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University of Toronto
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Research Associate (Limited Term, 2 years) University of Toronto in Canada
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Biochemistry
Funding
Grant-term, full-time Research Associate position with salary scale R01: $55,661 - $104,364.
Deadline
Nov 20, 2026
Country
Canada
University
University of Toronto
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About this position
The Li Laboratory in the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto is seeking a Research Associate to help lead a multidisciplinary program in nucleic acid therapeutics and non-viral delivery. Working closely with Dr. Bowen Li, the successful candidate will contribute to a research portfolio centered on engineering lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and biomaterial delivery platforms for mRNA, circular RNA, suppressor tRNA, and genome-editing systems.
The lab’s research addresses important biomedical challenges including genetic pulmonary diseases such as cystic fibrosis, mucosal vaccines, and cancer immunotherapy. The position sits at the intersection of molecular bioengineering, pharmaceutical sciences, biochemistry, and data-driven formulation screening, with an emphasis on translational advancement and technical rigor.
This is a senior research role with substantial independence. The Research Associate will oversee major parts of the lab’s scientific enterprise, including experimental direction, project milestones, collaboration with research cores and external partners, and the mentoring of trainees. The work spans CRISPR-mediated gene targeting, homology-directed repair, delivery-vector optimization, and translational disease-model pipelines.
Research activities include formulation and characterization of LNPs, development of analytical and quality-control assays, and studies in air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures of primary airway epithelial cells, organoids, and preclinical rodent models. The role also includes preparing high-impact manuscripts, contributing to grant applications, and supporting the laboratory’s publication and funding goals.
The position is located on the St. George campus in downtown Toronto within a research environment focused on advanced therapeutic delivery and translational biomedical research.
Funding details
Grant-term, full-time Research Associate position with salary scale R01: $55,661 - $104,364.
What's required
Ph.D. in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Molecular Genetics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a closely related biomedical discipline. Minimum 2-4 years of postdoctoral research and/or research core experience in molecular biology, gene therapy, or nucleic acid therapeutics. Demonstrated record of leading multidisciplinary research projects and developing experimental platforms. Evidence of active participation in grant writing and research proposal preparation, including institutional or federal funding. Strong peer-reviewed publication record in high-impact journals in genome editing, viral/non-viral delivery, or respiratory/mucosal diseases. Demonstrated experience supervising, mentoring, and training graduate students and laboratory researchers. In-depth technical expertise in CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, DNA repair pathway modulation, vector design, and primary airway epithelial cell/ALI culture models. Practical experience in lipid nanoparticle formulation, RNA encapsulation assays, biophysical characterization, or preclinical animal disease models. Strong leadership, organizational, project management, and scientific communication skills.
How to apply
Apply through the University of Toronto job portal using the posted application link. Submit the required application materials before the closing date and time. Ensure your materials demonstrate relevant postdoctoral, grant-writing, publication, and leadership experience.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.