Postdoctoral Fellow in Computational Cancer Evolution & Genomics

JOB POSTING: #909804

Position: Postdoctoral Fellow in Computational Cancer Evolution & Genomics

Site: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Department: Research

Reports to: Principle Investigator

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Status: Temporary full time

We are looking to hire a Postdoctoral Fellow with the Computational Cancer Evolution & Genomics: Toronto, Canada

The laboratories of Drs. Mathieu Lupien and Federico Gaiti are currently seeking applications for a Computational Postdoctoral Fellow in cancer evolution & genomics to join the research team at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network.

The research laboratory of Dr. Mathieu Lupien is anchored on the BHAG that cancer can be conquered by treating it as a disease of the chromatin. Dr. Lupien’s research pioneered the study of chromatin variants as a form of genomic variation defining genetic drivers in cancer (1); demonstrated that cancer development and progression can occur independently of genetic variants, relying instead on chromatin variants (2) and showcased how genome hacking technologies, including epigenetic therapy, can target chromatin variants to conquer cancer (3). For more information on research interests and publications from the Lupien lab follow us on Twitter (https://twitter.com/MatLupien) or visit the lab website (www.pmgenomics.ca/lupienlab).

The research laboratory of Dr. Federico Gaiti is focused on discovering fundamental principles in evolutionary biology of cancer. The Gaiti lab (https://www.gaitilab.com/) develops and applies novel single-cell multiomics technologies and computational framework to measure the evolutionary process in human cancers and identify the mechanisms that drive and facilitate the course of cancer evolution, in order to devise therapies that directly anticipate and address tumor evolution.

The successful candidate will benefit from the complementary expertise of Drs. Lupien and Gaiti and be responsible to lead research projects focused on in-house generated longitudinal single-cell multiomic datasets from barcoded cancer models aimed at characterizing cell fate changes enabling tumour evolution and identify the underlying genetic and epigenetic drivers by studying genomic variations at single-cell resolution from scATAC-seq, single-cell methylation, and scRNA-seq data.

Applicants should expect to:

• Lead independent research projects (drive projects forward, analyze & interpret data)
• Thrive in a collaborative work environment (coordinate activities with experimentalists)
• Demonstrate willingness to conduct leading edge research from single-cell multiomics and barcoding experiments and establish new analytical approaches to study cancer genomics and evolution
• Design, implement and maintain reproducible pipelines on CodeOcean and in-house platforms
• Apply fundamental knowledge of research principles, theories and concepts
• Optimize and improve epigenomic assays by analyzing problems of broad scope and advanced complexity through a scientific approach
• Demonstrate excellent competency in written and verbal communications
• Readily engage with a diverse research team
  
  

Job requirements:

Applicants should have a strong background in bioinformatics, computer science and evolution theory with expertise in genomic variants, hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field, be looking for a collaborative and dynamic environment, and have a track record of productivity and innovation. Prior experience in generating and analyzing multiomic datasets is an asset but not a requirement.

Additional information

The University Health Network, where “above all else the needs of patients come first”, encompasses Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and the Michener Institute of Education at UHN. The breadth of research, the complexity of the cases treated, and the magnitude of its educational enterprise has made UHN a national and international resource for patient care, research and education. With a long tradition of groundbreaking firsts and a purpose of “Transforming lives and communities through excellence in care, discovery and learning”, the University Health Network (UHN), Canada’s largest research teaching hospital, brings together over 16,000 employees, more than 1,200 physicians, 8,000+ students, and many volunteers. UHN is a caring, creative place where amazing people are amazing the world.

University Health Network (UHN)is a research hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto and a member of the Toronto Academic Health Science Network. The scope of research and complexity of cases at UHN have made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care. Research across UHN’s five research institutes spans the full spectrum of diseases and disciplines, including cancer, cardiovascular sciences, transplantation, neural and sensory sciences, musculoskeletal health, rehabilitation sciences, and community and population health. Find out about our purpose, values and principles here.

By joining the research team of Dr. Lupien and Dr. Gaiti you will benefit from four organization assets: Complementary team composition: The research team consists of highly qualified trainees with expertise in computational sciences and in experimental oncology engaged in the design and implementation of state-of-the-art software as well as the adoption and development of the latest chromatin & epigenetic technologies.

Partnerships accelerating our clinical impact: We collaborate with national and international clinician-scientists to address the most pressing needs for cancer patients. We partner with scientists across diverse disciplines to conduct research at the leading edge of innovation and transform tomorrow’s care.

State-of-the-art infrastructure and comprehensive resources: The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre is one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world, and Canada’s largest cancer research and treatment centre. Its infrastructure and resources enable research at the forefront of clinical transformation by accelerating the conversion of basic and translational discoveries into the clinical setting.

Hosted in the 6IX: Toronto is the fourth largest city in North America and one of the world’s most multicultural cities. With a committed discovery district and a growing reputation as the global home of Artificial Intelligence, Toronto is home to the fastest growing tech ecosystem in North America and provides unique opportunities for the commercialization of discoveries. Toronto is the city on hyperdrive, the land of multitude that broadens your horizons and ignites your creativity.

Application Instructions

Please forward current curriculum vitae including a publication list and names of three references to: mlupien@uhnresearch.ca

We thank all applicants for applying, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Vaccines (COVID-19 and others) are a requirement of the job unless you have an exemption on a medical ground pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code.

If you are interested in making your contribution at UHN, please apply on-line. You will be asked to copy and paste as well as attach your resume and covering letter. You will also be required to complete some initial screening questions.

Posting Date: November 14, 2022 Closing Date: December 14, 2022

For current UHN employees, only those who have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN’s attendance management program, and possess all the required experience and qualifications should apply.

UHN thanks all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

UHN is a respectful, caring, and inclusive workplace. We are committed to championing accessibility, diversity and equal opportunity and welcomes all applicants including but not limited to: all religions and ethnicities, LGBTQ2s+, BIPOC, persons with disabilities and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process providing the applicant has met the Bona-fide requirements for the open position. Applicants need to make their requirements known when contacted.