Scientist or Senior Scientist, Microbiome of Early Life

The Research Institute at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is seeking an outstanding Scientist (equivalent to Assistant Professor) or Senior Scientist (equivalent to Associate or full Professor) who is committed to research on the role of the microbiome in early life health and disease. The position is permanent full-time and will include an accompanying appointment in a relevant department at The University of Toronto.

Applicants must have earned a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D or equivalent in a relative discipline, with a clearly demonstrated exceptional record of excellence in research, service, training, and teaching. Early career applicants must have completed a post-doctoral research fellowship with training and experience in the microbiome and human health and disease. Mid-career and senior applicants will be recognized leaders in microbiome research, whose accomplishments have made an impact on the field and/or societal impact. Applicants’ research interests may include respiratory, intestinal or skin microbiome research including questions of early life development and function of microbiota, microbial genomics, host responses to microbial antigens and metabolites, pathogenesis of inflammatory and allergic diseases including autoimmunity, inflammatory bowel and metabolic diseases, maternal and infant health and nutrition and, responses to infectious viral and bacterial disease. Candidates will be expected to sustain and lead innovative research that will advance the global frontiers of knowledge in the microbiome in health and disease, and to maintain a competitive, externally funded research program.

The successful candidate will be appointed as a Scientist or Senior Scientist in one of the seven research programs in the SickKids Research Institute which best complements their area of expertise. The successful candidate will be expected to qualify for an academic cross-appointment as an Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or Full Professor in an appropriate department at the University of Toronto. 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.

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 University of Toronto - 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 SickKids’ Research Institute includes advanced, innovative core facilities for our scientists and their collaborators supporting basic, translational, and clinical research. These facilities provide state-of-the art technologies including 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.

Candidates must provide evidence of research excellence, which can be demonstrated by a record of sustained high-impact contributions and publications in top-ranked and field-relevant journals, the submitted research statement, presentations at significant conferences, distinguished awards and accolades, evidence of impact on the field, and other noteworthy activities that contribute to the visibility and prominence of the discipline, as well as strong endorsements from referees of high standing. Early career applicants should demonstrate evidence of independent research productivity in the field including peer-reviewed publications and a history of successful; grant-applications to external agencies including fellowships and contribution to operating grants. They should demonstrate the ability to launch a successful research career. In addition, mid-career and senior candidates must demonstrate a record of service to the research community (e.g., peer review funding committees, faculty recruitment committees, academic and industry advisory committees) and a record of mentoring diverse students, trainees, and research personnel, and establishing an equitable and inclusive research environment. Candidates of all levels will be expected to establish and maintain a diverse research team and create an inclusive research and training environment.

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 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. 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 available accommodations to support applicants during the interview and assessment process, if requested. Please email facultysearch.microbiome@sickkids.ca of your accessibility needs during the recruitment process. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

 

Application Process
All qualified candidates are invited to apply and must email a cover letter; a current curriculum vitae; and a 3-page research statement outlining current and future research interests; to facultysearch.microbiome@sickkids.ca by July 15,  2022 (preferably in PDF format).  Review of applications will commence June 6, 2022 and continue until the position is filled, with a targeted start date of Spring/Summer 2023. Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

Applicants must also arrange to have three letters of reference sent directly by the referee via email (on letterhead, dated, and signed) to facultysearch.microbiome@sickkids.ca by the closing date. All application materials, including reference letters, must be received by July 15, 2022.

 

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.