Postdoctoral Researcher

University Health Network • Toronto, ON

8d • CA$54,902 - CA$93,333 • Onsite

About The Position

A Postdoctoral Researcher position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Steven Chan at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. The Chan Laboratory studies the biology of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), leukemic stem cells, and clonal hematopoiesis (CH), with a strong translational focus on discovering and exploiting novel therapeutic vulnerabilities in pre-malignant and malignant myeloid cells. This project will define the genetic and synthetic-lethal interactions of high-risk clonal hematopoiesis mutations, including TP53 and spliceosome (splicing factor) mutations, that drive the progression of CH to myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and AML. The successful candidate will combine genetically engineered mouse models with genome-wide and focused CRISPR/Cas9 screens to uncover context-specific dependencies in mutant hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The ultimate goal is to nominate new strategies to intercept high-risk clonal hematopoiesis and to prevent or treat myeloid malignancy.

Requirements

• Awarded a PhD within the previous 5 years, or an MD or DDS within the previous 10 years, in molecular biology, cancer biology, hematology, genetics, or a related discipline
• Strong hands-on molecular biology expertise, including CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing and screening - required.
• Experience designing and producing lentiviral (and/or retroviral) vectors - required.
• Demonstrated mouse handling and in vivo experimental experience (e.g., bone marrow transplantation, colony management, in vivo treatment studies) - required.
• Flow cytometry and cell sorting, and primary hematopoietic cell culture - required.
• A strong first-author publication record demonstrating productivity and technical rigour.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and record-keeping skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Nice To Haves

• Background in oncology, ideally in hematologic malignancies (AML, MDS, or clonal hematopoiesis) - strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with analysis of CRISPR-screen and/or NGS data (e.g., MAGeCK, DrugZ, R/Python) — an asset.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze pooled CRISPR/Cas9 screens (genome-wide and focused) in primary cells and cell-line models to identify synthetic-lethal and genetic interactions with high-risk CH mutations.
• Generate and characterize genetically engineered and transplantation mouse models of clonal hematopoiesis and myeloid malignancy, including colony management and in vivo experiments.
• Construct and produce lentiviral and/or retroviral vectors for gene knockout, knockdown, and overexpression.
• Perform a broad range of molecular and cellular biology techniques. E.g., molecular cloning, qPCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry and cell sorting, and primary hematopoietic cell culture.
• Analyze and integrate functional genomic and next-generation sequencing datasets in collaboration with the lab’s computational team.
• Maintain rigorous, well-documented records and adhere to laboratory quality, biosafety, and animal-care standards.
• Prepare manuscripts, figures, and presentations and present findings at lab meetings and scientific conferences.
• Contribute to grant writing and help conceive new research directions for the laboratory.
• Mentor and support graduate and undergraduate trainees as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive offer packages
• Member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
• 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.)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree