DEPARTMENT OF PAEDIATRIC LABORATORY MEDICINE
Scientist, Diagnostic Innovation Full-Time Position, 3 Year Contract
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), a world-renowned paediatric academic health science centre, invites applications for the position of Scientist, Diagnostic Innovation, in the Department of Paediatric and Laboratory Medicine (DPLM). The primary objective of the Scientist will be to spearhead the integration of new technologies into the paediatric diagnostic laboratory.
The successful candidate will serve as a visionary leader within DPLM to drive the exploration, development and implementation of novel methodologies and tools to improve the diagnosis of childhood diseases. They will focus their efforts in one or both of the following areas:
- Molecular genetic assays focused on neoplasia; and
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools to improve diagnostic decision-making using big data.
The successful candidate will work in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of laboratory physicians and scientists, clinicians and researchers, as well as key groups at SickKids, including Precision Child Health (PCH) and Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (AIM). The successful applicant will lead initiatives in one or both focus areas that ultimately improve the power and accuracy of paediatric diagnostic testing, accelerate therapeutic decision making, and improve the quality of care for our children.
Key Areas of Responsibilities:
- Lead and develop a research program aimed at developing innovative diagnostic methodologies in one or both focus areas (neoplasia and AI, see above)
- Work toward securing funding to support research initiatives in test development.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners to consolidate and support efforts in new and improved test development across DPLM.
Direct Reports & Budgetary Responsibility:
The successful candidate will report to the Chief of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine. They will have an approximate budgetary responsibility of $50,000 per year and will be appointed to the SickKids Research Institute at a level commensurate with experience.
Qualifications & Experience
- Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline such as biology, genetics/genomic biology, computational biology, or related fields.
- Post-doctoral experience in developing diagnostic assays for clinical use.
- Proficiency in projects involving genetic data analysis.
- Proficiency in AI-related computational science skills.
- Publication record in a relevant field (e.g., molecular genetic test development; applications of AI & machine learning in diagnostic laboratory medicine).
- Ability to collaborate across disciplines and medical specialties.
Experience supervising graduate students, teaching experience and a record of successful grant applications would be desirable but are not an absolute requirement.
DPLM is committed to improving patient outcomes through innovative research, and the successful candidate will play a crucial role in shaping the future of diagnostic testing and pediatric care. The collaborative environment, state-of-the-art facilities, and access to a diverse patient population make this role both challenging and rewarding.
Interested individuals should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and the names and addresses of three referees, to the Chair of the Search Committee:
Gino R. Somers, MBBS, BMedSci, PhD, FRCPA
Chief, Department of Pediatric Laboratory Medicine
The Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Avenue
Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8
gino.somers@sickkids.ca
The Search Committee will consider applications until the position is filled, and the position will remain open until filled. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
About SickKids and DPLM
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is one of the largest and most respected paediatric healthcare centres in the world. As innovators in child health, we lead and partner to improve the health of children through the integration of healthcare, leading-edge research and education. Our SickKids 2025 Strategic Plan is helping us improve quality, build stronger connections with our partners, and accelerate our impact through Precision Child Health. When you join SickKids, you become part of our community. We share a commitment and determination to fulfill our vision of Healthier Children. A Better World.
The Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine (DPLM) is dedicated to improving and enhancing patient care and the health of children and is a major paediatric diagnostic and reference centre, performing routine and specialized diagnostic testing in support of the full range of paediatric clinical specialties. DPLM is a critical bridge between basic discoveries and implementation of new diagnostic tests for young children. DPLM is a world-class facility operating at the forefront of reducing the impact of childhood illness by quickly establishing diagnoses that lead to early selection of the best treatment options. DPLM is a valuable and integral component of the SickKids team generating original research and providing timely specialized diagnostic services including pathology, biochemistry, microbiology and genetics.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to work alongside the world's best in paediatric healthcare. For more information about the Faculty of Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, please visit our home page.
Our Commitment to Diversity
The children and families we care for are diverse, and so are our employees. All are welcome to join our unique organizational culture and be part of our inclusive team.
The University of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children are strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons, persons of colour, women, Indigenous/Aboriginal Peoples of North America, persons with disability, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to further diversification of ideas.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. SickKids is also committed to providing services in both official languages and our preference is to hire employees who are fluent in both English and French whenever possible.
