Research Associate-RI - Jobs in Toronto, ON

Job Description

About SickKidsDedicated 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 DescriptionWe are recruiting a Research Associate (RA) for an exciting opportunity at the Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning at the Hospital for Sick Children to carry out research study operations that will support world-class fundamental and pre-clinical research at SickKids. The RA will work closely with the Principal Investigator to help to lead synthetic biology projects on antimicrobial resistance, machine learning (ML)-based protein design, cell line engineering, and CRISPR-based genetic screens.Responsibilities:

• develop yeast-based selection methods for screens of ML designed proteins, enzymes, miniproteins and nanobodies
• develop in vitro enzyme assays to assess engineered protein activities
• design and construct genetically-encoded libraries of novel antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in yeast in both linear and cyclized or other modified forms
• work closely with ML experts on projects to combat the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis
• develop assays for detection of antimicrobial activity against bacterial pathogens and characterization of novel AMPs identified in screens
• develop libraries, assays and screening platforms for discovery of novel synthetic natural products using combinatorial enzyme biosynthesis
• characterize new genes implicated in the control of cell growth, division and metabolism identified in genetic screens in both yeast and human cells
• devise and carry out CRISPR-based genetic screens in human cells
• implement state-of-the-art CRISPR technology for cell line engineering
• work closely with an extensive team within the research group and external collaborators
• train and supervise graduate students and postdoctoral fellows
• write manuscripts, grant reports and grant applications in conjunction with the PI

Qualifications:

• PhD degree in molecular biology with extensive expertise in specific areas of biomedical research including synthetic biology, cell and protein engineering, chemical biology and drug discovery
• Research experience in a higher education setting that includes:
  • A conceptual understanding of and practical experience in synthetic biology, biotechnology, natural product biosynthesis, CRISPR technology, and protein design
  • Use of standard software tools for gene design and molecular cloning
  • Demonstrated track record in timely delivery of critical results and meeting acute deadlines
  • Expertise in multiple bacterial, yeast and human cell model systems
  • Expertise in target- and cell-based assay design and implementation of large-scale screens with genetically-encoded libraries
  • Expertise in CRISPR-based genetic manipulation
  • Track record in dissemination of research findings through presentations at international conferences, publications, and workshops
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Ability to function both independently and as part of a dedicated sub-team within a larger research group
  • Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Ability to work well in a team environment and demonstrate a strong work ethic and initiative
  • Demonstrated record in assisting with successful grant applications to major national and international funding agencies

Employment Type: Full-time Permanent Position, 1.0 FTEOur Commitment to DiversityThe children and families we care for are from a variety of communities, and so are our employees. We welcome and encourage everyone to join our organization and be part of our team. When requested, SickKids will provide access and inclusion supports to eligible candidates to support their full engagement during the interview and assessment process. Information received related to access or inclusion will be addressed confidentially.Thank you for your interest in joining SickKids. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. In accordance with our Hospital policy, employment at SickKids is conditional upon the Hospital’s receipt of all necessary documentation.FOR EXTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY: As a health care institution, our highest priority is the safety of patients, families and staff. As a result, we are adopting all prevention measures to ensure the safety of our patients, families and our staff. Therefore, any offer of employment is conditional upon you submitting proof that you have been fully vaccinated with a Health Canada or World Health Organization (WHO) approved COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible and no later than fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the effective start date, in addition to satisfying any other condition(s) that may be set out in an offer. If a candidate fails to satisfy this condition (or any other condition(s) set out in an offer), any offer of employment shall be immediately rescinded.How to ApplyTip: 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.If you are still experiencing technical difficulties please email ask.hr@sickkids.ca to send us a short description of the issues you are experiencing. Please note that we will not accept resumes sent to this inbox but we are happy to respond to requests for technical assistance.Quick Apply

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