Postdoctoral Researcher in Mechanisms of Genetic Kidney Disorders

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

Number of Vacancies: 3

New or Replacement: New

Site: Toronto General Hospital Research Institute

Department: Advanced Diagnostics

Reports to: Principal Investigator 

Salary: $54,902 to $93,333 per annum

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Shifts: Day

Status: Temporary Full-time 

Closing Date:  31 July, 2026



Position Summary 

The Barua Lab is seeking up to 3 highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellows for full-time, two-year positions at the University Health Network (UHN). Applicants should be in the top 5% of candidates within their field, with multiple high-impact research outputs and high potential for broad impact. Those with research experience collaborating with industry partners and/or commercialization experience are preferred.

Successful applicants will join the laboratory of Dr. Moumita Barua. The 2 major project subtypes include human omics research utilizing large cohorts like the UK Biobank and All of Us; or mechanistic projects exploring genetic kidney disorders including Alport syndrome, congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT), and Joubert syndrome.

The laboratory is located in the research tower attached to Toronto General Hospital and is supported by peer-reviewed funding (CIHR, Kidney Foundation of Canada) and philanthropic awards.

Dr. Moumita Barua is a Clinician Scientist at the University Health Network (UHN), Senior Scientist at the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Her research program aims to improve diagnostics and clinical outcomes for individuals living with kidney disease.

The Barua Lab integrates human genetics, molecular biology, and preclinical modeling to elucidate disease mechanisms and identify therapeutic targets. Genetic discoveries from patient and population cohorts guide the development of clinically relevant models in the lab. Major ongoing projects include: Genome-wide and other omic association studies of kidney traits, Pax2 mediated kidney repair and regeneration, and Mechanistic studies in genetic kidney disease models including for Alport syndrome, CAKUT and Joubert syndrome.

Duties

• Design and execute molecular biology experiments involving next-generation and single-cell sequencing workflows.
• Analyze and interpret large-scale multi-omics datasets (epigenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic).
• Conduct preclinical studies using mouse models of kidney disease.
• Collaborate with laboratory scientists to validate and integrate findings.
• Prepare manuscripts, presentations, and scientific reports.
• Contribute to grant applications and progress reporting.

• PhD obtained in the last 5 years, or MD or DDS in the last 10 years in molecular biology, bioinformatics, genomics, biomedical sciences, or a related field. Applicant cannot already be at UHN.
• Experience with genetically characterized cohorts is required
• Proven experience working with large datasets and performing statistical analyses.
• Proficiency in next-generation sequencing (WGS, WES, RNA-seq, single-cell sequencing).
• Hands-on experience with single-cell sequencing technologies and associated analysis tools.
• Experience generating or analyzing proteomics data (e.g., mass spectrometry).
• Strong understanding of kidney disease biology or demonstrated interest in renal pathophysiology.
• Familiarity with mouse models, including handling, genotyping, and phenotypic characterization.
• Experience in collaborative, interdisciplinary research environments.
• Background in systems biology or network-based modeling (asset).
• Prior experience with translational research or preclinical models of kidney disease (asset).
• Enthusiasm to work with mouse models is an asset

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.