Job Description

Post Doctoral Fellow

A

Post Doctoral Fellow (PDF)

position is available in the Szaszi Laboratory at the Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science at the St. Michael's Hospital. The Szaszi lab is part of the Organ Injury and Repair Research Pillar at the Keenan Research Center. We are seeking a highly motivated and accomplished postdoctoral candidate with interest in studying the pathobiology of kidney tubular cells and their role in chronic kidney disease. The position will allow the candidate to deepen their research skills and expertise in conducting research independently and to prepare for an academic carrier such as a research associate or independent scientist. The position is for 1 year with the possibility to extend if funding is available.


The overarching goal of the Szaszi lab is to obtain in-depth understanding of fundamental molecular mechanisms governing inflammation- and injury-induced responses of kidney epithelial cells with relevance to acute and chronic kidney disease. We wish to identify molecular processes that contribute to injury repair, with the goal of establishing new therapeutic targets and exploring drugs that can enhance repair and diminish pro-fibrotic transition of the epithelium.


The project will involve the use of animal models of kidney disease, and will require a strong background in such models. The PDF will focus on validating new targets for delaying and reversing chronic kidney disease. The candidate is expected to have a PhD degree in biology, with experience in areas related to the project obtained within the last 6 years. A thorough academic training as demonstrated by an excellent publication record is a prerequisite.


Working closely with and receiving advice and direction from a supervising Scientist, the Postdoctoral Fellow is expected to develop a specialized area of research and expertise. A Postdoctoral fellowship is an extension of the academic training received during a doctorate, bringing the candidate towards the goal of becoming an independent Scientist. Primary responsibilities include:


Developing research ideas and designing research studies under the direction of a supervising Scientist to address knowledge gaps or problems and generate new knowledge.


Leading/managing some parts of or entire studies under the direction of a supervising Scientist.


Writing proposals, reports, manuscripts for publication.


Providing presentations for knowledge dissemination.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Due to the variable nature of the position, this list is to be used as a guide only.

Research study development and initiation (55% of work time)

Leads/manages the study under the direction of a Supervising Scientist.


Performs experiments and analysis for the research study.


Maintains clear knowledge and understanding of research ethics, regulations and policies while remaining in full compliance with all applicable policies for ethical conduct to ensure adequate quality control.


Conducts ongoing review of relevant literature to keep up with current knowledge.


Participates in and leads team/lab meetings and research rounds with other members of the lab by providing insightful and intellectual discussions and presentations.


Develops protocols and budget; initiates and leads small to moderate level studies under the direction of a Supervising Scientist following established process/practice.


Assists Investigator(s) in writing/submitting research grant applications, e.g., by providing study results and interpretation, feedback on the application, assisting with the development of budget and study protocols.


Writes proposal and application for awards in conjunction with the Principal Investigator to increase funding, enhance CV and the profile of the institution, e.g., CIHR Postdoctoral Fellowship and scholarships.


Develops novel research ideas and designs scientific studies of moderate scope to address knowledge gap or complex problems subject to review, input/amendment, and approval of the Principal Investigator.


Utilizes research knowledge to contribute to institutional activities, e.g., being a judge for poster competitions, etc.


May participate in committees.


Helps with academic activities for the research team e.g., journal clubs, seminars, discussions.


Develops training tools and modules based on the research and conducting training.


Provides training on how to appropriately use laboratory equipment/technology and how to handle animals

Report/manuscript writing and presentations (25% of work time)

Writes reports and manuscripts for publication as first author, under the guidance/direction and subject to approval by the Principal Investigator while maintaining responsibility for academic output of research studies.


Receives mentorship from the Principal Investigator to present at local, national and/or international meetings/conferences.


Networks and collaborates with other Researchers to keep abreast of new developments in research, to exchange information, within scope of authority, etc.


Selects appropriate techniques/methods to analyze data and provides interpretation of study results.


Participates in "Knowledge Translation" - disseminates the results of research to the wider scientific community and to the healthcare community; develops tools and evidence summaries to make research more accessible to lay audiences.

Day to day project and staff guidance tasks (15% of work time)

Provides basic laboratory training and mentoring to students. Guides and mentors students on how to conduct research/analysis (e.g. literature search, research techniques, and conceptual and practical training).


Seeks, develops, and maintains internal and external relationships for research collaborations and partnerships.

Administrative Duties (5% of work time)

May coordinate research activities with other departments; study approval from the Research Ethics Board and approval for grant applications from the Office of Research Administration, etc.


Prepares research ethics board, animal care committee and all other required submissions relative to initiating and conducting individual studies, under the direction of a supervising Scientist.


Monitors supplies, helps with ordering

Performs cross functional and other duties as assigned and/or requested.

All staff are expected to carry out their assigned duties and responsibilities in a manner which prioritizes patient and employee safety, and confidentiality. Key accountabilities in this regard include:


Strict compliance with patient/employee confidentiality practices and policies.


Strict compliance with patient/employee safety practices and standards.


Appropriate identification, reporting and response to patient/employee confidentiality breaches in accordance with established policies and procedures.


Appropriate identification, reporting and response to patient/employee safety risks and incidents/events in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

Must have completed a PhD within 6 years of their start date OR currently in their last year of completing a recognized Doctoral (PhD or MD) degree where submission of a Doctoral thesis by postdoc application period is required and successfully defended their Doctoral thesis three (3) or more months before their Postdoctoral Fellow start date.


Has demonstrated experience in several aspects of research study development, initiation, execution, analysis and interpretation required.


Experience with the preparation of manuscripts and data presentation required.


Has demonstrated successful research achievements through a strong publication record


Uses Research equipment specific to the project, e.g., flow cytometry, microscope, tissue processor, DNA/RNA sequencer, animal imaging system, etc.


Has strong experience in animal models. Experience in kidney disease animal model is an advantage.


Microsoft Office applications.


Statistical software (i.e. R, Stata, SAS, SPSS etc.)


[Advanced] Computer skills with Microsoft Office


[Advanced] Effective communication and interpersonal skills required.


[Advanced] Ability to work independently and as part of a team required.


[Advanced] Ability to pay close attention to detail required.


[Advanced] Excellent planning and organizational skills required.


[Advanced] Able to work with people with diverse backgrounds.


[Intermediate] Effective mentoring and coaching skills with the ability to effectively support team members preferred.


[Advanced] Excellent problem solving, analytical and critical thinking skills required.


[Advanced] Ability to make decisions, within scope of authority preferred.


[Advanced] Excellent project management skills required.


[Advanced] Ability to maintain active involvement in several aspects of research study development required.


[Advanced] Demonstrated ability to initiate and complete a research study in chosen field required.


[Advanced] Demonstrated ability to design, execute and manage multiple studies preferred.


[Advanced] Understanding of power dynamics, and structures.


[Advanced] Sense of curiosity, inquisitiveness.





Unity Health Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We strive to provide a recruitment process that is barrier-free and in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We understand that you may require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process. When you are contacted, please inform the Talent Acquisition Specialist and we will work with you to meet your accommodation needs. We want to emphasize that all accommodation requests are handled with the utmost confidentiality, respecting your privacy and dignity.