Senior Research Associate, Genetics & Genome Biology
Top Benefits
About the role
About SickKids
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
Job Title: Senior Research Associate - Gene Editing & Gene Transfer for Pediatric Genetic Medicines
Reports to: Jason Moffat
Location: PGCRL
Position Type: Full-time
Term: 2 years with possible extension
Modified Benefits: Yes
About Us
Our organization is committed to transforming pediatric health through precision medicine. We aim to develop innovative genetic therapies that address rare and complex childhood diseases. Our culture emphasizes collaboration, scientific rigor, and patient-centered innovation, providing an environment where talented scientists can make a lasting impact.
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Research Associate to contribute to the Precision Child Health Initiative by developing and optimizing gene transfer and gene editing approaches. This role will focus on creating advanced models of pediatric diseases and building next-generation genetic medicines. The successful candidate will leverage expertise in molecular genetics, cell biology, and multi-omics to accelerate translational research and therapeutic development.
Here's What You'll Get To Do:
- Design and implement gene editing strategies (e.g., CRISPR/Cas systems) and gene transfer platforms (viral and non-viral) for pediatric disease models.
- Develop and optimize delivery systems for primary human cells and relevant animal models (e.g., zebrafish, mouse).
- Apply advanced technologies such as single nucleus sequencing, high-content imaging, and multi-omics integration (transcriptomics, proteomics, lipidomics) to characterize disease mechanisms and therapeutic outcomes.
- Perform molecular and cellular assays (qPCR, FISH, luciferase assays) to assess editing efficiency, specificity, and functional impact.
- Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams including bioinformatics, clinical research, and regulatory affairs.
- Maintain accurate experimental documentation and contribute to publications, presentations, and intellectual property filings.
- Mentor junior staff and foster a culture of scientific excellence and innovation.
Here's What You'll Need:
Education:
- Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biotechnology, or related field.
Experience:
- 5+ years of postdoctoral or equivalent experience in gene editing, gene transfer, and disease modeling.
- Proven track record in molecular cloning, cell culture (primary and immortalized), and transfection/transduction techniques.
- Hands-on experience with single nucleus sequencing workflows, high-content imaging platforms, and multi-omics data analysis.
- Computational proficiency in R (limma, DESeq2, Seurat) and Python for data analysis and pipeline development.
- Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- A commitment to understanding and aiding in the pursuit of equity, diversity and inclusion objectives.
Preferred Skills
- Expertise in pediatric disease models and translational research.
- Experience with viral vector development and in vivo delivery systems.
- Familiarity with regulatory considerations for genetic medicine development.
Here's What You'll Love:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
- Employer-matched retirement savings plan.
- Generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements.
- Professional development opportunities including conferences and training
#LI-DNI
Our Commitment to Diversity
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
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
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.
About The Hospital for Sick Children
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is recognized as one of the world’s foremost paediatric health-care institutions and is Canada’s leading centre dedicated to advancing children’s health through the integration of patient care, research and education. Founded in 1875 and affiliated with the University of Toronto, SickKids is one of Canada’s most research-intensive hospitals and has generated discoveries that have helped children globally.
Its mission is to provide the best in complex and specialized family-centred care; pioneer scientific and clinical advancements; share expertise; foster an academic environment that nurtures health-care professionals; and champion an accessible, comprehensive and sustainable child health system.
SickKids is a founding member of Kids Health Alliance, a network of partners working to create a high quality, consistent and coordinated approach to paediatric health care that is centred around children, youth and their families.
SickKids is proud of its vision of Healthier Children. A Better World.™
Senior Research Associate, Genetics & Genome Biology
Top Benefits
About the role
About SickKids
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
Job Title: Senior Research Associate - Gene Editing & Gene Transfer for Pediatric Genetic Medicines
Reports to: Jason Moffat
Location: PGCRL
Position Type: Full-time
Term: 2 years with possible extension
Modified Benefits: Yes
About Us
Our organization is committed to transforming pediatric health through precision medicine. We aim to develop innovative genetic therapies that address rare and complex childhood diseases. Our culture emphasizes collaboration, scientific rigor, and patient-centered innovation, providing an environment where talented scientists can make a lasting impact.
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Research Associate to contribute to the Precision Child Health Initiative by developing and optimizing gene transfer and gene editing approaches. This role will focus on creating advanced models of pediatric diseases and building next-generation genetic medicines. The successful candidate will leverage expertise in molecular genetics, cell biology, and multi-omics to accelerate translational research and therapeutic development.
Here's What You'll Get To Do:
- Design and implement gene editing strategies (e.g., CRISPR/Cas systems) and gene transfer platforms (viral and non-viral) for pediatric disease models.
- Develop and optimize delivery systems for primary human cells and relevant animal models (e.g., zebrafish, mouse).
- Apply advanced technologies such as single nucleus sequencing, high-content imaging, and multi-omics integration (transcriptomics, proteomics, lipidomics) to characterize disease mechanisms and therapeutic outcomes.
- Perform molecular and cellular assays (qPCR, FISH, luciferase assays) to assess editing efficiency, specificity, and functional impact.
- Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams including bioinformatics, clinical research, and regulatory affairs.
- Maintain accurate experimental documentation and contribute to publications, presentations, and intellectual property filings.
- Mentor junior staff and foster a culture of scientific excellence and innovation.
Here's What You'll Need:
Education:
- Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biotechnology, or related field.
Experience:
- 5+ years of postdoctoral or equivalent experience in gene editing, gene transfer, and disease modeling.
- Proven track record in molecular cloning, cell culture (primary and immortalized), and transfection/transduction techniques.
- Hands-on experience with single nucleus sequencing workflows, high-content imaging platforms, and multi-omics data analysis.
- Computational proficiency in R (limma, DESeq2, Seurat) and Python for data analysis and pipeline development.
- Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- A commitment to understanding and aiding in the pursuit of equity, diversity and inclusion objectives.
Preferred Skills
- Expertise in pediatric disease models and translational research.
- Experience with viral vector development and in vivo delivery systems.
- Familiarity with regulatory considerations for genetic medicine development.
Here's What You'll Love:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
- Employer-matched retirement savings plan.
- Generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements.
- Professional development opportunities including conferences and training
#LI-DNI
Our Commitment to Diversity
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
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
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.
About The Hospital for Sick Children
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is recognized as one of the world’s foremost paediatric health-care institutions and is Canada’s leading centre dedicated to advancing children’s health through the integration of patient care, research and education. Founded in 1875 and affiliated with the University of Toronto, SickKids is one of Canada’s most research-intensive hospitals and has generated discoveries that have helped children globally.
Its mission is to provide the best in complex and specialized family-centred care; pioneer scientific and clinical advancements; share expertise; foster an academic environment that nurtures health-care professionals; and champion an accessible, comprehensive and sustainable child health system.
SickKids is a founding member of Kids Health Alliance, a network of partners working to create a high quality, consistent and coordinated approach to paediatric health care that is centred around children, youth and their families.
SickKids is proud of its vision of Healthier Children. A Better World.™