Research Associate - Evaluative Clinical Sciences

About Sunnybrook Research Institute

Sunnybrook Research Institute, one of Canada's top ten research hospitals, facilitates pioneering healthcare advancements that serve over 1.3 million patients annually. It functions as the research arm of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, a teaching hospital fully affiliated with the University of Toronto. Spread across three Toronto campuses with eight programs and three scientific platforms, the institute focuses on understanding, preventing disease, and pioneering treatments that improve longevity and quality of life. Their facilities include the world's first Centre for Research in Image-Guided Therapeutics, with an annual research investment near $100 million within 500,000 square feet.

Position Overview

The Neurodegeneration and Dementia Research Laboratory, headed by Dr. Mario Masellis, is looking for a full-time Research Associate to contribute significantly to imaging analysis tools for diseases such as Alzheimer's and Frontotemporal Dementia. The role involves working with diverse datasets including fluid biomarkers, genomics, transcriptomics, methylomics, and proteomics, and integrating these with neuroimaging data. The candidate will apply traditional statistics along with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning methods in their analyses, focusing on Arterial Spin Labeling, Functional MRI, and structural imaging pipelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and evaluate both retrospective and prospective cognitive neurology study data.
• Operate, assess, and enhance in-house image analysis software tools.
• Contribute to drafting abstracts and manuscripts presenting imaging data findings for peer-reviewed publications.
• Assist in preparing grant proposals to support the laboratory’s research efforts.
• Collaborate with external laboratories to aid validation processes and to initiate new research projects.

Qualifications and Experience

• PhD in medical imaging, neuroscience, bioengineering, or a closely related field.
• Proven experience working with neuroimaging software tools.
• Proficiency in programming languages R and Python.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and time management capabilities.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with high attention to detail.
• Documented background in scientific writing evidenced by peer-reviewed publications is highly advantageous.

Additional Information

The candidate must be a motivated self-starter able to work independently and foster an inclusive, diverse, and healthy work environment. Sunnybrook welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds including visible minorities, various religions and ethnicities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ community members, and others that diversify ideas and perspectives.

Applicants should provide a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and two professional references. Accommodation during recruitment is available upon request to comply with accessibility standards.