Scientific Associate II

UHN is Canada’s #1 hospital and the world’s #1 publicly funded hospital. With 10 sites and more than 44,000 TeamUHN members, UHN consists of Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, The Michener Institute of Education and West Park Healthcare Centre. As Canada's top research hospital, the scope of biomedical research and complexity of cases at UHN have made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care. UHN has the largest hospital-based research program in Canada, with major research in neurosciences, cardiology, transplantation, oncology, surgical innovation, infectious diseases, genomic medicine and rehabilitation medicine. UHN is a research hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto.

UHN’s vision is to build A Healthier World and it’s only because of the talented and dedicated people who work here that we are continually bringing that vision closer to reality.

www.uhn.ca

Union: Non-Union  

Site: Toronto Western Hospital 

Department: General Surgery Research 

Reports to: Director, Surgical Artificial Intelligence Research Academy 

Work Model: Hybrid 

Hours: 37.5 hours per week 

Status: Temporary Full-time (1 year contract)

Closing Date: June 13, 2025

Position Summary  

Based at the University Health Network, the Surgical Artificial Intelligence Research Academy is thrilled to announce an exceptional opportunity for a Scientific Associate to join our dynamic team. The Surgical AI Research Academy (SARA) is dedicated towards research and innovation in areas related to surgical training, intra-operative performance augmentation, robotic surgery and telecoaching. We use various methodologies, including artificial intelligence, AR/VR modelling, and simulation-based training to improve patient outcomes through surgical excellence. You will be working directly under the leadership of our Director Surgeon-Scientist Dr. Amin Madani. We are looking for candidates with a PhD and an impressive publication record, specializing in areas such as surgical education, simulation, performance assessment, surgical innovation and machine learning for health care. Experience in computer vision and artificial intelligence would be ideal. Priority will be given to individuals with an established research track record in peer-reviewed publications and successful peer-reviewed grants and experience with CIHR grant submissions. This is a unique to be at the cutting edge of AI research in healthcare, driving projects that make a tangible impact on patient outcomes and clinical practices around the globe. The role offers an inspiring blend of academic and creative freedom, along with access to world-class resources to empower you in pursuing your research ambitions. 

The successful candidate will have a PhD or MD/PhD, postdoctoral experience and demonstrated research excellence.  

Duties 

• Lead ground-breaking research and create cutting-edge AI models that push the boundaries of surgical care
• Collaborate with diverse, multidisciplinary teams across UHN to leverage AI technologies in tackling some of healthcare’s most pressing challenges
• Publish your research in prestigious journals and present your findings at top international conferences, shaping the future of AI in healthcare
• Mentor and inspire the next generation of researchers, fostering a culture of academic excellence and innovation within the team
• Drive the development of high-impact proposals, securing funding from leading national and international grant agencies to fuel your research
• Actively engage with the global scientific community, exchanging ideas and forging new collaborations to expand UHN's leadership in AI advancements

• At minimum a PhD in a relevant field
• Minimum of 2 years of related experience is required
• CIHR grant writing experience is an asset
• Candidates are expected to demonstrate evidence of: 1) track record of peer-reviewed publications; 2) successful research funding (peer-reviewed grants, fellowships, etc.) and 3) presentations at significant conferences
• Secure external funding through competitive grant applications (e.g., CIHR, industry). 
• Mentor Graduate Students, trainees and research staff
• Demonstrable strong publication record in top-tier journals and conferences 
• Expertise in one or more of the following fields: surgical education, simulation, surgical innovation, machine learning, artificial intelligence, computer vision
• Familiar with programming languages such as Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, etc. 
• Exceptional scientific writing skills
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a diverse, multidisciplinary 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.