The Research Institute at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is accepting applications for a Scientist/Senior Scientist focused on examining the molecular and cellular basis of cognition throughout the lifespan. The position is permanent full-time and will include an accompanying appointment in a relevant department at The University of Toronto (UofT), including but not limited to Physiology, Cell and Systems Biology, Psychiatry, or Molecular Genetics. The SickKids Research Institute is Canada’s largest, hospital-based child health research institute. Our commitment is to improve the health of children, here in Canada and in the global community.
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline, as well as significant research experience (i.e., at least 3 years postdoctoral) and a record of outstanding scientific accomplishment and innovation in the neuroscience of cognition. Applicants are expected to demonstrate evidence of: successful research funding (peer-reviewed grants, fellowships, etc.), high impact research, and mentorship experience. Applicants should have a strong track record of productivity and innovation in research focused on using molecular and/or cellular methods to understand cognition in model organisms, as well as an established record of collaboration and interdisciplinary research.
The successful candidate will engage in an original, competitive, and independently funded research program of international caliber that will use modern techniques (e.g., spatial transcriptomics, high density neural recordings, etc.) to understand cognition, including neurodevelopment, learning and memory, decision making and motivation. The successful candidate will be appointed as a Scientist/Senior Scientist in the SickKids Research Institute and 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. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. 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 Wherein a practicing MD, the successful candidate will have obtained an appropriate Certificate of Registration from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (license to practice), and appropriate VISA, if applicable.
The successful applicant’s research program will be housed at the SickKids Research Institute in the state- of-the-art Peter Gilgan Centre for Research & Learning (686 Bay Street, Toronto, Canada), located in the Discovery District in the heart of downtown Toronto. SickKids is fully affiliated with the UofT – Canada’s largest and top-ranked university, and our researchers benefit from the extensive research facilities at the UofT and other affiliated institutions. The position 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 of the world.
The Hospital for Sick Children recognizes that scholars have varying career paths and that career interruptions due to personal circumstances can be part of an excellent academic record. Candidates are encouraged to explain any personal circumstances to allow for a fair assessment of their application.
Our Commitment to Diversity
SickKids is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. If requested, SickKids is proud to make available accommodations to support applicants with disabilities during the interview and assessment process. Informed by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Ontario Human Rights Code, and our Access and Accommodation Policy, we will accommodate the needs of applicants. Please email faculty.office@sickkids.ca of your accessibility needs during the recruitment process. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.
Application Process
Interested applicants should email their application (curriculum vitae, description of past research, research plan [3 pages], Equity Diversity and Inclusion Statement, and copies of three representative publications) preferably in a single PDF file, to Dr. Donald Mabbott, Program Head Neurosciences & Mental Health Research Program and Dr. Brian Ciruna, Program Head, Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Research Program at nmh.search@sickkids.ca by the close of the search on February 15, 2025. Three reference letters are also required and should be sent directly to nmh.search@sickkids.ca. The search committee will interview applicants beginning in March 2025 until the position is filled, with a potential start date in the next academic calendar year (2025/2026).
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.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
