Research Summer Student 2026

Union: Non-Union 
Number of Vacancies: 1 
New or Replacement: 1
Site: Toronto General Hospital
Department: Cardiology
Reports to: Dr. Mansoor Husain
Hours: 35
Salary: $17.60 - $20.91 per hour. 
Shifts: Monday to Friday
Status: Temporary Full Time
Closing Date: February 27th, 2026

Position Summary:
This research project investigates the role of MTP, a regulator of myocardial energy metabolism, during prolonged cardiac surgery. The student will work with existing tissue samples collected from a clinically relevant pediatric pig model of prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamping, designed to mirror long and complex heart surgery. The student will gain practical experience in molecular and biochemical techniques, analyzing how ischemia-reperfusion injury during prolonged cardiac surgery affects myocardial metabolism. Key activities will include examining MTP expression levels with Western Blot, assessing MTP enzyme activity using specialized tissue assays, and exploring potential cardioprotective effects of a MTP-treatment. The project integrates a large-animal model with mechanistic mitochondrial biology to identify novel metabolic targets and therapeutic strategies for preventing myocardial injury during cardiac surgery.

Completion of Western Blot analysis on myocardial tissue samples to quantify MTP protein expression across experimental groups; Comprehensive assessment of MTP enzymatic activity using established tissue assay protocols; Detailed summary report of findings comparing MTP expression and activity between ischemia-reperfusion and treatment conditions; Data summary and preliminary analysis of metabolic outcomes related to treatment interventions; Presentation of results in a formal seminar format to laboratory members; Contribution to a research manuscript describing the findings and their implications for cardiac surgery outcomes.

Duties:

1. Develop competency in molecular biology techniques, including protein analysis and tissue-based enzyme assays
2. Understand mechanisms of ischemia-reperfusion injury and its role in cardiac dysfunction after surgery
3. Learn how metabolic profiling and substrate utilization analysis contribute to predicting cardiac outcomes
4. Gain insight into translational research and connections between basic science and clinical cardiology and cardiovascular surgery
5. Develop critical thinking skills in experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific problem-solving within the context of cardiac physiology
6. Contribute to research with implications for improving outcomes in heart surgery 

• Currently enrolled in or recent graduate of pre-medical, medical, or life sciences program with strong fundamentals in biochemistry and biology
• Demonstrated academic excellence in science (particularly biochemistry, physiology, or molecular biology)
• Interest in cardiac research and commitment to understanding pathophysiology
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and take direction from senior researchers
• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to scientific rigor in experimental work
• Previous research experience in a clinical or basic science setting [e.g. hands-on experience with Western Blot, PCR, or protein assays, tissue-based research]
• Evidence of leadership, initiative, and ability to work independently on research tasks
• Publication or presentation experience in a research context 

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.