in a related field.

Seeking an early career researcher, including a postdoctoral researcher, OR candidates who are within the first five years of their first academic research appointment, and within 10 years of the PhD (or highest degree).

Eligible for an academic appointment (minimum Assistant Professor) at the University of Toronto.

Evidence of established record of research excellence, including successful research funding and prestigious fellowships, research honours and awards, publications in esteemed journals and citations, and conference oral presentations.

Evidence of role as PI or Co-PI or independently managed/supervised projects as a Post Doctoral Fellow

Research is recognized locally or provincially and evidence of invitations to local seminars, research groups, conferences etc.

Emerging record of contributions to advancing knowledge in multiple sclerosis and/or neurological and autoimmune diseases.

Evidence of research expertise aligned with the development of new biological insights and therapeutic strategies, particularly in progressive multiple sclerosis, where current treatments are limited and disease mechanisms remain poorly understood.

Training and research experience that demonstrates readiness to develop an independent basic science research program in multiple sclerosis and compete for external research funding.

Experience with supervision of trainees in research is an asset; must be eligible to hold a School of Graduate Studies appointment at the University of Toronto

Experience with analyzing MS samples and translational research is an asset.

Superior critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Effective oral communication and interpersonal skills.

Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

A well-developed vision of future research plans.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

The candidate will be working out of St. Michael’s Hospital at 30 Bond Street in Toronto, Ontario and/or at Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science at 209 Victoria Street in Toronto, Ontario.

The successful candidate will be eligible for an academic appointment at the University of Toronto. Salary will range from $111,423.00 to $139.269.00 per annum commensurate with qualifications and experience. The successful candidate will be eligible for a benefits package which includes medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability insurance, group insurance, pension plan, vision care, and may be eligible for relocation expenses, start-up funds and research space.

Unity Health Toronto recognizes that scholars have varying career paths, and that career interruptions due to personal circumstances can be part of an excellent academic record. Search committee members have been instructed to give careful consideration to, and be sensitive to the impact of, career interruptions in their assessments. Moreover, Unity Health Toronto has endorsed the principles and committed the institution to comply with the recommendations of the DORA declaration (the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment). This entails that researchers’ research results are assessed and evaluated for content and quality.

Statement of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion:

Unity Health Toronto is committed to creating a workplace culture where everyone feels valued and welcome to be themselves, and where they are empowered to share different perspectives to inspire creativity and innovation. Unity Health Toronto encourages applications from qualified candidates, and we especially welcome applicants who are Indigenous, Black or Racialized, persons with disabilities, people who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that people in underrepresented communities are less likely to apply to jobs when they don’t meet every single qualification. We are dedicated to building an inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we still welcome you to apply.

Accommodation Policy:

Accommodations for disabilities will be provided, on request, to support participation in all aspects of the recruitment process. If you require accommodation at any point of the application process, please contact Erica Conte at [e-mail] .