Scientist - Physical Sciences Platform

Scientist in Physical Sciences

Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI) is seeking candidates for a fully funded Scientist working in the physical sciences, computational sciences or engineering applied to biomedical research to join the Physical Sciences Platform (PSP) at SRI. The successful candidate will show strong evidence of scholarly achievement in biomedical research, such as the development of novel biomedical imaging methods, image-guided therapeutics, molecular therapeutic agents, image analysis methods and informatics, or medical devices.

Candidates must be eligible for appointment at the University of Toronto at the level of Assistant Professor (or higher) and possess a PhD in the physical or applied sciences (e.g., physics, chemistry, engineering, computer science or related fields) with experience in mentoring and collaboration. The candidate will be expected to develop or relocate their research program as an independent research scientist, and support their research activity through competitive external funding awards. They will foster local, national and international collaborations, and participate in graduate training through an academic appointment in the appropriate department at the University of Toronto (e.g. Medical Biophysics, Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Medical Science, Surgery, Computer Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences). They will develop translational research that will “invent the future of healthcare”, in alignment with the clinical research programs and strategic priorities of the institute, and build new, complementary and collaborative research capacity among the existing PSP scientists.

About Sunnybrook: SRI comprises three research platforms (Biological Sciences, Evaluative Clinical Sciences and Physical Sciences) and is the research organization of the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, one of Canada’s leading academic hospitals. Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is a teaching hospital fully affiliated with the University of Toronto. It is Canada’s largest regional trauma centre as well as the 2nd largest cancer centre in Canada. Sunnybrook sees 1.3M patients every year, is one of nine regional stroke centres in Ontario supporting over 58,000 emergency department visits annually, and contains the largest veterans care facility in Canada.

The Sunnybrook Research Institute supports ~$100 million of annual research activities within approximately 250,000 square feet of state-of-the-art research space at the Bayview campus of Sunnybrook, 10 kilometres from downtown Toronto. SRI has one of the best recognized and most productive research teams in medical imaging and physical sciences globally, and houses an extensive array of research infrastructure. The Physical Sciences Platform comprises 77 scientists with a total staff of over 300, including over 100 post-graduate trainees from the University of Toronto.

Research areas in Physical Sciences include Biomedical Imaging and Image Analysis (MRI, Ultrasound, PET, X-Ray, Digital Pathology and Optical Imaging); Precision Medicine (Radiogenomics, Theranostics); Computational Modeling and Machine Learning; Design and Development of Medical Devices; Biophysics and Bioengineering. Image-Guided Therapy is a major focus area at SRI, and has been supported by the Canada Foundation for Innovation leading to the establishment of the Centre for Research in Image-Guided Therapeutics; and by the federal Strategic Innovation Fund giving rise to INOVAIT, an industry-academic consortium for AI and Image-Guided Therapy. Physical Scientists at SRI engage clinical partners and pursue opportunities to translate innovations through pre-clinical and first-in-human testing, commercialize products by creating start-ups and licensing, and partner with companies in the development of new technologies. They are strongly supported in these efforts by SRI’s Technology Transfer office.

Toronto is the most populous city in Canada and the fourth most populous city in North America. It is located on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario and features an extensive network of rivers, deep ravines, and urban forests, excellent for sailing, canoeing, biking, running, and cross-country skiing nearby. It is an international centre of business, finance, and the arts, and is a truly multicultural metropolis, with half of Torontonians born outside of Canada. Toronto has been consistently rated as one of the most liveable cities in the world. Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto is the largest and most prestigious research-intensive university in Canada, and one of the world’s leading academic research institutions. The University has more than 16,000 faculty, including 9 Nobel laureates, nearly 100,000 students enrolled across three campuses from 180 different countries and territories around the world, and an annual operating budget of $3.5B. The University of Toronto contains an extensive biomedical research community, including a city-wide network of 14 academic hospitals and research institutes that are all fully affiliated with the University that receive $1.3B in combined research funding.

SRI’s core values are excellence, collaboration, accountability, respect and engagement. We believe our researchers, trainees and support staff are our most valuable assets, and we work to actively support the professional development of our staff and trainees. We strive to nurture a culture of wellness, equity and inclusion across all of SRI, cultivating an organizational culture of belonging and wellbeing.

How to Apply
Applications should include:
1. A letter of interest (maximum 2 pages) describing the applicant’s research accomplishments, a prospective research plan, and a statement on their vision of equitable and inclusive academic research
2. A full academic curriculum vitae in the NIH Biosketch format that highlights 3 key publications (maximum 5 pages).
3. Names and contact details for 3 references

Please email the completed application package to [email protected], indicating “PSP Scientist Position” in the subject line.

Initial review will begin at February 13, 2025, but we will continue to accept applications until the position is filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be reviewed based on the following essential criteria. Applicants should have:
● A PhD, or evidence of PhD-equivalent training
● An excellent academic track record for their career stage (e.g. publications, funding, awards)
● A plan for an original research program that aligns well with SRI’s research priorities
● A positive contribution to the institution beyond direct research activity (e.g outreach, EDI activity)
● Some experience with mentorship and collaborations

Diversity Statement: Sunnybrook Research Institute is strongly committed to inclusion and diversity within its community and welcomes all applicants including but not limited to: women, visible minorities or persons of colour, Indigenous peoples, people of all genders, religions and ethnicities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ persons and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

Career Interruptions: Sunnybrook Research Institute recognizes that scientists have varying career paths and understands the impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. Candidates are encouraged to explain any interruptions to allow for a fair assessment of their application. Selection committee members have been instructed to give careful consideration to and be sensitive to the impact of career interruptions in their assessments.

Accommodation Policy: Sunnybrook Research Institute is committed to providing accessible employment practices that are following the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation for disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please indicate this in an e-mail to Heather Soberman, Director of Strategy & Research Services ([email protected]).

Job Information
Position Title: Scientist, Physical Sciences Platform
NOC Code and Title: NOC 2111– Research Scientist, Physics, Biophysicist
Number of positions: 1 (One)
Education Requirements: Doctoral/PhD
Language Requirements: Verbal: English, Written: English
Duration of Employment: Permanent (3 Year Term, Renewable), Full-time
Salary range: $CDN 140,000 – 170,000
Benefits: 3 weeks’ vacation accrued annually; Benefit Program including extended health care, dental insurance, life insurance, short term disability, long term disability, and the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan