Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute

150 150 Office of Research Trainees

University Health Network (UHN) is looking for experienced professionals to fill the key role of a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute.

Job Posting #895591

Position: Postdoctoral Fellow
Site: Krembil Research Institute
Department: Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute
Reports to: Principal Investigator
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Status: Temporary Full Time (1 year renewable)

Transforming lives and communities through excellence in care, discovery and learning.

The University Health Network, where “above all else the needs of patients come first”, encompasses Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and the Michener Institute of Education at UHN. The breadth of research, the complexity of the cases treated, and the magnitude of its educational enterprise has made UHN a national and international resource for patient care, research and education. With a long tradition of groundbreaking firsts and a purpose of “Transforming lives and communities through excellence in care, discovery and learning”, the University Health Network (UHN), Canada’s largest research teaching hospital, brings together over 16,000 employees, more than 1,600 physicians, 8,000+ students, and many volunteers. UHN is a caring, creative place where amazing people are amazing the world.

University Health Network (UHN) is a research hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto and a member of the Toronto Academic Health Science Network. The scope of research and complexity of cases at UHN have made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care. Research across UHN’s seven research institutes spans the full spectrum of diseases and disciplines, including cancer, cardiovascular sciences, transplantation, neural and sensory sciences, musculoskeletal health, rehabilitation sciences, and community and population health. Find out about our purpose, values and principles here.

A postdoctoral position to study the molecular mechanisms underlying intercellular cytoplasmic transfer in the healthy and diseased retina is available in the laboratory of the Co-Director and Senior Scientist at the Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute/Krembil Research Institute at the University Health Network and University of Toronto.

Recent findings show that photoreceptors engage in the bidirectional transfer of cytoplasmic contents in vivo and in vitro.. This intercellular cytoplasmic transfer is mediated by nanotube-like protrusions that connect cells and form the conduits for protein and organelle exchange. We are using genome-wide screening as well as standard RNAi and CRISPR-based approaches to investigate the mechanism of cytoplasmic protein transfer on retinal homeostasis, disease and cell-based vision rescue. The postdoctoral fellow will lead project(s) to elucidate the roles of novel candidate genes on cytoplasmic transfer. In addition to designing and conducting experiments, the candidate will participate in manuscript and grant preparation, presentation at meetings, and supervision of trainees.

Qualifications:
• PhD received within the past 5 years or PhD/MD within past 10 years in neuroscience, ophthalmology, genetics, or cell/molecular biology required
• Proficiency with transgenic mouse models, molecular biology and microscopy required
• Prior experience with stem cell culture and/or phenotyping rodent models of retinal disease, including visual electrophysiology and histology/immunostaining of the retina preferred
• Expected to have a demonstrated record of achievements and publications
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Independent critical thinking skills required

Vaccines (COVID and others) are a requirement of the job unless you have an exemption on a medical ground pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code.

If you are interested in making your contribution at UHN, please apply on-line. You will be asked to copy and paste a cover letter outlining interest and motivations and resume as well as names and contact information of three references. You will also be required to complete some initial screening questions.

Posting Date: March 24, 2022                       Closing Date: April 7, 2022

More information and apply here.