Postdoctoral Researcher

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret independent research projects in immune engineering
• Establish and advance experimental platforms for human T cell engineering, including genome editing and RNA-based approaches
• Develop and perform functional assays to assess immune cell activity, stability, and phenotype
• Apply human model systems, including organoid and ex vivo approaches, in clinically relevant contexts
• Contribute to the scientific development of the lab
• Supervise and support junior trainees as the group grows
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and contribute to grant writing
• Work in close interaction with clinical and translational programs at UHN
• PhD in immunology, molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related discipline
• Strong experimental background in immune cell biology, ideally with experience in human T cell systems
• Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and interpret experiments independently
• Demonstrated scientific productivity, including peer-reviewed publications
• Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable: genome editing (e.g., CRISPR), RNA-based approaches, gene delivery technologies, or advanced cell culture systems
• Familiarity with flow cytometry (including spectral flow) and functional immune assays
• Interest in translational research and clinically relevant model systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment
• Prior experience mentoring students or junior trainees is an asset
• Why join UHN?
• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP https://hoopp.com/ )
• Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.)
• Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, to be eligible for consideration.
• All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.
• UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates. Please ensure you check your email regularly.
• Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.
• UHN is an equal opportu

Benefits

Additional Information

Union: Non-Union Number of Vacancies: 1 New or Replacement: New Site: PMCRT / Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower - 101 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7 Department: Ajmera Transplant Centre Research Institute (ATC-RI) Reports to: Dr. Michael Henneresse Hours: 37.5 Salary: CAD 54,902 - CAD 93,333 per year, commensurate with experience and level of appointment (PDR I-III) Shifts: Monday - Friday Status: Temporary Full-Time Closing Date: June 30, 2026 Position Summary: The successful candidate will join a research program in programmable immune engineering at UHN, based at the ATC-RI and affiliated with the University of Toronto. The lab focuses on designing engineered human immune cells that maintain stable and regulated function in complex clinical environments, with a particular emphasis on transplantation alongside applications in cancer and infection. The research program integrates CRISPR-based genome engineering, RNA-based modulation, and advanced human tissue and organoid models to define generalizable design principles for immune function under clinical stress conditions such as inflammation, immunosuppression, and chronic antigen exposure. A central goal is to establish programmable immune resilience as a design parameter for clinically deployable cell therapies. Experimental approaches include genetic engineering of human T cells, development of non-viral and mRNA-based delivery strategies, and functional validation in physiologically relevant human model systems, closely aligned with translational and biomanufacturing workflows at UHN. Example application areas include regulatory T cell engineering for stability under inflammatory and pharmacologic constraint. The Postdoctoral Researcher will play a key role in building and shaping this research platform and will have the opportunity to develop independent research directions within a highly interdisciplinary and translational environment.

Your Match

How well this role fits your profile.

Company Intel

What employees say

Worked at Universityhealthnetwork? Share your experience