Research Associate; Limited Term

Position: Research Associate (Limited Term)
Overview
Date Posted:  06/12/2026
Req :  48544
Faculty/Division:  UofT Mississauga
Department:  UTM:
Chem/Phys. Sciences
Campus :
University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM)
Existing Vacancy:  Yes

About This Opportunity
CPS is an interdisciplinary science department comprising Chemistry, Physics, Earth Sciences, and Astronomy. Our vibrant research labs examine questions such as how cells are programmed, how proteins function, how we develop materials for human health and sustainable future, how Earth’s climate and biosphere change over time, how we monitor and predict natural hazards, and how students learn to approach these challenges.

Our department is home to 25 full-time faculty, including award-winning educators and researchers, who supervise a total of 90 graduate students and 16 postdocs in the CPS research labs. About 40% of our faculty have been hired in the last 10 years, the result of a recruitment and renewal drive that is ongoing.

The Hargrove Group specializes in small molecule drug discovery against RNA targets, with projects aimed at uncovering disease-related RNA biology and the druggability of specific RNA structures. Our current ~10-member team is comprised of medicinal chemists, biochemists, and molecular and cell biologists. We are currently looking for experts in RNA biology, specifically in cell RNA-protein interactions.

The Research Associate will work independently but closely with chemists and biologists in a results-driven, collaborative environment. The incumbent will be responsible for designing advanced methodologies, performing experiments, carrying out the analyses and providing interpretations and conclusions from the results in a report for each project in a timely fashion. The incumbent will lead RNA biology research projects as agreed upon with the supervisor.

The incumbent would maintain appropriate notebooks, data and records as agreed upon with the supervisor. He or She would train other lab members in rigorous and safe biological techniques per lab protocols as agreed upon with the supervisor as well they would mentor students on independent research projects. The Research Associate would assist and coordinate writing of protocols, papers and grants.

They will supervise responsible lab ordering and inventory while maintaining a professional and supportive work environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Ph.D. in a relevant area of Life Sciences, Chemistry or Biochemistry, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

At least two (2) years of experience in demonstrated independent research experiences in RNA molecular and cell biology.

Experience in characterizing in-cell RNA: protein interactions and related mechanisms

Experienced in analyzing bioinformatics data

Experience in mentoring undergraduate and graduate student researchers

Experience in scientific writing, particularly manuscript and grant writing

Skills:

Ability to lead a project and co-ordinate research teams

Superior communication and organizational skills

Self-motivated with an ability to multi-task

Ability to work in a collaborative group

Supervisory skills include effective teambuilding and the ability to establish positive working relationships and foster collaboration to achieve common goals

Experience in training and monitoring performance

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Strong organizational, decision-making and management skills

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Please Note:

This posting is for a  one (1) year term  position, possibility of being renewed, with an anticipated start date of  August 1, 2026

Closing Date:  07/13/2026, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group:  Research Associate
Personnel Subarea:  Research Assoc
Appointment Type :
Budget - Term

Schedule:

Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:  R01 -- Research Associates (Limited Term): $53,520 - $100,350
Job Category:  Research Administration & Teaching

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