Program Head - Genetics & Genome Biology

The Research Institute at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is seeking a dynamic research leader to be Head of the Genetics & Genome Biology (GGB) Program. The successful candidate will have an international reputation in using genomic, computational and/or data science approaches to study human disease. Research leadership in areas at the intersection of genome biology with biostatistics, computational biology, or data science will be prioritized, as SickKids has recently launched an initiative in Precision Child Health. The successful candidate will have a PhD, MD or PhD/MD (or equivalent), and an established record of research leadership excellenc

 

The Genetics & Genome Biology Program Head provides leadership and mentorship to program members, and will have the opportunity to influence the scientific direction of the Research Institute through shared vision and strategic planning as a member of the Research Institute Executive Committee. The Program is located in the state-of-the-art Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, positioned in the Discovery District in the heart of downtown Toronto. The Genetics & Genome Biology Program consists of 31 investigators and over 330 trainees and staff, offering a unique environment for medical science discoveries with nine teaching and research hospitals and the University of Toronto, Canada’s largest university, in close proximity. Genetics & Genome Biology researchers use genetics and genomics to understand human health and disease, understand genetic and environmental influences on disease risk, and exploit that knowledge to improve health through treatment or prevention strategies.   

 

The successful candidate will be appointed as a fulltime, permanent Senior Scientist in the Research Institute, and would qualify for an appointment at the Associate or Full Professor level in the appropriate department at the University of Toronto.  The Program Head role is a five-year appointment, with the potential to renew for a further 5 years following a successful Program review.    Exceptional, appropriately qualified applicants may be nominated for a Canada Research Chair http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/home-accueil-eng.aspx.

 

Researchers with an interest in genetics and genome biology at SickKids contribute to, and benefit from, the interdepartmental and interdisciplinary initiatives for genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and computational biology - major infrastructures include The Centre for Applied Genomics and The Centre for Phenogenomics. SickKids researchers also benefit from the extensive research facilities of the University and its affiliated institutions.

 

Interested applicants should e-mail their application (curriculum vitae; research plan {3-5 pages including an equity, diversity, and inclusion statement}; leadership experience and vision {1 page}) preferably in PDF format, to chief.research@sickkids.ca by November 26, 2021. The search committee will review applications as they are received, selecting candidates for interviews starting in mid-January, with a potential start date in Spring/Summer 2022.

 

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 chief.research@sickkids.ca of your accessibility needs during the recruitment process. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

 

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. The successful candidate will hold an appropriate and valid work permit, if applicable. Only those applicants selected for the interview will be contacted. Wherein a practicing MD, the successful candidate must hold or be eligible for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.

 

FOR EXTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY: As a health care institution, our highest priority is the safety of patients, families and staff.  As a result, we are adopting all prevention measures to ensure the safety of our patients, families and our staff.  Therefore, any offer of employment is conditional upon you submitting proof that you have been fully vaccinated with a Health Canada or World Health Organization (WHO) approved COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible and no later than fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the effective start date, in addition to satisfying any other condition(s) that may be set out in an offer.  If a candidate fails to satisfy this condition (or any other condition(s) set out in an offer), any offer of employment shall be immediately rescinded.