Principal Investigator in Data Science and Health Research
Location
Toronto, ON, Canada
Open Date
Aug 20, 2018
Deadline
Nov 1, 2018 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time
Description
The Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute of Sinai Health, a University of Toronto affiliated research centre, is seeking broadly for an emerging leader in the area of Data Science and Health Research. The appointment will be for a Principal Investigator, rank equivalent to Assistant Professor, with the anticipated starting date of July 1st, 2019. We seek applicants that will develop independent, outstanding and innovative programs in Data Science with specific focus on applications to population health. Topic areas include, but are not limited to: genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics, statistical genetics, epidemiology, risk prediction modeling, data linkage, artificial intelligence application in health science and bioinformatics.
Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (LTRI) is one of the Canada’s leading biomedical research institutes offering a stimulating research environment. The successful candidate will join the LTRI whose faculty members are internationally renowned for their work in multiple area of cutting-edge research (www.lunenfeld.ca/expertise). Within Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, the Prosserman Centre for Population Health Research includes a group of multi-disciplinary scientists with focus on quantitative research of complex diseases, including population and statistical genomics based on large-scale cohort and biobank data (https://net.lunenfeld.ca/pcphr/). Partnering with the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Department of Statistical Science, and Department and Computer Science at the University of Toronto, the Prosserman Centre for Population Health Research is the hub of an active research community of public health science, genomic epidemiology and statistical methodology with regular seminar series and journal club.
With numerous discoveries in basic and applied research in cancer, diabetes, genetic disorders and women’s and infants’ health, the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute is committed to excellence in health research and the training of young investigators. Large-scale health data has been collected through many research initiatives and platforms. The Institute provides a research-intensive environment with modern and innovative core facilities, including in biobanking, sequencing, proteomics and a designated Research Training Centre.
Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute labs engage in productive collaborations within the Institute, and are well integrated in the larger University of Toronto community, as well as national and international collaborations. The University of Toronto has one of the most concentrated biomedical research communities in the world, including 9 academic hospital research institutes that are fully affiliated with the University, in addition to government agencies such as the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Public Health Ontario and Cancer Care Ontario, and a newly established Vector Institute dedicated to the field of artificial intelligence. This community attracts more than $800M in annual research investment.
Duties and Responsibilities
- To develop innovative and highly competitive independent research programs in Data Science and Health Research, broadly defined as quantitative modeling of high-dimensional data such as multi-omics analytics with application to human health, including but not limited to complex diseases such as cancer, diabetes, developmental origins of health and diseases.
- To establish and maintain an outstanding and competitive research programs based on external funding
- To establish productive collaboration nationally and internationally
- To hire and supervise research staff and trainees and manage budget accordingly.
- To disseminate the results from the research program in leading peer-reviewed journals and international conferences.
Qualifications
Investigators at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute are appointed to independent Investigator positions equivalent to Assistant, Associate or Full Professor, depending on experience and qualifications. Preference for this open position will be given to individuals qualifying at the level of Assistant professor. Investigators will be cross-appointed at the University of Toronto in the academic department best aligned with the candidate’s background and research topic, as well as at the Vector Institute, if applicable.
Candidates must hold a PhD, ScD or equivalent doctoral degrees, with postdoctoral experience and an established record of research accomplishment as demonstrated by publications in leading journals, presentations at significant international conferences, awards and accolades, and strong endorsement by referees of high international standing. A track record of securing external funding is an asset. The successful candidate will be expected to initiate and lead an innovative, independent, and externally funded, research program of the highest international calibre.
We offer competitive salary and start-up packages commensurate with experience and qualifications (Illustrative range between $120,000 to $140,000) as well as full health benefit package.
An appropriately qualified individual may also be nominated for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair. Nominees should be within ten years of receiving their PhD. Applicants who are more than 10 years from having earned their highest degree (and where career breaks exist, such as maternity, parental or extended sick leave, clinical training, etc.) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 chair assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process. Eligible candidates will be given the opportunity to be considered for Tier 2 Canada Research Chair nomination. For further information (including eligibility criteria) on these federally endowed chairs, which are open to all nationalities, please consult the Canada Research Chairs website. For questions about the CRC nomination process at the University of Toronto and affiliated hospitals, contact Judith Chadwick, Assistant Vice-President, Research Services - crc@utoronto.ca.
Application Instructions
Applications should include:
- A one page structured summary that includes: A) a brief education/training history; B) a summary of the applicant’s most important research contributions (up to five), and C) an abstract of the research plan
- A cover letter
- A research statement highlighting proposed research program (not exceeding 3 pages)
- A complete curriculum vitae
- Three reference letters
Applications should be submitted via the Interfolio website (http://apply.interfolio.com/53219) prior to November 1st, 2018.
Anticipated start is July 1st, 2019, or a date to be mutually agreed upon.
Applicants needing additional information can contact the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Rayjean Hung, via rhung_search@lunenfeld.ca. Note that e-mailed applications will not be accepted.
Application Process
This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
HOSPITAL DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Sinai Health recognizes that scholars have varying career paths and that career interruptions due to personal circumstances can be part of an excellent academic record. Candidates are encouraged to explain any personal circumstances in order to allow for a fair assessment of their application. Search committee members have been instructed to give careful consideration to, and be sensitive to the impact of, career interruptions in their assessments.
Sinai Health is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, and members of sexual minority groups, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.
COLLECTION OF EQUITY DATA
As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey directly on the Interfolio site. This form is voluntary and any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by the search committee. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes as part of Sinai Health’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiative.
OTHER INFORMATION RELEVANT TO THE POSITION
In accordance with Institute’s policy and legislated health and safety requirements, employment is conditional upon the verification of credentials, completion of a health review, and demonstrating proof of immunity and vaccination status of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Sinai Health is a scent sensitive environment and all members of the community are expected to refrain from wearing or using scented products while visiting or working at the Institute. We also support a barrier-free workplace supported by the Institute’s accessibility plan, accommodation and disability management policies and procedures. Should you require accommodation at any point during the recruitment process, including accessible job postings, please contact the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Human Resources Department. All qualified applicants are strongly encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
