Research Associate I

Union: Non-Union
Number of Vacancies: 1
New or Replacement Position: New
Site: 700 University Avenue Toronto
Department: CIHR Institute of Cancer Research at UHN
Reports to: ICR Scientific Director & Assistant Director
Salary Range: $73,808 - $92,250 Annually
Hours: 37.5 Hours Per Week
Shifts: Monday - Friday
Status: Permanent Full-Time
Closing Date: February 26, 2026
 

Position Summary:
The Research Associate I plays a key role in supporting and advancing ICR’s strategic and operational priorities. Reporting to the ICR Scientific Director and Assistant Director, the Research Associate I will plan, implement, oversee, and evaluate a range of institute initiatives and projects. This role is primarily administrative, requiring strong scientific understanding, exceptional analytical abilities, and outstanding written communication skills. The successful candidate will excel in a fast‑paced environment and demonstrate discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism.

The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), headquartered at the University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto is one of the thirteen institutes of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). ICR advances cancer research in Canada by developing new national research initiatives and coordinating Canada‑wide efforts supported by federal, national, and provincial partners.

Duties:

• Lead and support the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of ICR strategic initiatives, projects, and funding opportunities.
• Conduct environmental scans, literature reviews, analyses, and prepare briefings and presentations to support strategic decision‑making.
• Participate in peer review, relevance review, and validation processes for CIHR cancer research investments.
• Query large datasets, conduct analyses, and create data visualizations using tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) to inform strategic planning and support institute initiatives.
• Optimize existing data management systems and processes and contribute to database development and maintenance (e.g., funding databases, stakeholder lists, peer reviewer lists).
• Prepare briefing notes, slide decks, concept papers, business cases, and internal bulletins for the Scientific Director and Assistant Director to support institute initiatives and projects.
• Support the development of funding opportunities, and contribute to communications materials, including public newsletters, impact reports, and social media content.  
• Support planning and coordination of workshops, meetings, and conferences at local and national levels.
• Represent ICR in institute-led initiatives and at internal and external meetings, as required.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to develop partnerships that support ICR research priorities.
• Remain current on cancer research by attending workshops and scientific meetings, as required.
• Provide administrative support, including scheduling, preparing agendas and minutes, coordinating meeting materials, and other general clerical duties, as required.
• Contribute to special projects that advance ICR and CIHR strategic objectives.

• Completion of a Master’s degree in a health- or science-related discipline.
• A minimum of 2-3 years of related experience in academic health research is required.
• Knowledge of the Canadian cancer research landscape and key stakeholders is highly valued.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex information and develop recommendations.
• Excellent written communication skills, evidenced through publications, reports, or equivalent outputs.
• Exceptional attention to detail, nuance, sensitivity, and assurance of accuracy in communicating health and research information.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, Forms, Teams) and scientific literature tools (e.g., PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, reference managers).
• Experience working with and analyzing large datasets using advanced Excel functions, automation tools (e.g., VBA, Power Query), or similar.
• Experience with programming languages for data analytics (e.g., Python, SQL, R) and data visualization platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) is highly valued.
• Experience building or managing reliable databases and data pipelines is a strong asset.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience engaging with diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership and external partners.
• Superior project management skills and ability to manage time and coordinate workflow across multiple projects to meet deadlines.
• Strong initiative and ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability and capacity to learn new technologies quickly.
• Bilingualism (French/English) would be considered an asset.
• Occasional domestic and/or international travel and flexibility in hours of work to attend and support meetings/events will be required.

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.