Program Head - Developmental, Stem Cell & Cancer Biology (DSCB) Research Program Next Job Apply for Job Job ID 22748 Location Toronto, Ontario Dept/Program Name Recruitment Target Openings 1 Work Type In Person Hours of Work 35.00 FTE 1.00 Contract Length 5-Year Term Level of Police Check Criminal & Judicial Record Date Posted 2025-06-30 Deadline to Apply 2025-09-30 Add to My Favorite Jobs Email this Job **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** **Program Head ' Developmental, Stem Cell & Cancer Biology (DSCB) Research Program** **The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute** **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 (https://www.sickkids.ca/en/research/research-programs/developmental-stem-cell-cancer-biology/?rpp29099=12&s29099=titleasc&pg29099=2#DirList-29099) (DSCB) Program, one of seven highly productive flagship research programs (https://www.sickkids.ca/en/research/about-research-institute/) . 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 (https://www.sickkids.ca/en/research/research-programs/developmental-stem-cell-cancer-biology/) 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. **Our Commitment to Diversity** SickKids is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons, persons of colour, women, Indigenous/Aboriginal Peoples of North America, persons with disability, 2SLGBTQIA+persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. If requested, SickKids is proud to make available accommodations to support applicants with disabilities during the interview and assessment process. Informed by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Ontario Human Rights Code, and our Access and Accommodation Policy, we will accommodate the needs of applicants. Please email faculty.office@sickkids.ca of your accessibility needs during the recruitment process. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially. The Hospital for Sick Children also recognizes that scholars have varying career paths. Candidates are encouraged to explain any personal circumstances to allow for a fair assessment of their application. **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. SickKids believes that diversity positively impacts science and is essential to sustain our vibrant world-leading research community. As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a brief voluntary diversity survey. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by either the search committee or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. The self-identification information is collected, used, disclosed, retained and disposed of in accordance with the Privacy Act and the Access to Information Act. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Applicants may direct informal inquiries to: chief.research@sickkids.ca . **Our Commitment to Diversity** SickKids is committed to championing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do, fostering an intentionally inclusive and culturally safe environment that reflects the diversity of the patients, families and communities we serve. Learn more about workplace inclusion. (https://www.sickkids.ca/en/about/edi/workplace-inclusion/) **Accessibility & Accommodation** If you require accommodation during the application process, please reach out to our aSKHR team (ask.hr@sickkids.ca) . SickKids can provide access and inclusion supports to eligible candidates to support their full engagement during the interview and selection process as well as to ensure candidates are able to perform their duties once successfully hired. If you are invited for an interview and require accommodation, please let us know at the time of your invitation to interview. Information received related to access, inclusion or accommodation will be addressed confidentially. **How To Apply** Technical difficulties? Email ask.hr@sickkids.ca with a short description of the issues you are experiencing. We will not accept resumes sent to this inbox but we are happy to respond to requests for technical assistance. **Tip:** Combine your cover letter and resume into **ONE** document of 20 pages or less as you cannot upload multiple documents as part of your application.