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

We seek a highly motivated and experienced Research Associate to lead a DNA-Encoded Library (DEL) screening core platform facility within SickKids Research Institute. This role will entail development and rigorous implementation of standardized DEL screening protocols, including protein target characterization and pre-selection setup, execution of DEL selections at scale, DNA work-up of library selections, library sequencing, data processing, and post-screen quality control. The project will require effective supervision of technical staff, across a multidisciplinary consortium with academic and industry partners, and implementing robust data quality assurance practices. The position will entail coordination of participants, timelines, and operating protocols; assurance of quality metrics, sample stewardship and reagent logistics; and of alignment of workflows between experimental teams and downstream analysts to ensure timely data generation and open-access release. As Research Associate, you will report directly to the lead Principal Investigator and the Project Management Team.

Here's What You'll Get To Do

• Oversee DEL screening logistics: project pipeline set-up, DEL screens and DNA workup, coordination with NGS sequencing core, primary data analysis, and management of proteins, DEL libraries, and reagents.
• Coordinate with protein production, hit characterization and database teams: receive protein ligands for screens, process transfer of data to consortium portal, coordinate with chemistry and biophysics teams for hit validation; communicate results to consortium members and external partners
• Organize, archive, and track DEL screen data; maintain a local database for raw and processed data; lead project progress meetings.
• Define and monitor performance metrics at each stage of DEL screening pipeline.
• Train and supervise technical staff on protocol implementation and data generation.
• Ensure budgetary compliance for consumables and service costs.
• Prepare regular reports, KPIs, and dashboards for leadership, funders, and collaborators.
• Identify workflow bottlenecks and implement process improvements.
• Contribute to project planning, resource allocation, risk management, and budgeting.
• Support lab management responsibilities and ensure compliance with health and safety procedures.
• Foster collaboration across the global team through leadership, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
• Present results at international consortium meetings and scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with top academic researchers and industry leaders on the discovery of new medicines

Here's What You'll Need

• Deep expertise in protein biochemistry, chemistry and/or analytical workflows
• Demonstrated publication record in protein biochemistry, chemistry or molecular biology
• Familiarity with bioinformatics workflows and software packages
• Familiarity with machine learning-based analysis of biological data
• Ability to supervise and delegate tasks to team members
• Ability to quickly adapt and multitask on changing workflows and projects
• Ability to seek and assimilate new knowledge
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Experience in report and manuscript preparation
• Ability to manage budgets
• Ability to deliver on complex project goals in a timely manner
• A commitment to understanding and aiding in the pursuit of equity, diversity and inclusion objectives

Education required

• PhD in drug discovery, chemistry, biophysics, structural biology, or computational biology
• A minimum of three years of postdoctoral or industry experience in drug discovery, chemistry biophysics, structural biology, or computational biology

Employment Type: Full-Time, Temporary 5 Year Contract

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.