Postdoctoral Researcher

University Health Network

University Health Network

Toronto, ON, Canada

CAD 54,902-93,333 / year

Posted on May 1, 2026

Company Description

UHN is Canada’s #1 hospital and the world’s #1 publicly funded hospital. With 10 sites and more than 44,000 TeamUHN members, UHN consists of Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, The Michener Institute of Education and West Park Healthcare Centre. As Canada's top research hospital, the scope of biomedical research and complexity of cases at UHN have made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care. UHN has the largest hospital-based research program in Canada, with major research in neurosciences, cardiology, transplantation, oncology, surgical innovation, infectious diseases, genomic medicine and rehabilitation medicine. UHN is a research hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto.

UHN’s vision is to build A Healthier World and it’s only because of the talented and dedicated people who work here that we are continually bringing that vision closer to reality.

www.uhn.ca

Job Description

Union: Non-Union
Number of Vacancies: 1
New or Replacement Position: New
Site: Princess Margaret Research Institute
Department: Research
Reports to: Scientist
Salary Range: $54,902 - $93,333 Per Year
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Shifts: Monday - Friday
Status: Temporary Full-Time
Closing Date: May 22, 2026

Position Summary:
The newly established laboratory at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre is seeking a highly motivated and outstanding Postdoctoral Researcher to join our multidisciplinary research program. Our research focuses on developing novel cancer therapeutics and innovative molecular tools for biomedical research using advanced antibody engineering technologies. Projects will be dynamic and multidisciplinary, offering substantial opportunities for learning and intellectual growth.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will work closely with Dr. Hattori (PI) and the research team to design and execute experiments, interpret results, and contribute to scientific discussions that help shape the laboratory’s research program. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate high productivity and creativity, actively engage with the scientific literature, and contribute to scientific writing, including manuscripts and fellowship or grant applications. This position offers a highly collaborative environment with strong support for professional development.

Duties:

  • Design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments in close coordination with the PI.
  • Contribute original scientific ideas and propose experimental approaches informed by current literature and ongoing findings.
  • Perform experiments using appropriate techniques, including biochemistry and molecular biology, depending on project needs.
  • Maintain rigorous documentation of experimental procedures and results to ensure reproducibility and data integrity.
  • Develop, optimize, and implement new experimental procedures and protocols.
  • Recommend improvements to existing workflows and help integrate new techniques when appropriate.
  • Stay current with relevant literature and emerging technologies.
  • Contribute to scientific manuscripts by drafting text, preparing figures, and revising content in collaboration with the PI and co-authors.
  • Apply for individual fellowships or scholarships and contribute to grant applications.
  • Present research findings at laboratory meetings, institutional seminars, and national or international scientific conferences.
  • Work collaboratively with laboratory members, institutional collaborators, and core facilities.
  • Provide guidance and support to junior trainees, fostering a rigorous, collaborative, and collegial research environment.
  • Maintain confidentiality and adhere to institutional policies on research integrity, biosafety, and ethical conduct.
  • Participate in other duties as needed to support laboratory operations and the overall success of the research program.

Qualifications

  • Awarded a PhD within the previous 5 years, or an MD or DDS within the previous 10 years in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, Protein Engineering, Structural Biology, Chemical Biology, Immunology, or Biomedical Engineering.
  • Demonstrated strong experience in recombinant DNA techniques, protein biochemistry and biophysics (including protein expression, purification, and protein-protein interaction analysis), and mammalian cell culture.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and interpret experiments.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Willingness and enthusiasm to learn new techniques.
  • Experience with one or more of the following techniques or research areas is highly preferred but not required: Antibody design and engineering; Protein structure determination using cryo‑EM; In vivo mouse studies (e.g., efficacy, pharmacokinetics, or toxicity studies)

Additional Information

Why join UHN?

In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, UHN offers a wide range of benefits, programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN.

  • Competitive offer packages
  • Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP https://hoopp.com/)
  • Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
  • A flexible work environment
  • Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
  • Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.)

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, to be eligible for consideration.

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates. Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.