Job Description

About SickKids

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Dedicated exclusively to children and their families, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is one of the largest and most respected paediatric healthcare centres in the world. As innovators in child health, we lead and partner to improve the health of children through the integration of healthcare, leading-edge research and education. Our reputation would not have been built - nor could it be maintained - without the skills, knowledge and experience of the extraordinary people who come to work here every day. SickKids is committed to ongoing learning and development, and features a caring and supportive work environment that combines exceptionally high standards of practice.


When you join SickKids, you become part of our community. We share a commitment and determination to fulfill our vision of Healthier Children. A Better World.


Don't miss out on the opportunity to work alongside the world's best in paediatric healthcare.

Position Description

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The Research Institute at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is seeking an outstanding scientist who is committed to advancing child health through the development and application of advanced imaging and intervention methods in models of human disease. The successful candidate will join a team of investigators in the Translational Medicine (TM) research program to establish and lead an independent research program focused on developing non-invasive imaging methods to study paediatric physiology, with an emphasis on clinical translation. The position offers the opportunity to conduct research, teach, and live in one of the most vibrant, safe and diverse cities in the world.


The scope of research for this position includes theoretical development, experimental validation, and practical implementation of advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods and complements existing groups and infrastructure aligned with SickKids' Precision Child Health initiative. Areas of particular interest include the use of hyperpolarized gases to safely visualize lung airways, as well as MRI techniques to detect, diagnose, and advance studies in pediatric cardiovascular diseases.


SickKids has been named by Newsweek and Statista as the best children's health-care centre in the world for 2026, topping the list of 250 children's hospitals globally. The SickKids Research Institute is Canada's largest, hospital-based child health research institute and our commitment is to improve the health of children, here in Canada and in the global community. The position is permanent full-time and expected to include a cross appointment in a relevant department at The University of Toronto (UofT), offering a unique environment for medical science discoveries, with nine teaching and research hospitals in close proximity.


Applicants must have a Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D. or equivalent, along with a minimum of three years of postdoctoral research experience and a history of scientific work and technical contributions in imaging science. Applicants are expected to demonstrate evidence of publications in leading journals, presentations at significant conferences, increasing leadership experience in a research team, and where applicants have held a faculty appointment, successful research funding. Applicants should have a strong track record of productivity and innovation in both method development and application as well as an established record of collaboration and interdisciplinary research.


The successful candidate will establish and maintain an original, competitive, and independently funded research program of international caliber. Collegial interaction will be an important element in success. SickKids has an exceptional program in human imaging, and core facilities for modeling disease in multiple organisms, allowing the successful candidate to collaborate across platforms. The successful candidate will be expected to qualify for an academic cross-appointment at the UofT enabling: (a) direct supervision of students, postdoctoral fellows, and research associates; and (b) work with students/post-docs to prepare scientific manuscripts, grant applications, and/or drafts of patent applications. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. A competitive benefits package is being offered along with support for relocation expenses. Exceptional, appropriately qualified candidates may be nominated for a Canada Research Chair. For further information see: http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/home-accueil-eng.aspx .


The Hospital for Sick Children recognizes that scholars have varying career paths and that career interruptions due to personal circumstances can be part of an excellent academic record. Candidates are encouraged to explain any personal circumstances to allow for a fair assessment of their application.

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 People of North America, persons with disabilities, 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.

Application Process

Interested applicants should e-mail their application (curriculum vitae, description of past research, a plan for research explained in the context of past research achievements [3-5 pages], Equity Diversity and Inclusion Statement [0.5 pages max], names and contact details for 3 references, and copies of three representative publications, preferably in PDF format, to mriscientist.search@sickkids.ca. Initial review will begin in December 2025, but we will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. The potential start date is Summer 2026.


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 applicants are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Only those applicants selected for the interview will be contacted.

Applicants may direct any informal inquiries to:

Chair, Dr. Felix Ratjen, Translational Medicine


Initial job ad posting date: 11 November 2025

Our Commitment to Diversity

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SickKids is committed to championing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do, fostering an intentionally inclusive and culturally safe environment that reflects the diversity of the patients, families and communities we serve. Learn more about workplace inclusion.

Accessibility & Accommodation

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If you require accommodation during the application process, please reach out to our aSKHR team. SickKids can provide access and inclusion supports to eligible candidates to support their full engagement during the interview and selection process as well as to ensure candidates are able to perform their duties once successfully hired. If you are invited for an interview and require accommodation, please let us know at the time of your invitation to interview. Information received related to access, inclusion or accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

How To Apply

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Technical difficulties? Email ask.hr@sickkids.ca with a short description of the issues you are experiencing. We will not accept resumes sent to this inbox but we are happy to respond to requests for technical assistance.

Tip:

Combine your cover letter and resume into

ONE

document of 20 pages or less as you cannot upload multiple documents as part of your application.