"Head of Developmental, Stem Cell & Cancer Biology Program"

University of Toronto

The Research Institute at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is seeking a dynamic research leader to be Head of the Developmental, Stem Cell & Cancer Biology (DSCB) Program, one of seven highly productive flagship research programs. The DSCB Program Head leads 20 independent investigators and more than 200 graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, administrative and research staff in both discovery-based and translational research activities that are focused on developing and studying innovative experimental models of human development and disease. Our researchers use patient samples, stem cell and organoid platforms, as well as nematode, Drosophila, zebrafish, axolotl and mouse genetic models to interrogate pathogenic mechanisms underlying a diverse range of childhood disorders. Our common goal is to develop precision therapeutic strategies for paediatric cancer, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, congenital defects and rare childhood diseases. Visit our site to learn more about DSCB Program research.

The successful candidate will have a PhD, MD or equivalent, and a demonstrated track record of increasing leadership experience in research. By the job start date, the successful candidate is required to have an appropriate Visa (if applicable) and, to practice as an MD, obtain an appropriate Certificate of Registration from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (license to practice). The Program Head, together with senior leaders, will be responsible for the overall scope, focus and direction of research within the Program, and will play an integral role in developing and implementing scientific priorities within the Research Institute to ensure SickKids remains at the forefront of research in Developmental, Stem Cell & Cancer Biology. The Program Head will also work with the other Program Heads to establish inter-programmatic projects, to promote information sharing and to maximize use of resources, and work with Hospital and Centre leaders (e.g., Garron Family Cancer Centre) to promote interdisciplinary and translational research. In addition to Program Head activities, the successful candidate will initiate and maintain an original, competitive, and independently funded research program of international caliber.

The successful candidate will be appointed as a Senior Scientist in the Research Institute and is expected to qualify for an appointment at the Associate or Full Professor level (status only) in an appropriate department at the University of Toronto. The Program Head role is a five-year appointment, with the potential to renew this leadership role for a further five-year term following a successful Program review. At the end of their term as Program Head, the successful candidate will be eligible to maintain their Senior Scientist appointment.

The Developmental, Stem Cell & Cancer Biology Research Program is located in the state-of-the-art Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning (PGCRL) and adjoined to the Hospital for Sick Children, within the Discovery District in the heart of downtown Toronto. The Program offers a unique and highly collaborative environment for medical science discoveries with nine teaching and research hospitals and the University of Toronto, Canada’s largest university, in proximity. SickKids is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, and SickKids researchers benefit from the extensive research facilities of the University and other affiliated institutions.

Application Process

Interested applicants should e-mail their application (Curriculum Vitae, detailed research plan, leadership experience and vision, and equity, diversity and inclusion statement) in PDF format, to Dr. Stephen Scherer, Chief of Research, at chief.research@sickkids.ca by the close of the search on September 30, 2025. The search committee will begin to review applications in October with a potential start date in Spring / Summer 2026. Applicants must also arrange to have three signed letters of reference on institutional letterhead sent directly to chief.research@sickkids.ca, indicating the applicant’s name in the subject line.