Post-Doctoral Fellow (SRI) - Biological Sciences - Temporary Full-time 2025-14012

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.

We are seeking applications for a post-doctoral fellow (PDF) position to develop in vitro systems for zoonotic viruses using a One Health approach.  Specifically, we are seeking a post-doctoral fellow to lead a project on the development and characterization of primary cells and organoids from a range of mammalian host species for the study of influenza viruses and coronaviruses.  Experimental work is conducted at two sites, including Sunnybrook Research Institute and the University of Toronto.  The successful candidate will also be joining a broader research collaboration around emerging viral zoonoses through the Wildlife Emerging Pathogens Initiative (Wild EPI).

Highly motivated candidates with robust in vitro experimental and knowledge translation skills are encouraged to apply; this includes strong leadership, scientific writing and communication abilities.  Candidates must have ample experience in advanced tissue culture and engineering techniques and virology, and be eligible for Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (HTPA) security clearance.  Candidates must also be open to highly collaborative, multidisciplinary, team-oriented research; effective mentorship skills will be an asset.  PDFs are expected to present their research at regional, national and international conferences, publish their work in peer-reviewed journals, and mentor peers. 

Please apply by providing a personal statement that outlines relevant past experience, scientific motivation, and a statement of interest. Please describe your current career goals and describe how this training opportunity will enable your advancement.  Please also highlight your accomplishments and leadership, multidisciplinary collaborations and commitment to research integrity.  Also, please provide an updated CV, and send attention to samira.mubareka@sunnybrook.ca.

The closing date is Friday July 18th, 2025, or until a suitable candidate is found; applications will be screened for merit on receipt.  The anticipated start date is August 25th, 2025 (negotiable).  The position is supported for an initial period of 12 months with possibility of extension. Sunnybrook Research Institute is committed to equity and diversity within its community and welcomes all applications from all backgrounds who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

Primary responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Independently design, troubleshoot, and conduct molecular biology and virology experiments
• Lead development and characterization of primary cells and organoids from mammalian species for influenza and coronavirus research
• Provide guidance, training and mentorship to junior lab members
• Maintain detailed laboratory records and protocols to ensure data integrity and reproducibility
• Collaborate within the Wildlife Emerging Pathogens Initiative (Wild EPI) and broader multidisciplinary teams
• Present research findings at regional, national and international conferences and scientific meetings
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals

Qualifications:

• PhD in a relevant field (e.g., virology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences)
• Extensive experience in advanced tissue culture, organoid systems, and virology
• Eligible for Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (HTPA) security clearance
• Strong leadership, communication, and scientific writing skills
• Proven ability to work in collaborative, multidisciplinary and team-oriented environments
• Strong publication record / evidence of productivity through publications in peer-reviewed journals

Experience in biosafety level 3 or above