Program Head – Cell & Systems Biology Research Program

The Research Institute at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is seeking a dynamic research leader to be Head of the Program in Cell & Systems Biology, one of seven highly productive flagship research programs. The Program Head leads 30 independent investigators and approximately 200 graduate and postdoctoral trainees and staff. Research in this program has a strong focus on both discovery and translational research in multiple areas to advance precision medicine including cancer and infectious diseases. Visit our site to learn more about the Cell & Systems Biology Research Program. Broadly, researchers in the Program use cutting-edge methods in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, and multimodal imaging, combined with proteomics, combinatorial chemistry, high through-put robotics and deep learning to examine cell physiology and metabolism, inter- and intracellular signaling, organelle function and connectivity, protein traffic, and cell death and inflammation. It is expected that a candidate will have already established an international reputation as a researcher in one of these areas.

The successful candidate will have a PhD, MD or equivalent, and a demonstrated track record of increasing leadership experience in research. To practice as an MD, the successful candidate will have to obtain an appropriate Certificate of Registration from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (license to practice), and appropriate Visa (if applicable), by the job start date. The Program Head, together with senior leaders, will be responsible for the overall scope, focus and direction of research within the Program, and will play an integral role in developing and implementing scientific priorities within the Research Institute to ensure SickKids remains at the forefront of research in Cell & Systems Biology. The Program Head will also work with the other Program Heads to establish inter-programmatic projects, to promote information sharing and to maximize use of resources, and work with Hospital and Centre leaders (e.g., Garron Family Cancer Centre) to promote interdisciplinary and translational research. In addition to Program Head activities, the successful candidate will initiate and maintain an original, competitive, and independently funded research program of international caliber.

The successful candidate will be appointed as a Senior Scientist in the Research Institute and is expected to qualify for an appointment at the Associate or Full Professor level (status only) in an appropriate department at the University of Toronto. The Program Head role is a five-year appointment, with the potential to renew this leadership role for a further five-year term following a successful Program review. At the end of their term as Program Head, the successful candidate will be eligible to maintain their senior scientist appointment.

The Cell & Systems Biology Research Program is in the state-of-the-art Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, located in the Discovery District in the heart of downtown Toronto. The Program offers a unique environment for medical science discoveries with nine teaching and research hospitals and the University of Toronto, Canada’s largest university, in proximity. SickKids is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, and SickKids researchers benefit from the extensive research facilities of the University and other affiliated institutions.

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 Peoples of North America, persons with disability, 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. The Hospital for Sick Children also recognizes that scholars have varying career paths. Candidates are encouraged to explain any personal circumstances to allow for a fair assessment of their application.

Application Process

Interested applicants should e-mail their application (Curriculum Vitae, detailed research plan, leadership experience and vision, and equity, diversity and inclusion statement) in PDF format, to Dr. Stephen Scherer, Chief of Research, at chief.research@sickkids.ca by the close of the search on February 7, 2025, 2025. The search committee will begin to review applications in February with a potential start date in Fall 2025 or Winter 2026. Applicants must also arrange to have three signed letters of reference on institutional letterhead sent directly to chief.research@sickkids.ca, indicating the applicant’s name in the subject line.

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 candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Applicants may direct informal inquiries to: chief.research@sickkids.ca.