Program Head

Description:

The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), one of the world’s leading pediatric healthcare centres dedicated to children and their families, is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the Program Head of the Developmental, Stem Cell & Cancer Biology (DSCB) Research Program.

This flagship program is home to 20 independent investigators and over 200 graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, administrative, and research staff engaged in cutting-edge discovery-based and translational research. Their work focuses on the development of precision therapeutic strategies for pediatric cancer, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, congenital defects, and rare childhood diseases.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the strategic direction, focus, and scope of the DSCB Program.

• Overseeing research activities, mentoring investigators, and fostering collaboration across programs.

• Initiating and maintaining an original, competitive, and independently funded research program of international caliber.

• Establishing inter-programmatic projects and maximizing institutional resources.

• Collaborating with hospital and research leaders (e.g., Garron Family Cancer Centre) to drive interdisciplinary and translational research.

• Representing the program in strategic planning and contributing to scientific priorities within the Research Institute.

The program is based in the state-of-the-art Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning (PGCRL), situated within Toronto’s Discovery District, adjacent to the University of Toronto and nine affiliated teaching and research hospitals.

Qualifications:

• PhD, MD, or equivalent degree.

• Demonstrated track record of research leadership.

• Eligibility for an appointment as Associate or Full Professor (status only) at the University of Toronto.

• For MD applicants: Certificate of Registration from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (or eligibility to obtain).

• Proven experience in fostering collaborative, innovative, and inclusive research environments.

Benefits & Opportunities:

• Appointment as a Senior Scientist with a five-year leadership term (renewable).

• Access to world-class research facilities and highly collaborative academic networks.

• Opportunity to shape research strategies in developmental, stem cell, and cancer biology.

• Inclusive, diverse, and supportive work environment.