The Research Institute at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is seeking an outstanding Scientist (equivalent to Assistant Professor) whose research focuses on human genetics, gene editing, genetic models of disease, and advanced therapeutics. This permanent full-time faculty position will be housed at the SickKids Research Institute, located in the heart of downtown Toronto. SickKids is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto - Canada's largest and top-ranked university, and offers a unique environment for medical science discoveries, with nine teaching and research hospitals in close proximity. The position offers the opportunity to conduct research, teach, and live in one of the most vibrant, safe, and diverse cities in the world. SickKids Research Institute is Canada's largest, hospital-based child health research institute, conducting and translating groundbreaking research, training the next generation of researchers, and supporting global scientific communities with knowledge and state-of-the-art facilities.
The rapid evolution of large-scale genotype-to-phenotype information and gene editing technologies has accelerated our ability to study gene and variant functions at scale in cellular models, develop sophisticated disease models, and advance therapeutic strategies that were incomprehensible less than five years ago. This position, which intersects human genetics, gene editing, functional genomics, systems biology, protein engineering, and AI, reflects the need for deep functional annotation of the human genome through the identification of genetic and epigenetic drivers and modifiers of disease. Of particular interest are research areas in functional genomics and/or systems biology efforts toward target discovery for disease and molecular disease pathology. Experimental, cell-based and computational approaches using disease models will be considered. The position will have access to comprehensive genomics, proteomics, high parameter single cell analysis, high resolution microscopy, computational modeling and analysis, animal models, high through-put drug screening as well as associated technical expertise and services to conduct leading health research and maximize impact for patients, families, communities and economic innovation.
Applicants must have a PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in a relevant discipline, along with significant research experience (at least 2-3 years postdoctoral) and a record of scientific advances in their chosen research areas. This record includes peer-reviewed publications in top-ranked and field-relevant journals, successful grant applications to external agencies (including fellowships and contributions to operating grants), presentations at significant conferences, strong endorsements from referees of high standing and distinguished awards and accolades. Applicants will demonstrate the ability to launch a successful research career in an equitable and inclusive environment. Other noteworthy activities that contribute to the visibility and prominence of the discipline are also expected.
Appointed as a Scientist in the Genetics & Genome Biology program at the SickKids Research Institute, the successful candidate will initiate and maintain an original, competitive, and independently funded research program of international caliber. They will benefit from the extensive research and core facilities of SickKids, the University of Toronto, and its affiliated institutions, including genomics, genetics, proteomics, metabolomics, bioinformatics, drug discovery, structure, biophysics, cellular imaging, and inter-institutional initiatives focused on computational biology and disease modelling. They will also be responsible for building novel therapeutic strategies for disease aligning with the SickKids' Precision Child Health initiative. The successful candidate will be expected to qualify for an academic cross-appointment in an appropriate department at the University of Toronto enabling: (a) direct supervision of students, postdoctoral fellows, and research associates; and (b) work with students/post-docs to prepare scientific manuscripts, grant applications, and/or drafts of patent applications.
Commensurate with qualifications and experience, base remuneration will be in the range of $140,000 to $160,000 CAD per year. A competitive benefits package is being offered along with support for relocation expenses. Exceptional, appropriately qualified candidates may be nominated for a Canada Research Chair. For further information see: http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/home-accueil-eng.aspx.
SickKids recognizes that scholars have varying career paths and that career can be part of an excellent academic record. Candidates are encouraged to explain any personal circumstances in order to allow for a fair assessment of their application. Search committee members have been instructed to give consideration and be sensitive to the impact of career interruptions in their assessments. In addition, the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute recognizes the legitimate impact that leaves (e.g., parental leaves, slowdowns due to illness or disability, impacts of COVID-19) can have on a candidate's record of research achievement. These leaves will be taken into careful consideration during the review and assessment of application materials.
Our Commitment to Diversity
SickKids and the University of Toronto are strongly committed to diversity within its communities and welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and others who contribute to the further diversification of ideas. Informed by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Ontario Human Rights Code, and our Access and Accommodation Policy, SickKids is proud to make accommodations to support applicants during the interview and assessment process, if requested. Please advise the SickKids Research Institute Faculty Office at [email protected] of your accessibility needs during the recruitment process. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.
Application Process
All qualified candidates are invited to apply and must email a cover letter, current curriculum vitae, description of past research (maximum 1 page), proposed research program (maximum 3 pages), and copies of three representative publications. Files should preferably, be all merged into a single PDF and sent to [email protected] by the close of the search on December 9, 2025.
Applicants must also arrange to have three letters of reference (on letterhead, dated and signed) sent directly by the referee via email to [email protected] indicating the applicant's name in the subject line, also by the close of the search (December 9, 2025).
All application materials, including reference letters, must be received by December 9, 2025.
Review of applications will commence December 2025 and continue until the position is filled, with a potential start date of Summer/Fall 2026. Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.
SickKids believes that diversity positively impacts science and is essential to sustain our vibrant world-leading research community. As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a brief voluntary diversity survey. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by either the search committee or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. The self-identification information is collected, used, disclosed, retained and disposed of in accordance with the Privacy Act and the Access to Information Act.
Applicants may direct any informal inquiries to:
Jason Moffat, PhD
Program Head, Genetics & Genome Biology Program
SickKids, The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research & Learning
686 Bay Street Toronto, Ontario Canada M5G 0A4
[email protected]
