Research Associate-ri

**About SickKids**:
Dedicated exclusively to children and their families, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is one of the largest and most respected paediatric healthcare centres in the world. As innovators in child health, we lead and partner to improve the health of children through the integration of healthcare, leading-edge research and education. Our reputation would not have been built - nor could it be maintained - without the skills, knowledge and experience of the extraordinary people who come to work here every day. SickKids is committed to ongoing learning and development, and features a caring and supportive work environment that combines exceptionally high standards of practice.

When you join SickKids, you become part of our community. We share a commitment and determination to fulfill our vision of _Healthier Children. A Better World_.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to work alongside the world’s best in paediatric healthcare.

**Position Description**:

- We are recruiting a Research Associate (RA) for an exciting opportunity at the Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning at the Hospital for Sick Children to carry out research_ study operations that will support world-class fundamental and pre-clinical research at SickKids._ The RA will work closely with the Principal Investigator to_ help to lead synthetic biology projects on antimicrobial resistance, machine learning (ML)-based protein design, cell line engineering, and CRISPR-based genetic screens._

**_ Responsibilities:_**
- _develop yeast-based selection methods for screens of ML designed proteins, enzymes, miniproteins and nanobodies_
- _develop in vitro enzyme assays to assess engineered protein activities_
- _design and construct genetically-encoded libraries of novel antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in yeast in both linear and cyclized or other modified forms_
- _work closely with ML experts on projects to combat the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis_
- _develop assays for detection of antimicrobial activity against bacterial pathogens and characterization of novel AMPs identified in screens_
- _develop libraries, assays and screening platforms for discovery of novel synthetic natural products using combinatorial enzyme biosynthesis_
- _characterize new genes implicated in the control of cell growth, division and metabolism identified in genetic screens in both yeast and human cells_
- _devise and carry out CRISPR-based genetic screens in human cells_
- _implement state-of-the-art CRISPR technology for cell line engineering_
- _work closely with an extensive team within the research group and external collaborators_
- _train and supervise graduate students and postdoctoral fellows_

**_ Qualifications:_**
- _PhD degree in molecular biology with extensive expertise in specific areas of biomedical research including synthetic biology, cell and protein engineering, chemical biology and drug discovery_
- _Research experience in a higher education setting that includes:_
- _A conceptual understanding of and practical experience in synthetic biology, biotechnology, natural product biosynthesis, CRISPR technology, and protein design_
- _Use of standard software tools for gene design and molecular cloning_
- _Demonstrated track record in timely delivery of critical results and meeting acute deadlines _
- _Expertise in multiple bacterial, yeast and human cell model systems_
- _Expertise in target
- and cell-based assay design and implementation of large-scale screens with genetically-encoded libraries_
- _Expertise in CRISPR-based genetic manipulation_
- _Track record in dissemination of research findings through presentations at international conferences, publications, and workshops_
- _Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written_
- _Ability to function both independently and as part of a dedicated sub-team within a larger research group_
- _Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously_
- _Ability to work well in a team environment and demonstrate a strong work ethic and initiative_

Employment Type: Full-time Permanent Position, 1.0 FTE

**Our Commitment to Diversity**:
The children and families we care for are from a variety of communities, and so are our employees. We welcome and encourage everyone to join our organization and be part of our team.

Thank you for your interest in joining SickKids. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. In accordance with our Hospital policy, employment at SickKids is conditional upon the Hospital’s receipt of all necessary documentation.

**How to Apply