Research Associate; Limited Term

Date Posted: 02/24/2026
Req :47045
Faculty/Division: Temerty Faculty of Medicine
Department: Department of Molecular Genetics
Campus
:
St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description:

Position Overview:

The Department of Molecular Genetics in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto invites applications for a full-time position of Research Associate (Limited Term) to participate in research focused on the cellular and molecular characterization of: i) spinal cord development and ii) gene regulation of cell lineage. The research lab is housed in Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, an interdisciplinary research institute where researchers make fundamental discoveries in biology to improve health.

The Libby Lab seeks to uncover the mechanisms that regulate tissue formation, using the developing spinal cord as a model system, with the goal of leveraging this knowledge to inform intervention strategies for congenital neural tube defects.

The candidate will be responsible for the development and application of multiplexed CRISPR screening and lineage tracing techniques in human stem cell differentiations and chick embryo models to identify novel regulators of spinal cord development. The candidate would also be responsible for training other research members and managing daily lab operations. Responsibilities will include the design, planning and execution of all experiments relevant to the project in addition to maintaining lab inventories and managing the ordering system.

The individual will also be required to present their work to Principal Investigators, at conferences and to other members of the research lab.

Qualifications:

This Research Associate position requires a Ph.D. in molecular/cellular or developmental biology with 3+ years of pluripotent stem cell research. The successful applicant will have demonstrated experience, academic knowledge, and proficiency to mentor in all aspects of the following specialties: genomic analysis (RNA sequencing, qPCR); management of compound and sample storage; molecular biology (including primer and vector design, cloning and transformation);

microscopy (including sample prep, high resolution imaging and data analysis); cell culture (maintenance of cell line inventory, pluripotent stem cell culture and differentiation, lentiviral library construction, mammalian cell line transfection and infection, and decontamination procedures). Experience in embryology is a strong asset. Experience with project management and a demonstrated record of training and mentoring staff at all levels is a strong asset.

The candidate must exhibit a strong publication record, with papers in internationally competitive, peer-reviewed journals.

Key Duties:

At all times, the individual is expected to support the overall research and teaching missions of the lab.

The Department of Molecular Genetics is a multi-disciplinary department that houses collaborative researchers focused on research excellence and innovation.