Senior Research Associate

University Of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 61,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Research Associate to lead operations in a cutting-edge Cryo-Electron Microscopy facility. This role involves designing and executing innovative research in structural biology, utilizing advanced imaging and computational techniques. The successful candidate will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, mentor students, and contribute to high-impact publications. This position offers a unique opportunity to advance your career in a dynamic research environment while making significant contributions to the scientific community. Join a team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and technology in microscopy and imaging.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of research experience in cryo-EM techniques.
• Strong publication record and experience in experimental design.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the Cryo-EM facility.
• Develop and conduct independent research in cryo-EM techniques.
• Mentor students and postdoctoral fellows.

Skills

Cryo-Electron Microscopy

Data Analysis

Sample Preparation

Communication Skills

Collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Structural Biology

Ph.D. in Biochemistry

Ph.D. in Biophysics

Ph.D. in Bioengineering

Tools

EPU

SerialEM

Relion

cryoSPARC

cisTEM

Vitrobot

Leica GP2

Titan Krios

Job description

Date Posted: 04/07/2025
Req ID:42426
Faculty/Division: Temerty Faculty of Medicine
Department: Microscopy Imaging Laboratory
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

OVERVIEW:
The Microscopy Imaging Lab in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto invites applications for the position of Research Associate to oversee the daily operations of a state-of-the-art Cryo-Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM) facility, as well as design and lead groundbreaking research projects in the area of structural biology, cryo-EM imaging and computational data processing.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidates require a Ph.D. in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Bioengineering, or a related field, with 3-5 years of research experience in cryo-EM, including single-particle analysis, cryo-electron tomography or related techniques. Candidates require hands-on experience with high-end electron microscopes including transmission electron microscopes (e.g., Glacios2, Talos L120C), and data collection and processing software such as EPU, SerialEM, Relion, cryoSPARC, or cisTEM. Strong technical expertise in sample preparation methods (e.g., plunge freezing, high-pressure freezing, Cryo-FIB milling), associated instrumentation (e.g., Vitrobot, Leica GP2) and Cryo-EM workflows.

Candidates must also have a strong and long-standing track record of publication and experience in designing, planning, and executing experiments, as well as data analysis, interpretation, quantification, and figure preparation for grants and manuscripts. Candidates will also be involved in mentoring and assisting in training students and postdoctoral fellows using the facility, and support the Director of MIL in preparing grant applications and presenting findings at meetings and conferences. Excellent organizational and communication skills are required, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment, supporting various user groups.

KEY DUTIES:

-Develop and conduct independent research in cryo-EM techniques and experiment design.
-Collaborate with researchers and contribute to the compilation, analysis, and reporting of research findings to researchers within and outside the program.
-Liaise with other Cryo-EM facilities in Toronto, to ensure samples could be transferred to the Titan Krios for high resolution data collection.
-Optimize Cryo-EM techniques, data analysis workflows, and experiment design
-Contribute directly to research via experimental design, execution, interpretation, and write-up.
-Present findings at local, national, and international conferences.
-Contribute to research proposals and report on progress
-Prepare manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed publications/journals.
-Participate in opportunities to educate the research community on cryo-EM methodologies.

Beyond these responsibilities, the individual may be expected to participate in research supervision of two or more students or other trainees. At all times, the individual will be expected to support the overall research and teaching missions of the division.


Please note:

-All qualified incumbents are encouraged ; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.




Closing Date:05/09/2025,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Research Associate
Appointment Type: Grant - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:R02 -- Sr. Research Associates $61,510 - $107,439 - $124,864 (open)
Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching