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Job Title


Postdoctoral Researcher


Company : University Health Network


Location : Toronto, Ontario


Created : 2026-01-23


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Company Description UHN is Canadas #1 hospital and the worlds #1 publicly funded hospital. With 10 sites and more than 44,000 Team UHN members, UHN consists of Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, The Michener Institute of Education and West Park Healthcare Centre. As Canadas top research hospital, the scope of biomedical research and complexity of cases at UHN have made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care. UHN has the largest hospitalbased research program in Canada, with major research in neurosciences, cardiology, transplantation, oncology, surgical innovation, infectious diseases, genomic medicine and rehabilitation medicine. UHN is a research hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto. UHNs vision is to build a Healthier World and its only because of the talented and dedicated people who work here that we are continually bringing that vision closer to reality. Job Description Union: NonUnion Number of Vacancies: 1 Department: Cardiovascular Research Reports To: Principal Investigator Location: Toronto General Hospital, UHN Shifts: Days Hours: 37.5 hours per week Status: Temporary FullTime Closing Date: January 30, 2025 Position Summary The laboratory of Dr. Mansoor Husain is seeking a talented and highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join our research team to help lead a recently funded Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Project investigating the role of mitochondrial metabolism in heart failure pathogenesis and treatment. Our lab is internationally recognized for investigating the molecular mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases with a focus on identifying new therapeutic targets. The Husain Lab is embedded within the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research and offers highly collaborative interactions with worldleading experts across multiple disciplines. Why Join This Lab for Career Development? Learn cuttingedge research methodologies in cardiac phenotyping, genetic models, and translational research that are highly valued in academic medicine and industry Build a strong collaborative network through interaction with leading experts in cardiovascular pathophysiology, proteomics, metabolomics, and translational science Contribute to publications in highimpact journals that will establish your research credentials and academic potential Access mentorship and career guidance from an established investigator with a strong track record of training fellows who have gone on to independent academic positions Work on research with clinical translational potential, positioning your work for future grant funding and academic advancement Develop independence through increasing responsibility for experimental design, project leadership, and scientific writing Position Details: CIHRFunded Project The successful candidate will contribute to a recently funded CIHR Project entitled ''''Role of Mitochondrial Trifunctional Protein (MTP) in Heart Failure.'''' The research program integrates three interconnected aims: (1) characterizing MTP expression, posttranslational modifications, and enzymatic activity across distinct heart failure models; (2) determining causality through tissuespecific and temporal genetic deletion of MTP in cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells; (3) evaluating therapeutic targeting of MTP using novel GLP1 metabolites. The project employs multiple complementary model systems of heart failure (postmyocardial infarction ischemic heart failure, transverse aortic constriction pressureoverload heart failure, and obesity/hypertensioninduced heart failure with preserved ejection fraction) as well as advanced metabolic and cardiovascular phenotyping at the whole animal, organ, and cellular levels. Key Responsibilities Generate and characterize mouse models of cardiovascular disease and heart failure and conduct advanced cardiac phenotyping, including highresolution transthoracic echocardiography, invasive hemodynamic measurements, and strain analysis Learn surgical procedures for generating mouse models, including permanent coronary ligation, transverse aortic constriction, and tissue/organ harvesting Oversee breeding, genotyping, and maintenance of transgenic and conditional knockout mice, including inducible tissuespecific knockout lines Execute established enzyme kinetic assays for MTP, including optimization of protein extraction, NADHbased activity measurements, and Western blots Learn and conduct mass spectrometrybased analyses of posttranslational modifications, metabolomic markers, and isolated perfused heart experiments to assess cardiac energy substrate metabolism Perform cell culture experiments on freshly isolated mouse cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells derived from mouse models Contribute to experimental design, manuscript preparation, scientific writing, and maintenance of detailed laboratory records to ensure compliance with animal care standards Qualifications MD (within the last 10 years) or PhD (within the last 5 years) in cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, cardiovascular biology, metabolism, or related fields Desired Experience and Technical Skills Mouse models of cardiovascular and/or metabolic disease Handson experience with mouse models of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and heart failure (postMI, TAC, etc.) including transgenic and knockout mouse management, breeding, and genotyping (PCR) Technical background in mouse cardiac physiological, histological, and biochemical phenotyping ideally including transthoracic echocardiography and invasive hemodynamic assessments Proficiency in Biochemical and Metabolomics Techniques Collaborative expertise in conducting and interpreting gas chromatographymass spectrometry (GCMS), liquid chromatographymass spectrometry (LCMS), and untargeted metabolomic data analysis Handson experience with enzyme kinetic assays and biochemical substrate assays, and cellular flux analysis or bioenergetics assessments (Seahorse or similar platforms) Experience with isolated organ perfusion techniques (particularly isolated heart preparations) and substrate oxidation measurements Molecular Biology and Protein Analyses Expertlevel proficiency in tissue and cellprotein and RNA extractions and design/troubleshooting of assays such as quantitative realtime PCR, Western blot, ELISA, and other immunoassays Experience with protein sample preparations for mass spectrometry and analysis of proteomics data Data Analysis and Bioinformatics Proficiency with statistical software (R, GraphPad, Prism, or equivalent) and ability to perform appropriate statistical analyses and interpret results Experience with bioinformatics tools for omics data analysis High level competency with data visualization and figure preparation for scientific publications Professional Competencies Excellent organizational and timemanagement skills with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presentation of data to scientific peers; demonstrated ability to work independently and in a collaborative team Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to scientific rigor Proven track record of peerreviewed publications demonstrating scientific productivity and impact; problemsolving ability and adaptability when troubleshooting experiments Commitment to continuing education and staying current with the literature in cardiovascular metabolism Teaching and mentoring experience is recommended Position Benefits and Career Development Support Mentorship from an established investigator with extensive experience training postdoctoral fellows Support for grant writing and career development planning Opportunities to present at national and international conferences Access to professional development resources through UHN and the University of Toronto Competitive salary commensurate with CIHR postdoctoral fellowship standards and experience Comprehensive health and dental benefits Collaborative research environment with access to core facilities and collaborator networks Application Instructions Interested candidates should submit the following materials: Cover letter (2 pages) outlining your research experience, specific expertise relevant to this position, fit for this project, rationale for joining the Husain lab, career goals, and how the position aligns with your trajectory toward independent research Curriculum Vitae highlighting relevant research experience with emphasis on techniques listed in the qualifications; include full list of publications and metrics (hindex, citation count, if available), presentations at conferences, seminars, honours, awards, and memberships (if any) Contact information for three professional references (e.g., Ph.D. thesis supervisor, other research advisors, or senior colleagues familiar with your research capabilities); include referee''''s name, title, institution, email, and phone number; consider identifying at least one referee who can speak directly to your technical skills Additional Information Why Join UHN? Competitive offer packages Government organization and member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) 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, onsite 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 is misleading, inaccurate, or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue consideration of their application. UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants should make their requirements known. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. #J-18808-Ljbffr