Scientific Associate I

The University Health Network, where "above all else the needs of patients come first", encompasses Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and the Michener Institute of Education. The breadth of research, the complexity of the cases treated, and the magnitude of its educational enterprise has made UHN a national and international resource for patient care, research and education. With a long tradition of ground breaking firsts and a purpose of "Transforming lives and communities through excellence in care, discovery and learning", the University Health Network (UHN), Canada's largest research teaching hospital, brings together over 16,000 employees, more than 1,200 physicians, 8,000+ students, and many volunteers. UHN is a caring, creative place where amazing people are amazing the world.

Union: Non-Union
Site: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, MaRS Tower
Department: Princess Margaret Research Institute
Reports to: Principal Investigator
Work Model: On-Site
Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary: $67,465 - $82,545 per annum (To commensurate with experience and consistent with UHN compensation policy)
Shifts: Monday-Friday
Status: Permanent Full-time
Closing Date: November 10, 2024

Position Summary

MYC is dysregulated in a majority of human cancers and is a key regulator, binding to 15% of the human genome. Successfully targeting MYC would represent a breakthrough in cancer therapy, but due to the intrinsically disordered nature of the MYC protein it has evaded drug development for several decades. Our lab has recently identified an exciting therapeutic opportunity in the PP1-PNUTS phosphatase complex which, when inhibited, leads to MYC hyperphosphorylation and degradation. MYC cannot be inhibited directly, so we are working to inhibit the direct complex formation between MYC and PNUTS. By targeting MYC through essential interactions like that with PNUTS, we are finally able to begin making progress towards the targeting of this undruggable protein, the potential of which is enormous.

We are searching for a highly motivated Scientific Associate with a PhD in a related discipline, such as biochemistry or biophysics. This project will consist of validating and characterizing novel MYC-protein interactions, biophysically and structurally, with a focus on proteins that are essential to MYC oncogenic function. The successful candidate will be working at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in conjunction with the Structural Genomics Consortium at the University of Toronto and will benefit from this highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research team.

Duties

• Perform protein production and purification
• Conduct protein-protein interaction assays, such as BLI, FP, HTRF
• Analyze protein-protein interactions using NRM and/or crystallography
• Evaluate interaction of small molecules with protein targets
• Determine role of protein phosphorylation in protein-protein interactions
• Understand the state-of-the-art at both the methodological and biological levels
• Report results both in writing and orally to individuals as well as collaborative groups

• PhD in biochemistry, biophysics or related discipline
• Expertise in the area of protein biochemistry and/or biophysics
• Experience in protein purification and biophysical analysis techniques, such as binding assays (SPR, BLI, ITC) and structural biology (NMR, X-ray crystallography)
• Work well independently as well as with others as part of a team
• Excellent problem recognition and problem-solving
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to set priorities and work independently with accuracy in a fast-paced multitasking environment

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.