Research Associate (SRI) - Biological Sciences - Regular Full-Time 2026-18500 (2026-18500)

Sunnybrook Research Institute is the research enterprise of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, a teaching hospital fully affiliated with the University of Toronto. Research in our group spans Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Research Institute, Shared Hospital Laboratory (clinical diagnostic laboratory), and the Toronto High Containment Facility at the University of Toronto. We also collaborate broadly through the multi-centre, transdisciplinary Wildlife Emerging Pathogen Initiative (Wild EPI).

We are seeking applications for a research associate (RA) to lead projects focused on viral zoonoses, including wildlife-derived coronaviruses and influenza viruses. Specifically, projects will focus on virus detection from free-ranging small and large mammals, virus isolation, and phenotypic characterization (in vitro and in vivo) of RNA viruses in wildlife host models.

Highly motivated candidates with robust molecular virology, viral immunology, and animal model experience, knowledge translation skills are encouraged to apply; this includes strong leadership, scientific writing and communication abilities. Candidates must have ample experience in advanced tissue culture and engineering techniques and virology and be eligible for Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (HTPA) security clearance. Candidates must also be open to highly collaborative, multidisciplinary, team-oriented research. Candidates are expected to lead and present their own research at regional, national and international conferences, publish their work in peer-reviewed journals, and mentor graduate students in a sustained and supportive fashion. Successful candidates will also be expected to proactively work with trainees, technicians and laboratory manager(s) to enable scientific excellence, promote collegiality and advance collaboration both within and external to the laboratory.

Please apply by providing a personal statement that outlines relevant past experience, scientific motivation, and a statement of interest. Please describe your current career goals and describe how this training opportunity will enable your advancement. Please also highlight your accomplishments and leadership, multidisciplinary collaborations and commitment to research integrity. Also, please provide an updated CV, and send attention to samira.mubareka@sunnybrook.ca.

The closing date is September 15th, or until a suitable candidate is found; applications will be screened for merit on receipt. The anticipated start date is negotiable. The position is supported for an initial period of 12 months with possibility of extension. Sunnybrook Research Institute is committed to equity and diversity within its community and welcomes all applications from all backgrounds who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

Summary Of Duties

Primary responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Independently design, troubleshoot, and conduct molecular biology and virology experiments
• Lead detection and characterization of wildlife-derived viruses in their free-ranging hosts
• Provide guidance, training and mentorship to trainees and enable scientific coordination of the group’s program
• Maintain detailed laboratory records and protocols to ensure data integrity and reproducibility
• Collaborate within the Wildlife Emerging Pathogens Initiative (Wild EPI) and broader multidisciplinary teams
• Present research findings at regional, national and international conferences and scientific meetings
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals
  
  

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field (e.g., virology, molecular biology, biomedical sciences)
• Extensive experience in advanced tissue culture, organoid systems, and virology
• Eligible for Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (HTPA) security clearance
• Strong leadership, communication, and scientific writing skills
• Proven ability to work in collaborative, multidisciplinary and team-oriented environments
• Strong publication record / evidence of productivity through publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience in biosafety containment level 3 or above