Research Associate (Limited Term)

Date Posted: 03/17/2026
Req ID: 47370
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Cell and Systems Biology
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

 

Description:

The Department of Cell and Systems Biology at the University of Toronto invites applications for a Research Associate (Limited Term) for a one-year appointment. The anticipated start date is May 2026.

 

The Desveaux and Guttman labs work with plants and their bacterial and fungal pathogens to identify the genetic basis of plant pathogen resistance.

 

?url=http%3A%2F%2Fdesveaux.csb.utoronto.ca%2F&module=jobs&id=3218681" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=http%3A%2F%2Fdesveaux.csb.utoronto.ca%2F&module=jobs&id=3218681" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://desveaux.csb.utoronto.ca/

?url=https%3A%2F%2Fguttman.csb.utoronto.ca%2F&module=jobs&id=3218681" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Fguttman.csb.utoronto.ca%2F&module=jobs&id=3218681" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://guttman.csb.utoronto.ca/

 

The candidate is expected to independently carry out and conduct a scientific research project on the evolution of bacterial pathogen virulence and host specificity and must have experience in plant-microbe interactions. In particular, the candidate must have extensive experience working with plant pathogenic bacteria and plant immunity. They should also have experience with plant pathology assays, plant genetic screens, genomic analyses, genome engineering, and RNAseq preps. They will assist in the training and informal supervision of the undergraduate and graduate students studying and performing research in the Guttman and Desveaux laboratories, assist Drs. Guttman and Desveaux in the preparation of scientific manuscripts, presentations, and research grants, and assist with the scientific upkeep of the Guttman and Desveaux laboratories.

 

Applicants should apply online at the link below and include a covering letter, curriculum vitae and three reference names with their contact addresses and phone numbers. Any questions regarding this position should be directed to David Guttman at david.guttmanutoronto.ca.

 

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

 

Education - PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

 

Experience - Proven experience or a minimum of 5 years experience in research on plant-microbe interactions and plant immunity, specifically focusing on effector-triggered immunity, as well as gene expression, functional studies and hormone responses of pathogen-infected crop plants. A strong background in genetics and molecular biology is required.

 

Skills - Maintain precise research records and logs. Good interpersonal skills; able to work cooperatively and productively in a large research group. Excellent communication skills. Outstanding record of peer-reviewed publications.

 

Other - Experience working with a variety of crop plants, including exploring the plant pathogen responses of crop plants. Strong background in molecular biology techniques including cloning, transformation, DNA and RNA extraction, PCR

 

All qualified candidates are encourage to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

 

Please note: This is a one-year term appointment. 

 

Closing Date: 04/20/2026, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Research Associate
Personnel Subarea:Research Assoc
Appointment Type: Budget - Term
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: R01 -- Research Associates (Limited Term): $53,520 - $100,350
Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see ?url=http%3A%2F%2Fuoft.me%2FUP&module=jobs&id=3218681" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=http%3A%2F%2Fuoft.me%2FUP&module=jobs&id=3218681" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://uoft.me/UP .

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact uoft.careersutoronto.ca .

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