Postdoctoral Researcher in Mechanisms of Genetic Kidney Disorders

Union:  Non-Union |  

Number of Vacancies :  3 |  New or Replacement:  New |  Site:  Toronto General Hospital Research Institute |  Department:  Advanced Diagnostics |

Reports to:

Principal Investigator |  Salary:  $54,902 to $93,333 per annum |

Hours:

37.5 hours per week |

Shifts:

Day |  Status:  Temporary Full-time |  Closing Date:  31 July 2026

Position Summary
The Barua Lab is seeking up to 3 highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellows for full‑time, two‑year positions at the University Health Network (UHN). Applicants should be in the top 5% of candidates within their field, with multiple high‑impact research outputs and high potential for broad impact. Those with research experience collaborating with industry partners and/or commercialization experience are preferred.

Successful applicants will join the laboratory of Dr. Moumita Barua. The two major project subtypes include human omics research utilizing large cohorts like the UK Biobank and All of Us, or mechanistic projects exploring 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.

Dr. Moumita Barua is a Clinician Scientist at the University Health Network (UHN), Senior Scientist at the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Her research program aims to improve diagnostics and clinical outcomes for individuals living with kidney disease.

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 and other omic association studies of kidney traits, Pax2 mediated kidney repair and regeneration, and mechanistic studies in genetic kidney disease models including for Alport syndrome, CAKUT and Joubert syndrome.

Duties

Design and execute molecular biology experiments involving next‑generation and single‑cell sequencing workflows.

Analyze and interpret large‑scale multi‑omics datasets (epigenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic).

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.

Qualifications

PhD obtained in the last 5 years, or MD or DDS in the last 10 years in molecular biology, bioinformatics, genomics, biomedical sciences, or a related field. Applicant cannot already be at UHN.

Experience with genetically characterized cohorts is required.

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).

Enthusiasm to work with mouse models is an asset.

Benefits

Competitive offer packages.

Government organization and membership in 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, on‑site gyms, etc.).

Equal Opportunity Employment
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 need to make their requirements known.

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