Job Description

Department: Mathematics

Position supervisor: Dr. Kathleen Wilkie

Contract length: 1 year with the possibility of renewal

Hours of work per week: 36.25

Position type: Postdoctoral Fellow

Rate of pay: $60,000 per annum plus benefits


About Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)


At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University is on a transformative path to become Canada's leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.


Toronto Metropolitan University welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.


As an employer, we are working towards a people first culture and are proud to have been selected as one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers and a Greater Toronto's Top Employer for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
About the team


The Department of Mathematics at Toronto Metropolitan University invites applications from qualified candidates for a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship appointment in mathematical modelling of viral infection dynamics under the co-supervision of Prof. Kathleen Wilkie (TMU) and Prof. Morgan Craig (Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Computational Immunology, CHU Sainte-Justine Azrieli Research Centre and Universite de Montreal). This position should start September 1, 2025 and will be located in Toronto.


A PhD in mathematics or a related field and evidence of excellence in research are required for the position.


The opportunity


The candidate will work with an interdisciplinary team of researchers to develop predictive, mechanistic mathematical and computational models of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. The models will be calibrated to and validated against experimental and clinical data to study the patterns of infection and reinfection between mothers and infants.


CMV infection can cause disease in multiple organ systems leading to hearing loss, neurological impairments, and other lifelong issues. It is more severe in immunocompromised patients, including infants and the elderly. CMV reinfections may occur between mothers and their infants partially due to the genetic diversity of the virus. This diversity fuels rapid evolution and the mutation of strains.


The successful candidate will develop mathematical and computational models to predict how infection outcomes are altered by immunological heterogeneity, including aging effects. Diversity in response dynamics will be explored through the use of virtual patients and virtual populations, and this will include scientific computing method development. Simulations of the data-calibrated models will improve understanding of the effects of viral evolution on infection establishment, reactivation, and reinfection in mothers and their infants.


The annual salary is $60,000 CAD plus benefits for one year with the possibility of renewal for a second year subject to performance. Candidates with teaching experience may apply to teach one course per year to supplement the salary.


Qualifications


The ideal candidate will have strong academic and publication records in systemic, mechanistic mathematical/computational modelling, a high degree of autonomy, and excellent communication skills. They will also work well with their peers and collaborators, be detail-oriented, and well-organized. The candidate will participate in lab activities, possibly help with the supervision of students and/or interns, and disseminate their work through journal articles and conferences.


Training: PhD in applied mathematics, computational biology, or a related discipline.


Specific expertise: Demonstrated mathematical modelling skills using data-driven quantitative analyses, differential equations, and/or quantitative systems pharmacology; programming skills; prior knowledge of immunology is an asset.


How to apply


Please email Kathleen Wilkie (kpwilkie@torontomu.ca) to apply, or if you have any questions.


Applications should include:


most recent transcripts, a curriculum vitae, and the names and contact of at least three references. a cover letter describing their interest in the position - To help assess potential timelines related to the appointment process, applicants are invited to indicate their current immigration status in Canada (e.g., citizen, permanent resident, work permit holder, foreign applicant) in their cover letter.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.


Review of applications will begin on June 30, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those offered an interview will be contacted.


Questions regarding the position can be directed to Kathleen Wilkie (kpwilkie@torontomu.ca).


Toronto Metropolitan University's commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion


We encourage all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples or Indigenous peoples of North America, to self-identify in their applications. If you are an Indigenous applicant and require support during the recruitment process, please reach out to James McKay, Indigenous HR Lead at james13@torontomu.ca. Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture. We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process,please reach out to Human Resources: + Current employees can contact HR by logging into AskHR to submit a request.
+ External candidates who do not have TMU login credentials can contact HR by visiting torontomu.ca/human-resources/askhr/.
* All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.