Scientist – Sunnybrook Research Institute

Sunnybrook Research Institute; Toronto; On-site; CAD 160,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative research institute is seeking a passionate Scientist to lead groundbreaking research in computational biology. This role offers the opportunity to establish an independent research program while collaborating with a diverse team of experts. The successful candidate will be at the forefront of research in genomics and systems biology, contributing to significant advancements in health sciences. With a commitment to equity and diversity, the institute fosters an inclusive environment, making it an ideal place for those eager to make a meaningful impact in the scientific community.

Benefits

3 weeks vacation

Extended health care

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan

Qualifications

• PhD or MD required with a strong background in computational biology.
• Experience in leading research programs and publishing peer-reviewed work.

Responsibilities

• Lead an independent research program in computational and data sciences.
• Develop a core facility to support computational needs of other scientists.

Skills

Computational Biology

Genomics

Single-cell and Spatial Omics

Multi-omics Integration

Modeling of Dynamic Cellular Interactions

Systems Biology

Analysis Pipelines

Customizing Algorithms

Diagnostic/Prognostic Prediction Models

Education

PhD

MD

Job description

The Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI) is currently seeking a candidate for a Scientist position in the Biological Sciences Platform.

Environment: SRI is the research enterprise of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, known as Sunnybrook Hospital, a premier academic health sciences centre that is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto. Sunnybrook cares for 1.3 million patients each year, emphasizing quality and patient-centered care. It is a leading-edge hospital recognized for its innovation and research, particularly in brain health, trauma care, women and babies care, and veterans care, and for its strong commitment to teaching and learning. Sunnybrook conducts more than $100 million in breakthrough research annually, with a focus on areas like brain health, cancer, immunology, cardiovascular care, and more. There are over 500 active clinical trials across all programs, advancing research and patient care. Sunnybrook is committed to being an accessible workplace and has been named one of Canada's best employers.

SRI is home to 1000 scientists, clinician scientists; research associates and more than 400 trainees, operating in ~500,000 sq.ft. of state-of-the-art research space. It is situated in the Bayview campus of Sunnybrook Hospital, which is located ~ 10 km from downtown Toronto. Toronto is one of the most populous cities in Canada and is an international centre of business, finance and culture, with a thriving tech industry. Toronto is widely recognized as one of the most multicultural cities in the world, home to over 250 different ethnic groups, with over half of its residents born outside Canada. It also frequently appears on lists of the world's most liveable cities and is recognized for its established ethnic neighborhoods and multicultural celebrations. The University of Toronto is the largest and most prestigious research-intensive university in Canada, holding a prominent global position in academic research. It's considered a leading institution of learning, discovery, and knowledge creation, and is recognized for its research output and global influence. It's consistently ranked among the top universities in the world for research output and citations. The University of Toronto has a large student population, with over 65,000 students on the Toronto campus alone and almost 100,000 in total.

Position: The successful candidate will hold a PhD and/or MD, have demonstrable scientific leadership in the field of computational biology and a proven track record in publishing high quality, peer reviewed research. They will lead an independent academic program of research excellence in computational and data sciences. Expertise in genomics, single-cell and spatial omics, multi-omics integration, modeling of dynamic cellular interactions, and systems biology approaches to assess interaction networks are required. The candidate will have expertise in analysis pipelines, workflows and algorithms used to streamline data analysis, and their customization and adaptation. Expertise in diagnostic/prognostic prediction models is desirable. The candidate will develop a research program that will span different disease areas that are core strengths at SRI, such as cancer, immunology, neuroscience and regenerative medicine. They are expected to support their research through competitive external funding awards. In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to establish a core facility to support the computational needs of other scientists within SRI.

Academic appointments will be made in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto at the Assistant or Associate Professor level, and will be commensurate with experience. The term of the appointment will be three years and is renewable in accordance with Hospital and University policies.

How To Apply: If you are interested in this exciting opportunity to build a career in an innovative and dynamic organization, submit you application package as follows:

1. A letter of interest (maximum 2 pages). The letter should describe the applicant’s research accomplishments, their prospective research, and a statement on their commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
2. An academic curriculum vitae (maximum 5 pages) in the NIH Biosketch format that highlights 3-5 key publications, professional services, outreach, mentoring / training of highly qualified personnel and other contributions appropriate to the specific position.
3. Names and contact details for 3 references

Please submit your complete application package to Cassandra Cheng ([e-mail]) with subject line “Scientist – Biological Sciences”.

Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria: The selection committee will be chaired by Dr. Carol Schuurmans. They will consider applications beginning June 15, 2025. This post will stay active until the position is filled. We would like to thank all applicants, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Evaluation criteria:

• Academic qualifications (PhD or MD)
• Academic track record of publications, funding, awards, according to career stage
• Research plan that aligns with SRI’s research strengths
• A commitment to EDI, outreach, etc. that will positively contribute to SRI

Diversity Statement: Sunnybrook Research Institute is strongly committed to inclusion and diversity within its community and welcomes all applicants including but not limited to: women, visible minorities or persons of colour, Indigenous peoples, people from all genders, religions and ethnicities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ persons and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

Career Interruptions: Sunnybrook Research Institute recognizes that scientists have varying career paths and understands the impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. Candidates are encouraged to explain any interruptions in order to allow for a fair assessment of their application. Selection committee members have been instructed to give careful consideration to, and be sensitive to the impact of, career interruptions in their assessments.

Accommodation Policy: Sunnybrook Research Institute is committed to providing accessible employment practices that are following the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation for disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please indicate in an e-mail to Heather Soberman, Director of Strategy & Research Services ([e-mail]).

Job Information:

Position Title: Scientist, Biological Sciences Platform

Company operating name: Sunnybrook Research Institute

Business address: 2075 Bayview Ave. Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5

Number of positions: 1 (One)

Education Requirements: Doctoral/PhD or MD

Language Requirements: Verbal and Written: English

Duration of Employment: Permanent, Full-time (3 Year Term, Renewable)

Benefits: 3 weeks vacation accrued annually; Benefit Program including extended health care, dental insurance, life insurance, short term and long-term disability, and the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan.

Wage: $160,000 (CDN) or commensurate with experience.