University Health Network (UHN) is looking for an experienced professional to fill the key role of Postdoctoral Fellow in the Shroeder Arthritis Institute.
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 Research Fellow is required to investigate the potential therapeutic role of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in the context of Osteoarthritis (OA). The Postdoctoral Fellow will be involved in differentiating MSCs to IPSC and evaluating the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of MSCs in in vitro, explant and in vivo models of osteoarthritis. Experience with iPSC is a must, and MSC cell culture will be an asset. The project will also involve looking at iPSC differentiation into monocytes/macrophages. Experience with scale up and growing cells in a bioreactor will be an asset.
The candidate will be supervised by the Principal Investigator, a translational scientist who leads several cell-based clinical initiatives including OA. This work will be done in partnership with an industry partner and there is potential for commercialization. Candidates should be eligible for MITACs PDF funding. The translational work is expected to form the basis for a clinical evaluation of these cells in the near future
Qualifications
• PhD received within the past 5 years in a related field with extensive experience in primary cell culture and isolation, molecular biology is required
• Knowledge of iPSCs is essential
• Knowledge of MSCs and/or other stem cell biology would be an asset
• Background in hematology or immunology (macrophage related preferred) and osteoarthritis is a definite asset
• Effective team player with strong, collaborative trouble-shooting skills
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams is an asset
• Solid documentation skills and organizational ability
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
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 as well as attach your resume, covering letter and three letters of reference. You will also be required to complete some initial screening questions.
Posted Date: February 10, 2022 Closing Date: Until filled
More information and apply here.