Assistant Professor - Cell Biology

Date Posted: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: 09/30/2026, 11:59PM ET
Req ID: 48801
Job Category: Faculty - Tenure Stream (continuing)
Faculty/Division: University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM)
Department: UTM: Biology
Campus: University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Department of Biology at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) invites applications for a full-time tenure stream position in Cell Biology. The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant Professor, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027.

We welcome applications from outstanding candidates working in any area of contemporary cell biology, including, but not limited to, organelle biology, cellular structure and dynamics, membrane biology, intracellular trafficking, cell signaling, cell proliferation and cell death, stem cell biology, host-pathogen interactions, and cellular mechanisms underlying diseases. This position offers an exceptional opportunity for researchers using innovative approaches to address fundamental questions in cell biology.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must have earned a PhD degree in Biology or a related area by the time of appointment, or shortly thereafter, with a demonstrated record of excellence in research and teaching in Cell Biology. We seek candidates whose research and teaching interests complement and enhance our existing departmental strengths while bringing new perspectives and expertise that expand the department’s research portfolio.

The successful candidate will use laboratory-based experimental systems and state-of-the-art methodologies to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern cell function in health and disease. We are particularly interested in applicants who leverage a broad range of experimental models, including cellular systems, tissues, organoids, invertebrates, microbes, and emerging model organisms, to reveal fundamental principles of cell biology and advance our understanding of disease.

Candidates must provide evidence of research excellence which can be demonstrated through a record of publications in top-ranked and field-relevant journals or forthcoming publications that meet high international standards; the submitted research statement; presentations at significant conferences; awards and accolades; and strong endorsements from referees.

Evidence of excellence in teaching will be demonstrated through teaching accomplishments, the teaching dossier (including the required materials outlined below, as well as evidence of superior performance in other teaching-related activities), and strong letters of reference. Other teaching-related activities can include performance as a teaching assistant or course instructor, experience leading successful workshops or seminars, student mentorship, or excellent conference presentations or posters. The successful applicant will be expected to provide outstanding mentorship and training to undergraduate and graduate students conducting wet-lab experimental research.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will be expected to pursue innovative and independent research, and to establish an outstanding, competitive, and externally funded research program in Cell Biology. They will contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching, including undergraduate courses in Cell Biology and related areas, supervise and mentor undergraduate and graduate trainees, and contribute to departmental and university service.

HIRING SALARY RANGE

The expected salary range is $145,000 to $185,000 CAD per annum, depending on experience. Negotiations beyond this salary range will be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates.

ABOUT US

The Department of Biology at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) is home to a vibrant and inclusive community of researchers and educators working across a broad range of biological disciplines. The Department's research strengths include cell and developmental biology, genetics and genomics, ecology and evolution, and behavioural neuroscience. UTM offers an outstanding environment for interdisciplinary collaboration and is an integral part of the University of Toronto's tri-campus research ecosystem. Faculty members participate in graduate education through appointments in the Department of Cell and Systems Biology (CSB) and/or the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. The successful candidate will hold a graduate appointment in the Department of Cell and Systems Biology, providing opportunities to supervise and mentor graduate students and to engage in a dynamic and collaborative research community.

At UTM we are committed to fostering an environment of diversity and inclusion. With an enviably diverse student body, we especially welcome applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, Black, or racially visible (persons of colour), and who have experience working with, teaching, or mentoring diverse groups or students. Candidates must demonstrate, in their application materials, an ability to foster diversity on campus and within the curriculum or discipline, and must show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial environment. Candidates must submit a statement describing their contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion, which might cover topics such as (but not limited to): teaching that incorporates a focus on underrepresented communities; efforts undertaken to develop inclusive pedagogies, collaboration, and engagement with underrepresented communities; and mentoring of students from underrepresented groups. If you have questions about this statement, please contact Professor Hai-Ying Mary Cheng (haiying.cheng@utoronto.ca).

For more information on working at the University of Toronto, please visit https://www.utoronto.ca/research-innovation/working-at-uoft.

APPLICATION PROCESS

All application materials, including recent reference letters, must be received by September 30, 2026 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time.

All qualified candidates are invited to apply online by clicking the link below. Your CV and cover letter should be uploaded into the dedicated fields. Please combine additional application materials into one or two files in PDF/MS Word format. Applicants must submit the following materials:

• a cover letter;
• a current curriculum vitae;
• a research statement outlining current and future research interests;
• a recent writing sample;
• a teaching dossier, including
  • a teaching statement,
  • sample course materials, and
  • teaching evaluations or evidence of superior performance in other teaching-related activities; and

• an equity, diversity, inclusion statement as outlined above; and
• the name and contact information of three references.

The University of Toronto’s recruiting tool will automatically solicit and collect letters of reference from each referee within 48 hours of an application being submitted. Applicants remain responsible for ensuring that referees submit recent letters (on letterhead, dated and signed) by the closing date. Submission guidelines and details on the automatic reference letter collection, including timelines, are available in the candidate FAQ.

If you have any questions about this position, please contact Maria Hussain at maria.hussain@utoronto.ca.

Please note: Artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used in the initial screening or assessment of applications; however, all final assessments and hiring decisions are made by the search committee members.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Diversity Statement
The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.

Accessibility Statement
The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact uoft.careers@utoronto.ca.