Senior Discovery Scientist

About the role

Canadian Blood Services is looking for a Regular full-time Senior Discovery Scientist to join our dynamic Innovation division.

Significant innovations arise by advancing knowledge and understanding of blood based therapies, biologicals, and the mechanisms of the conditions and diseases that they treat.  The Senior Discovery Scientist is expected to build, lead, and maintain an independent research program and laboratory focused on advancing transfusion science in areas central to specific priorities at CBS (i.e. transfusion and transplantation immunology, bleeding and blood disorders, and cellular therapies).  Performing evidence-based research to support operational needs may also be required.

The Senior Discovery Scientist is expected to acquire and maintain outside grant funding support from Tri-agency (or equivalent) sources, maintain sufficient academic productivity (i.e. publication in peer-review journals, presenting abstracts at academic meetings, and invited lectures at other institutions), teaching, mentoring graduate students and/or research fellows, and all other requirements of the required faculty position. This role will suit an established researcher who combines scientific leadership with a strong commitment to collaboration, mentorship and knowledge sharing.

Formula for success

• Drawing on your scientific expertise, you will lead discovery research programs that generate knowledge and evidence relevant to transfusion science and operational priorities.


• Using your experience in research design and execution, you will develop rigorous studies, translate findings into evidence-based recommendations and help address scientific, operational and quality-related challenges.


• Through your established research funding capabilities, you will prepare competitive grant applications, funding proposals and research budgets to secure the resources needed to sustain your research program and laboratory.


• You will communicate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, presentations and national and international conferences, contributing to the broader scientific community.


• Drawing on your leadership and mentorship skills, you will recruit, train and supervise research staff and trainees, including graduate students, research fellows and technical staff, as applicable.


• By building relationships across academia, industry and the blood operator sector, you will contribute scientific expertise through professional committees, peer-review activities, educational opportunities and other forms of scientific leadership. 

Desired education and skills

• PhD, MD, or MD/PhD from a recognized academic institution, with specialization in an appropriate field. Where the responsibilities of the position require the incumbent to practice as a physician or maintain medical licensure, compensation may be adjusted in accordance with applicable salary structures and/or provincial rates.


• Sufficient academic accomplishments to qualify for a university faculty appointment in a scientific department at the chosen partner institution, including mentoring graduate students. 


• Demonstrated ability to design and conduct independent research and publish findings in high-quality scientific journals.


• A demonstrated record of obtaining national, peer-reviewed competitive research funding, or equivalent achievement in an industry setting.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; effective public-speaking skills are an asset.

What we offer you

• 4 weeks' vacation. 


• Comprehensive group health, dental and vision benefits for you and your family. 


• Defined benefit pension plan. 


• Employee discounts, wellness program, professional resources. 

What you can expect

• This role requires onsite work at Canadian Blood Services labs and/or laboratories at the chosen partner academic research organization.


• The role requires national and/or international travel on a quarterly basis, and as required.