Research Fellow, Translational Medicine

Dedicated exclusively to children and their families, The Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids) 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 reputation would not have been built - nor could it be maintained - without the skills, knowledge and experience of the extraordinary people who come to work here every day.

Sick Kids is committed to ongoing learning and development, and features a caring and supportive work environment that combines exceptionally high standards of practice.

When you join Sick Kids, you become part of our community. We share a commitment and determination to fulfill our vision of Healthier Children. A Better World.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to work alongside the world’s best in paediatric healthcare.

Postdoctoral Researcher
Department:
Translational Medicine

Reports to:

Principal investigator

Hours:

35 hours per week

Salary Range: $54,000 - $93,000 per annum

Shifts:

Monday to Friday

Status:
Temporary Full-time (1 year contract with possibility of extension)

Closing Date:
November 30th, 2026

Position Summary
A postdoctoral research fellow position at the Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids) is available to start in January 2027 in the Pierro Lab. The position is initially available for a 1-year period with the possibility of extension, depending on performance and further funding. Dr. Pierro is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead a translational project focused on Hirschsprung’s disease and related disorders.

As a postdoctoral fellow in this position, you will be expected to play a central role in establishing and characterizing Hirschsprung’s disease models, as well as developing novel therapeutic strategies to enhance intestinal function in this disease.

Duties

Develop, optimize, and characterize in vitro and in vivo models of Hirschsprung’s disease.

Design and conduct experiments to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying intestinal dysfunction and regeneration.

Develop and evaluate novel therapeutic approaches to improve intestinal function, including stem cell-, organoid-, or tissue engineering-based strategies.

Perform molecular, cellular, histological, and functional analyses using a range of experimental techniques.

Analyze and interpret experimental data using appropriate statistical and bioinformatics methods.

Maintain accurate research records and prepare manuscripts, conference presentations, and research reports.

Contribute to grant applications and collaborative research projects.

Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate trainees as appropriate.

Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary research teams and external collaborators.

Assist with general laboratory management, including maintaining equipment, ordering supplies, and ensuring compliance with institutional safety and animal ethics regulations.

Qualifications

Hold a PhD in medical or a related scientific field

Strong background in the pathophysiology of Hirschsprung’s disease, with a deep understanding of its developmental, cellular, and molecular mechanisms

Hold a track record in research commensurate with your level of experience

Demonstrate excellent communication skills (oral and written) and be able to interact productively with team members and other trainees

Write high-quality scientific abstracts and manuscripts

Be able to work independently and meet deadlines (e.g. abstract/manuscript submissions, grant submissions, progress reports)

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Demonstrated…