Postdoctoral Researcher; Molecular Mechanisms of Genetic Kidney Disorders

Postdoctoral Researcher (Molecular Mechanisms of Genetic Kidney Disorders) Company Description

UHN is Canada’s #1 hospital and the world’s #1 publicly funded hospital. With 10 sites and more than 44,000 TeamUHN 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 Canada's 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 hospital-based 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.

• Union:
  Non-Union
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Site:
  Toronto General Hospital Research Institute
• Department:
  Advanced Diagnostics
• Reports to:
  
  Principal Investigator
• Hours:
  
  37.5 per week
• Shifts:
  
  Day
• Status:
  Temporary Full-time
• Closing Date: 31 January 2025

The Barua Lab is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher for a full-time, two-year position for the University Health Network (UHN). The successful applicant will join the laboratory of Dr. Moumita Barua, investigating molecular mechanisms underlying genetic kidney disorders including Alport syndrome, congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT), and Joubert syndrome. The laboratory is located in the research tower attached to Toronto General Hospital and is supported by peer-reviewed funding (CIHR, Kidney Foundation of Canada) and philanthropic awards.

The Barua Lab integrates Human Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Preclinical Modeling to elucidate disease mechanisms and identify therapeutic targets. Genetic discoveries from patient and population cohorts guide the development of clinically relevant models in the lab. Major ongoing projects include:

• Genome-wide association studies of kidney traits
• Pax2-mediated kidney repair/regeneration – enthusiasm to work with mouse models is an asset
• Mechanistic studies in genetic kidney disease models including for Alport syndrome, CAKUT and Joubert syndrome – enthusiasm for working with mouse models is an asset

• Design and execute molecular biology experiments involving next-generation and single-cell sequencing workflows.
• Analyze and interpret large-scale multi-omics data, including epigenomics, transcriptomics and proteomics.
• Conduct preclinical studies using mouse models of kidney disease.
• Collaborate with laboratory scientists to validate and integrate findings.
• Prepare manuscripts, presentations, and scientific reports.
• Contribute to grant applications and progress reporting.

• Within 1 year of PhD (or equivalent) graduation in molecular biology, bioinformatics, genomics, biomedical sciences, or a related field.
• Proven experience working with large datasets and performing statistical analyses.
• Proficiency in next-generation sequencing (WGS, WES, RNA-seq, single-cell sequencing).
• Hands-on experience with single-cell sequencing technologies and associated analysis tools.
• Experience generating or analyzing proteomics data (e.g., mass spectrometry).
• Strong understanding of kidney disease biology or demonstrated interest in renal pathophysiology.
• Familiarity with mouse models, including handling, genotyping, and phenotypic characterization.
• Experience in collaborative, interdisciplinary research environments.
• Background in systems biology or network-based modeling (asset).
• Prior experience with translational research or preclinical models of kidney disease (asset).

• 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…