Description of Team/Department (optional):
One of Canada's Top 10 Research Hospitals, Sunnybrook Research Institute is developing innovations in care for the more than 1.3 million patients the hospital cares for annually.
Sunnybrook Research Institute is the research enterprise of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, a teaching hospital fully affiliated with the University of Toronto. Research spans three Toronto-based campuses, eight programs and three scientific platforms. Our main aims are to understand and prevent disease, and to develop treatments that enhance and extend life. Our vision is to invent the future of health care. Each year, we conduct about $100 million in research across 500,000 square feet, including in the world’s first Centre for Research in Image-Guided Therapeutics.
INOVAIT is Canada’s image-guided therapy (IGT) and artificial intelligence (AI) commercialization network. Run by Sunnybrook Research Institute and funded by the Strategic Response Fund, we connect researchers, clinicians, industry partners, and entrepreneurs across the Canadian medtech ecosystem to accelerate the commercialization of IGT and AI innovations. Our mission is to strengthen Canada’s position as a global leader in medtech and AI by fostering collaboration, building commercial capacity, and driving the creation of high-value intellectual property and jobs in the sector.
Role Overview:
We are looking for a motivated, detail-oriented candidate with an education background in science, communications, and/or business to join our team for the summer. This entry-level role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of health technology, communications strategy, government and public relations, and market intelligence within a growing national innovation network.
The Market Research & Communications Strategist will support two core pillars of INOVAIT’s work: (1) communications and stakeholder engagement activities that expand the network’s reach and visibility, and (2) market research initiatives to develop resources and public facing reports describing Canada’s medtech and AI landscape.
This role has the potential of renewal or extension. This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week) hybrid position with the expectation of at least 3 days a week in-person at the Sunnybrook Bayview campus.
Summary of Duties:
Communications & Network Engagement
- Draft, edit, and distribute network communications including newsletters, social media content, event invitations, and stakeholder updates
- Support the planning and execution of INOVAIT events, webinars, and networking sessions
- Maintain and update the network’s websites, social media channels, and member-facing platforms
- Help coordinate outreach to current and prospective network members, partners, and collaborators across academia, industry, and clinical settings
- Track engagement metrics and prepare summary reports on communication and event performance
Market Research & Analysis
- Conduct landscape scans and market research on trends, competitors, and opportunities in image-guided therapy, AI in healthcare, and the broader Canadian medtech sector
- Compile and synthesize data from public sources, industry reports, and academic literature into clear, actionable summaries and briefs
- Support the development of market maps, sector profiles, and competitive intelligence resources for internal use and network stakeholders
- Assist with the preparation of reports, pitch materials, and briefing documents for funding applications, partnership development, and strategic planning
- Monitor relevant policy developments, funding programs, and regulatory changes that could impact the Canadian medtech ecosystem
General Support
- Provide administrative and organizational support to the INOVAIT team as needed
- Contribute to internal knowledge management, documentation practices, and policy development and enforcement
- Participate in team meetings, public events, brainstorming sessions, and strategic discussions
Qualifications:
Required
- Graduate in science, communications, business, health sciences, public policy, or a related discipline
- Recent graduates are welcome to apply
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with an eye for clear, audience-appropriate messaging
- Demonstrated ability to conduct research, synthesize information from multiple sources, and present findings in a structured format
- Comfort working with digital tools including social media platforms, content management systems, and standard office productivity software
- Self-starter with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Assets (Nice to Have)
- Familiarity with and interest in the Canadian medtech sector, health innovation networks, or technology commercialization processes
- Experience with graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite), email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp), content management systems (e.g., Wordpress), and client relationship management systems (e.g., HubSpot)
- Exposure to market research methodologies, competitive analysis frameworks, or data visualization tools
- Proficiency in both official languages (English and French)
- Previous internship or co-op experience in a research, communications, or business development setting
Assets (Nice to Have)
- Familiarity with and interest in the Canadian medtech sector, health innovation networks, or technology commercialization processes
- Experience with graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite), email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp), content management systems (e.g., Wordpress), and client relationship management systems (e.g., HubSpot)
- Exposure to market research methodologies, competitive analysis frameworks, or data visualization tools
- Proficiency in both official languages (English and French)
- Previous internship or co-op experience in a research, communications, or business development setting
What we offer
- A front row seat supporting Canada’s most innovative companies in medtech and AI commercialize and scale
- Exposure to a diverse, cross-sector network of researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs, government officials, and industry leaders
- Mentorship and professional development in communications strategy, market intelligence, and health technology commercialization
- A collaborative, tight-knit, mission-driven, and thoughtful team environment
- The possibility of contract renewal beyond the summer term based on performance and organizational needs
- Possibility of extension with benefits and healthcare pension.
Application Challenge
As part of your application, we ask you to submit a short concept piece (max. two pages written or max. 10-slide deck) responding to one of the following prompts:
Option A: Streamlining with GenAI
Identify a task or workflow relevant to this role (e.g., market research, content creation, stakeholder communications, event coordination) and describe how you would leverage generative AI tools to make it more efficient or effective. Outline the tools you would use, the workflow you envision, and any limitations or risks you would watch for.
Option B: Showcasing Canada on the Global Stage
Propose a concept for a project, campaign, or content piece that highlights Canada’s strengths in medtech and AI to an international audience. This could be a communications initiative, a research brief, a data visualization, a media pitch, or anything else you think would be compelling. Tell us what the idea is, who it’s for, and why it would resonate.
We are not looking for polished deliverables or finished products. We want to see how you think: your creativity, your ability to connect ideas, and your instinct for where generative AI or strategic communications can create real value for Canada’s medtech ecosystem. A clear, thoughtful concept matters more than production quality.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should complete the application form and submit the following:
- A current resume/CV
- A brief cover letter (max. one page) outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience
- Your response to the Application Challenge (see above)
- Two additional writing samples (preferably, an essay (500-1000 words))
- Two professional references
We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups in STEM and health innovation.
