Postdoctoral Researcher

Union: Non-Union
Number of Vacancies:  1
Site: Toronto General Hospital
Department: Epidemiologic and Applied Research Lab
Reports to: Principal Investigator
Hours: 37.5 Per Week
Shifts: Monday to Friday
Status: Temporary Full-time (1-2 Year Contract)
Closing Date: December 4, 2025 

Position Summary:
Under the supervision of Principal Investigator and Director of the Epidemiologic and Applied Research Lab in Young-Onset Diabetes (EARLY Diabetes, earlydiabetes.ca), the Postdoctoral Researcher will play a pivotal role in a grant-funded metabolomics research project on young-onset type 2 diabetes. The successful candidate will lead comprehensive data analysis and interpretation, including high-throughput metabolomics and advanced statistical approaches using large-scale biobank datasets (e.g., UK Biobank), and contribute to manuscript preparation, results dissemination, and collaborative interdisciplinary initiatives. 

Duties:

• Lead the design, implementation, and statistical analysis of metabolomics-focused research, with a primary emphasis on young-onset type 2 diabetes using a large biobank.
• Execute all steps of metabolomics data management and analysis, including data extraction, technical variation correction, quality control, and statistical modeling, using standard tools (e.g., R, ukbnmr, MetaboAnalystR).
• Collaborate closely with investigators on the interdisciplinary research team.
• Prepare peer-reviewed manuscripts, present findings at appropriate venues, support grant development.
• Manage compliance with institutional and research ethics.
• Train and mentor students and research assistants in metabolomics data analysis, research ethics, and dissemination.
• Engage with diverse stakeholders to promote the translation of metabolomics findings to diverse knowledge products to improve clinical care and inform precision medicine.

• PhD degree obtained within the last five (5) or MD within the last ten (10) years in a relevant field, preferably in bioinformatics, epidemiology, biostatistics, or a related discipline with a focus on metabolomics research.
• Extensive experience with large-scale omics data, especially metabolomics and high-dimensional statistical analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in R and related open-source analytical tools for metabolomics research.
• Strong academic writing record, with publications in peer-reviewed journals and prior contributions to grant applications and research dissemination.
• Familiarity with research ethics guidelines and processes, especially TCPS 2 and institutional ethics review submissions.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in collaborative, interdisciplinary academic environments.
• Exceptional organizational, time-management, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Commitment to health equity and knowledge mobilization.
• Strong critical thinking and independent problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with large cohorts such as UK Biobank data and working knowledge of technical variation correction in metabolomics.
• Prior engagement in precision medicine, diabetes research, or population health research related to chronic disease is a strong asset.

Why join UHN? 

In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, UHN offers a wide range of benefits, programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN. 

• Competitive offer packages  
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP https://hoopp.com/) 
• 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.) 

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 check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

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.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.