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Scientific Associate

Job ID36-0C-6F-DA-A6-73
CompanyOntario Institute For Cancer Research
LocationToronto
ProvinceOntario
Date Posted2023-10-04
Posted Until2024-04-01
Job TypeFull-time
Job CategoryMiscellaneous
Description
The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) is seeking a professional to fill the key role of Scientific Associate in the laboratory of Dr. Shraddha Pai. Dr. Pai is an Investigator I in the Adaptive Oncology Department at OICR, and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Biophysics at the University of Toronto.

This position is for a two-year contract, with possibility of converting to a permanent position.

To learn more about the Pai Lab, visit our lab webpage.

The Pai Lab's vision is to use genomics to match patients with the best treatment options, and to find actionable molecular targets for effective therapies that have minimal side effects. We specialize in biomarker discovery in pediatric and adult brain-associated cancers and disorders. We are particularly interested in the contribution of the non-coding genome (epigenome) to disease progression and clinical management. The end-goal of our projects is to develop novel diagnostic tests and discover novel actionable molecular targets for disease.

We discover biomarkers by integrating clinical and multi-'omic data from primary normal and disease tissues, and from population genomics databases. We integrate lab-generated genomic maps with databases of pathways, gene regulation, disease association, and druggability, to prioritize potential disease targets. We use high-throughput genetic and chemical perturbation strategies to functionally validate targets identified through our genomic analyses, using modern techniques such as the CRISPR-CAS9 system, reporter assays, and chemical probe libraries. Our projects involve computational biology, bulk tissue and single-cell genomics, molecular biology, tissue culture, animal models, and genome editing.

The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing lab projects by performing experiments for data generation, biomarker screens and validation, and communicating these to the team. They will contribute to research publications and help generate preliminary data for grant submissions. They will work closely with the lab head, trainees, lab staff, and collaborators.

This is an exciting opportunity to apply molecular biology, tissue culture and genomics expertise to preclinical research in brain cancer and brain disorders, with the potential for changing clinical care.

This position is for a two-year contract, with possibility of converting to a full-time position.

To learn more about working at OICR, visit our career page.

The responsibilities include:

Perform wet lab experiments and participate in experimental design. Perform research on existing methods and introduce/optimize/troubleshoot new assays into the laboratory's repertoire
Collaborate with other researchers inside and outside of our group to accelerate research
Provide support for grant submissions (e.g., generation of preliminary data, writing support)
Assisting research administration to ensure compliance with institutional review boards
Prepare and manage individual projects and program budgets
Participate in project management within program, including report generation, communicating with collaborators, and ensuring final tasks are complete and deliverables are delivered on time
Responsible for overall operations of labs within programs, including space management, equipment management and supply management. Responsible for assigning and maintaining research notebooks
Supervise and/or mentor laboratory staff
Qualifications:

At minimum, a MSc in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline, or equivalent education or work experience. PhD preferred
At least three (3) years of relevant experience in a research laboratory setting
Advanced knowledge and practice of modern tissue culture techniques, molecular biology techniques and/or chemistry tools, including next-generation sequencing methods and CRISPR technology
The applicant must be able to manage projects independently and work with multi-disciplinary teams
Experience in tissue processing/analysis and/or animal husbandry is a plus
Strong communication skills and ability to present scientific findings
Excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to learn quickly
OICR is a collaborative, not-for-profit research institute accelerating the development of new cancer research discoveries for patients around the world while maximizing the economic benefit of this research for the people of Ontario. We are dedicated professionals who bring expertise to each of our roles. We are looking for individuals who share our values of excellence, innovation, collaboration, impact, responsibility and community.

Launched in December 2005, OICR is an independent institute funded by the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

For more information about OICR, please visit the website at www.oicr.on.ca.

CLOSING DATE: Until Filled
LanguagesEnglish
How To ApplyClick "Apply Now"

If you are interested in being considered for this position, please go to the job link above and click on "Apply" at the bottom of the page.

OICR is committed to fostering a climate of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. This commitment is central to, and mutually supportive of, our research excellence mandate. We welcome and respect the diversity of all members of our community and we support an inclusive culture for all. We welcome all applicants, and encourage applications from racialized persons, Indigenous Peoples, women, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S persons, and others who may contribute to furthering a diversity of ideas within our community. OICR is committed to fair assessment of a candidate's abilities, and consideration for diversity of thought, method, and experience. Providing an accessible workplace and recruitment process is important to us, as described in our Accessibility Plan (https://oicr.on.ca/accessibility/). Should you require accommodation during any stage in the recruitment process, please complete the form at the bottom of page https://oicr.on.ca/careers/. Information received related to accommodation will be handled confidentially.

The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research thanks all applicants. However, only those under consideration will be contacted.

Resume Format: If you elect to apply, you will need a text or HTML version of your resume so that you can cut and paste it into the application box provided. Before you submit the completed application, you will be asked to attach one or two files to your application. Please attach your resume as a .pdf or .doc file.