Program Head – Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute

The Research Institute at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is seeking a dynamic research leader and outstanding scientist to be Head of the Molecular Medicine Program. Research in this Program aims to understand fundamental molecular mechanisms that underpin biological responses, in part to guide development of molecular approaches for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. Program faculty apply advanced biophysical, chemical, biochemical, microbiological, cell biological, computational and structural biology approaches across different model systems. The search will prioritize candidates whose expertise covers one or more of the following areas: (i) machine learning-based design of protein, nucleic acid or small molecule agents for discovery research and/or therapeutic development, (ii) structural biology and biophysics of macromolecules, complexes and biomolecular condensates, (iii) characterization of DNA, RNA, protein and metabolic interaction networks, (iv) molecular basis of host-microbiome and host-pathogen interactions, and (v) machine learning-driven integration of largescale experimental datasets to generate foundational models. This position will align with the recent SickKids Precision Child Health strategic initiative.

SickKids is a world-renowned paediatric hospital with seven fully integrated research programs and a breadth of infrastructure and core facilities. The Molecular Medicine Program Head provides leadership and mentorship to ~25 faculty and >200 trainees and staff. The Program Head also contributes to scientific direction of the SickKids Research Institute through strategic planning with the Chief of Research and other senior leaders. The Program is located in the state-of-the-art Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning in the Discovery District of Toronto. This unique environment for biomedical science encompasses nine other academic hospital research centres and the University of Toronto (UofT), Canada’s largest and most highly ranked university.

The Program Head role is a five-year appointment, with conditional renewal for a further five years. The successful applicant will be appointed as a full-time permanent Senior Scientist in the Research Institute, and will qualify for appointment at the Associate or Full Professor level in an appropriate department at UofT. If applicable, the successful applicant may also be considered for appointment to the Vector Institute, a world-class environment for artificial intelligence research, supported by government and private industry in partnership with Ontario Universities. The successful applicant is expected to maintain an original, competitive, and independently funded research program of the highest international caliber. Applicants must have a Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent, and a record of outstanding scientific accomplishments, collaboration and innovation. 

Our Commitment to Diversity

SickKids is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. If requested, SickKids is proud to make available accommodations to support applicants with disabilities during the interview and assessment process. Informed by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Ontario Human Rights Code, and our Access and Accommodation Policy, we will accommodate the needs of applicants. Please email [email protected] of your accessibility needs during the recruitment process. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially. The Hospital for Sick Children also recognizes that scholars have varying career paths. Candidates are encouraged to explain any personal circumstances to allow for a fair assessment of their application.

Application Process  

Interested individuals should email their application comprised of a (i) full curriculum vitae, (ii) detailed research program overview (up to 10 pages), and (iii) equity, diversity and inclusion statement. The application should be in PDF format and emailed to [email protected] by January 31, 2025. Applicants must also arrange to have three signed letters of reference on institutional letterhead sent directly to [email protected], indicating the applicant’s name in the subject line. 

SickKids believes that diversity positively impacts science and is essential to sustain our vibrant world-leading research community. As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a brief voluntary diversity survey. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by either the search committee or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. The self-identification information is collected, used, disclosed, retained and disposed of in accordance with the Privacy Act and the Access to Information Act.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Only those applicants selected for the interview will be contacted.

Applicants may direct informal inquiries to: [email protected].

Provide leadership and mentorship to members of the Molecular Medicine Program and influence the scientific direction of the Research Institute