Postdoctoral Researcher

Union: Non-Union
Number of vacancies: 1
New or Replacement Position: New
Site: Allan Slaight Medical Innovation Labs
Department: Research
Reports to: Principal Investigator
Salary Range: $54,902 - $93, 333 per year
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Shifts: On site, day shifts, Monday to Friday; occasional weekend work may be required
Status: Temporary Full-time (1 year contract, with the possibility of extension)
Closing Date: October 30, 2026
Position Summary
We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Researcher I to join Dr. Fei-Fei Liu’s laboratory at the Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower, University Health Network. They will investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of radiation-induced fibrosis and contribute to identifying and evaluating potential therapeutic strategies.
This position combines bioinformatics with experimental cell and molecular biology. The successful candidate will analyse biological datasets, develop research hypotheses, and test these hypotheses through laboratory experiments. We are looking for someone who takes initiative, approaches research critically, and works effectively within a collaborative team.
Duties
Design and conduct studies of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of radiation-induced fibrosis in collaboration with the Principal Investigator.
Analyse gene-expression and other molecular datasets using bioinformatics and appropriate statistical methods to identify relevant pathways and candidate therapeutic targets.
Integrate computational findings with cell-based experiments to test mechanisms and validate candidate targets.
Maintain mammalian cell cultures, including primary cells, and perform cell and molecular biology assays such as RT-qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, and microscopy.
Evaluate candidate anti-fibrotic compounds and optimise experimental assays and protocols.
Maintain accurate experimental records and documented analysis workflows, with appropriate quality control to support reproducible research.
Prepare manuscripts, figures, reports, and presentations, and contribute to grant and fellowship applications.
Collaborate with laboratory members and external partners, contribute to mentoring trainees, and follow applicable laboratory safety and research ethics requirements.
PhD in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, radiation biology, or a related discipline, completed by the start of the appointment.
Experience in bioinformatics, including the analysis and interpretation of biological datasets, with proficiency in R or Python and relevant statistical and data visualisation methods.
Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique, and cell-based assays.
Experience with molecular biology and biochemical techniques, such as RNA or DNA extraction, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and ELISA.
Ability to design experiments, critically evaluate results, troubleshoot experimental and analytical workflows, and advance a research project independently.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including scientific writing and presentation of research findings.
Strong organisational and record-keeping skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively and follow laboratory safety practices.
Experience with small-animal models, animal handling, and tissue collection.
Research experience in fibrosis, radiation responses, wound healing, or tissue repair, preferred.
Experience analysing bulk or single-cell RNA-sequencing data and performing pathway or gene-set enrichment analyses, preferred.
Experience isolating primary cells from human or mouse tissues, or performing immunofluorescence and quantitative microscopy, preferred.
Experience with small-animal models, animal handling, and tissue collection, preferred

Employment type
Contract

Work arrangement
No