Job Description
Position Summary
The Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC) at the University Health Network (UHN) is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Harding Laboratory. Our interdisciplinary research programme combines protein biochemistry, structural biology and chemical biology to investigate disease-associated proteins and develop novel chemical tools for understanding their functions and therapeutic potential.
The successful candidate will contribute to early-stage drug discovery programmes focused on proteins implicated in in human health and disease. Research activities will include recombinant protein production and characterisation, biochemical and cell-based assay development, and the identification and validation of small-molecule and peptide ligands.
This position is particularly suited to a recent PhD graduate with a strong experimental background in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology or molecular pharmacology who is interested in expanding their expertise into structural biology, protein biophysics and ligand discovery. Prior experience in these specialised areas is not required, and training and mentorship will be provided.
The successful candidate will work within a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment, with opportunities to develop scientific independence, contribute to publications and engage with academic and industry collaborators.
The successful candidate will contribute to early-stage drug discovery programmes focused on proteins implicated in in human health and disease. Research activities will include recombinant protein production and characterisation, biochemical and cell-based assay development, and the identification and validation of small-molecule and peptide ligands.
This position is particularly suited to a recent PhD graduate with a strong experimental background in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology or molecular pharmacology who is interested in expanding their expertise into structural biology, protein biophysics and ligand discovery. Prior experience in these specialised areas is not required, and training and mentorship will be provided.
The successful candidate will work within a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment, with opportunities to develop scientific independence, contribute to publications and engage with academic and industry collaborators.
Duties
- Design, plan and conduct laboratory experiments to support research programmes in protein biochemistry, chemical biology and early-stage drug discovery.
- Perform recombinant protein production and biochemical characterisation of disease-relevant proteins.
- Develop, optimise and implement biochemical and cell-based assays to investigate protein function, ligand binding and target engagement.
- Contribute to the discovery, validation and characterisation of small-molecule and peptide ligands using biochemical and biophysical approaches.
- Develop proficiency in biophysical methods for studying protein–ligand interactions, including surface plasmon resonance (SPR), differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) and related techniques.
- Support structural biology studies through protein sample preparation, quality control and analysis, with opportunities to develop expertise in X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and other structural methods.
- Collaborate with researchers in medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry, structural biology and cell biology to advance ligand discovery and optimisation.
- Analyse and interpret experimental results, troubleshoot technical challenges and maintain accurate, comprehensive laboratory records.
- Present research findings at laboratory meetings, scientific conferences and collaborative project meetings.
- Contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts, research reports and funding applications.
- Participate in the mentorship and training of undergraduate and graduate students, as appropriate.
- Maintain high standards of laboratory safety, research integrity, experimental reproducibility and open-science practices.
- Perform other research-related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Recently completed PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Molecular Biology or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience in experimental laboratory research involving chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology or molecular pharmacology.
- Hands-on experience in one or more of the following areas: molecular biology, recombinant protein expression and purification, organic or peptide chemistry, biochemical assays or cell-based functional assays.
- Experience designing, optimising and troubleshooting laboratory experiments.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to critically evaluate experimental data.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative, multidisciplinary research team.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and commitment to rigorous and reproducible research.
- Demonstrated scientific productivity through publications, presentations or other research contributions.
- Enthusiasm for learning new experimental techniques and developing expertise in emerging areas of research.
- Prior experience in structural biology, cryo-EM, SPR or specialised biophysical ligand screening is not required. The successful candidate will receive training and mentorship in these techniques as part of their postdoctoral development.
Please submit application containing your cover letter, stating your career interests, CV, and contact information for at least two referees by December 1, 2026, here.