Research coordinator – CoVaRR-Net Immunology and Functional Genomics Pillars coordinator

POSITION TITLE  Research coordinator – CoVaRR-Net Immunology and Functional Genomics Pillars coordinator
DEPARTMENT  Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute
EMPLOYMENT TYPE  Temporary Full-Time
HOURS OF WORK  37.5 hours per week. Due to the nature of the role, additional hours may be required.
EMPLOYEE GROUP  Non-Union
REPORTS TO  Anne-Claude Gingras

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The CoVaRR-Net program is a newly formed pan-Canadian rapid response network to monitor and characterize SARS-CoV-2 variants. The program is led by Marc-André Langlois at the University of Ottawa, and is organized around eight thematics pillars, each led by a Principal Investigator. A position is available for a talented Project Coordinator to help lead two of the “pillars” of the CoVaRR-Net program. The successful applicant will be based in Toronto. The current funding allows for a contract of 1 year.

The Project coordinator will report to Prof. Anne-Claude Gingras at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (gingraslab.lunenfeld.ca), lead of the Functional Genomics Pillar, and to Prof. Jennifer Gommerman at the University of Toronto, lead of the Immunology and Vaccines Pillar.  The coordinator is expected to spend 50% of their time to support each pillar.

The Gingras lab is part of the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute’s Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology group (www.lunenfeld.ca/expertise) whose faculty members are internationally renowned for their work in signalling networks, cancer and developmental biology, structural biology, imaging, high- throughput screening and proteomics. The Institute provides a research-intensive environment with modern and cutting-edge core facilities that include robotics, proteomics and imaging that drive technology development (Network Biology Collaborative Centre, NBCC; nbcc.lunenfeld.ca). Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute labs engage in productive collaborations within the Institute, Sinai Health System, the larger University of Toronto community, and beyond. The University of Toronto has one of the most concentrated biomedical research communities in the world, including 9 academic hospital research institutes that are fully affiliated with the University.

The Gommerman lab is part of the Department of Immunology in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine (https://www.immunology.utoronto.ca/faculty/jennifer-gommerman). Located in the Medical Sciences Building, the Gommerman lab has access to a full spectrum of Immunology core facilities in flow cytometry, imaging, microbiome research and human immunology services. The Medical Sciences Building is also the teaching hub for the Temerty Faculty of Medicine.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 The CoVaRR-Net relies on synergies and efficient communications across all pillars, with other members of the scientific community and with government bodies, for rapid response to the emergence of new Variants of Concerns (VOCs) for SARS-CoV-2.

 

The successful candidate will

  • assist the pillar leads in the organization of the work of the two pillars, and set-up a communication strategy for cross-pillar interactions.
  • be responsible for interaction with the project coordinators of the other pillars, and the extended CoVaRR-Net team.
  • assist in the coordination/management of team meetings.
  • assist in the coordination/management of funding opportunities.
  • help coordinate and support activities across the entire continuum, including:
    • conducting literature reviews,
    • creating research ethics board application submissions (e.g., research protocols, information sheets, consent forms, interview guides),
    • assisting with the preparation of Material Transfer Agreements
    • performing data entry to manage study data,
    • collecting research data,
    • conducting statistical analyses,
    • interpreting data,
    • assisting with manuscript preparation and editing.
    • monitoring biosafety requirements and developing protocols pertaining to handling and transport of hazardous goods
  • as needed, perform experiments to pursue the mission of the pillars, including:
    • recombinant DNA cloning
    • Protein purification
    • Immuno-assays
    • Cell culture and viral neutralization assays

 

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Ph.D. in immunology, biochemistry, molecular genetics or related speciality
  • Strong publication record
  • Demonstrated proficiency in some or all of the following techniques: molecular biology, protein expression, cell culture, immunological methods, biochemistry
  • Training and/or relevant experience in project management

.     Competency in conducting literature reviews, research design, research methods, managing data, data analysis, knowledge translation.

  • Must be able to exercise good judgment, exercise considerable independence,take initiative and possess strong interpersonal skills
  • Must possess exceptional communication skills (verbal, written and presentation) and be comfortable engaging and exchanging information with members of the network
  • Proficiency in French an asset

 

Application Instructions

Apply through Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/85880)

1) Please include a cover letter outlining how you meet the qualifications for this position and why you would be an ideal candidate.

2) Provide a CV or biosketch.

3) Provide the name and contact information for three individuals that can provide a letter of recommendation on your behalf.

 

Posting open until April 15. We thank all candidates for applying. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.