Research Associate I

Union: Non-Union

Number of Vacancies: 1

New or Replacement Position: Replacement 

Site: 700 University Ave, Toronto

Department: CIHR Institute of Cancer Research at UHN

Reports to: ICR Scientific Director & Assistant Director

Salary Range: $75,465 - $94,322 per annum 

Hours: 37.5 Hours Per Week

Shifts: Monday - Friday

Status: Permanent Full-Time

Closing Date: November 27, 2026
Position Summary

Reporting to the ICR Scientific Director and Assistant Director, the Research Associate I plays a central role in advancing the Institute's strategic, operational, and partnership priorities. The incumbent is responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating a broad portfolio of initiatives, projects, funding opportunities, and collaborations that support the Institute's mandate.
The role is primarily administrative and coordination-focused, requiring strong scientific understanding, exceptional organizational and project management skills, analytical abilities, excellent written and verbal communication, and exceptional attention to detail. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities while demonstrating sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), headquartered at the University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto, is one of the thirteen institutes of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). ICR advances cancer research in Canada by developing new national research initiatives and coordinating Canada‑wide efforts supported by federal, national, and provincial partners.
Key Duties:
Lead and support the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of ICR strategic initiatives, projects, and funding opportunities.
Conduct environmental scans, literature reviews, analyses, and prepare briefing notes, presentations, business cases, and internal bulletins to support decision-making by the Scientific Director and Assistant Director, and to advance Institute priorities and collaborations.
Coordinate and monitor deliverables, correspondence, documentation, and timelines associated with ICR's strategic initiatives, projects, and funding opportunities.
Participate in peer review, relevance review, and validation activities related to CIHR cancer research investments.
Query large datasets, conduct analyses, and create data visualizations using tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) to inform strategic planning and support institute initiatives.
Optimize existing data management systems and processes and contribute to database development and maintenance (e.g., funding databases, stakeholder lists, peer reviewer lists).
Contribute to communications products, including newsletters, reports, web content, and social media materials that promote ICR's activities and impact.
Support the planning, coordination, and delivery of workshops, meetings, conferences, advisory activities, and stakeholder engagement events.
Build and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to advance ICR priorities and initiatives.
Represent ICR at internal and external meetings and undertake other duties and special projects as assigned.
Maintain and update the Institute’s content management systems (e.g., SharePoint) to ensure accessible and well-organized documentation.

Completion of a Master’s degree in a health- or science-related discipline, combined with extensive project management experience. Experience working in government, academic, and/or research environments is required.
Minimum of two (2) years of related experience in a similar position required. Three to five (3-5) years of experience preferred.

Knowledge of the Canadian cancer research landscape and key stakeholders is highly valued.
Strong critical thinking and analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex information and develop recommendations.
Exceptional written communication skills, evidenced through publications, reports, or equivalent outputs, as well as excellent oral communication skills, including the ability to develop clear, concise correspondence and communicate with professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
Experience working with and analyzing large datasets using advanced Excel functions, automation tools (e.g., VBA, Power Query), or similar.
Experience with programming languages for data analytics (e.g., Python, SQL, R) and data visualization platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) is highly valued.
Experience building or managing reliable databases and data pipelines is a strong asset.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Forms), Adobe Acrobat, scientific literature tools (e.g., PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, reference managers), with demonstrated ability to quickly learn new software and tools.
Exceptional attention to detail, nuance, sensitivity, and assurance of accuracy in communicating health and research information.
Excellent interpersonal skills and experience engaging with diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership and external partners.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a high-functioning team.
Superior project management skills and ability to manage time and coordinate workflow across multiple projects to meet deadlines.
Strong initiative and resourcefulness, with proven ability to independently troubleshoot issues and work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
Bilingualism (French/English) would be considered an asset.
Occasional domestic and/or international travel and flexibility in hours of work, including occasional evenings and weekends, to attend and support meetings/events will be required.

Why join UHN?

In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, UHN offers a wide range of benefits, programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN.
Competitive offer packages
Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP 
Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
A flexible work environment
Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.)

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, to be eligible for consideration.

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates. Please ensure you check your email regularly. At University Health Network (UHN), artificial intelligence technologies may be used to assist in the screening, assessment, and selection of candidates for this position.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.