Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Kidney Genetics

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Kidney Genetics

The Barua Lab at the University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto, Canada is recruiting up to three exceptional Postdoctoral Research Fellows for full-time, two-year positions. These positions are ideal for highly motivated scientists seeking advanced training at the interface of human genetics, kidney disease biology, and translational genomics.

Applicants should rank among the top candidates in their field, with a strong publication record, demonstrated scientific productivity, and clear potential for independent impact. Experience collaborating with industry partners or involvement in translational/commercialization initiatives is considered an asset.

Research Program

Successful candidates will join the laboratory of Dr. Moumita Barua, whose research program focuses on improving diagnostics and therapeutic discovery for inherited and complex kidney diseases through integrated human genetics and mechanistic biology.

Available projects broadly fall into two areas:

1. Human omics and population genomics research of kidney traits using genetically characterized cohorts
2. Mechanistic studies of genetic kidney diseases , including Alport syndrome, congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT), and Joubert syndrome

The laboratory combines human genomics, molecular biology, and preclinical modeling to investigate disease mechanisms and identify therapeutic targets. Genetic discoveries from patient and population cohorts are leveraged to develop clinically relevant experimental models.

The Barua Lab is located within the research tower attached to Toronto General Hospital and is supported by competitive peer-reviewed and philanthropic funding, including grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

About the Principal Investigator

Dr. Moumita Barua is a Clinician Scientist at UHN, Senior Scientist at the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Her research program focuses on advancing precision medicine approaches for kidney disease through human genetics, systems biology, and translational modeling.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute molecular biology experiments, including next-generation and single-cell sequencing workflows.
• Analyze and interpret large-scale multi-omics datasets (epigenomic, transcriptomic, proteomic).
• Conduct preclinical studies using mouse models of kidney disease.
• Collaborate with laboratory scientists to validate and integrate findings. Prepare manuscripts, presentations, and scientific reports.
• Contribute to grant applications and progress reporting.

Qualifications

• Applicant cannot already be at UHN.
• Within 1 year of PhD (or equivalent) graduation in molecular biology, bioinformatics, genomics, biomedical sciences, or a related field.
• Proven experience working with large datasets and performing statistical analyses.
• Proficiency in next-generation sequencing (WGS, WES, RNA-seq, single-cell sequencing).
• Hands-on experience with single-cell sequencing technologies and associated analysis tools.
• Experience generating or analyzing proteomics data (e.g., mass spectrometry).
• Strong understanding of kidney disease biology or demonstrated interest in renal pathophysiology.
• Familiarity with mouse models, including handling, genotyping, and phenotypic characterization.
• Experience in collaborative, interdisciplinary research environments.
• Background in systems biology or network-based modeling (asset).
• Prior experience with translational research or preclinical models of kidney disease (asset). 

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• A cover letter outlining research interests and relevant experience
• A current CV
• Contact information for three references

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Selected Publications

1. De Gregorio V, Barua M, Lennon R. Collagen Formation, Function and Role in Kidney Disease. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2025 Mar;21(3):200-215. (Trainee publication). Co-corresponding Author.
2. Caparali EB, De Gregorio V, Barua M. Genotype-Based Molecular Mechanisms in Alport Syndrome. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. 2025 Jun 1 1;36(6):1176-1183. (Trainee publication). Senior Responsible Author.
3. Cunanan J, Zhang D, Peired AJ, Barua M. Podocytes in Health and Glomerular Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol. 2025 Apr 24;13:1564847. (Trainee publication). Senior Responsible Author.
4. Lona-Durazo F, Omachi K, Fermin D, Eichinger F, Troost JP, Lin MH, Dinsmore IR, Mirshahi T, Chang AR, Miner JH, Paterson AD, Barua M, Gagliano Taliun SA. Association of Genetically Predicted Skipping of COL4A4 Exon 27 with Hematuria and Albuminuria. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2025 Jan 1;36(1):48-59 (Trainee publication). Co-corresponding author. Accompanied by editorial
5. Cunanan J, Rajyam S, Udwan K, Rana A, De Gregorio V, Ricardo S, Elia A, Brooks B, Weins A, Pollak M, John R, Barua M. Mice with a Pax2 Missense Variant Display Impaired Glomerular Repair. American Journal of Physiology - Renal. 2024 May 1;326(5):F704-726 (Trainee publication). Senior Responsible Author.
6. Gagliano Taliun SA, Dinsmore IR, Mirshahi T, Chang AR, Paterson AD, Barua M. GWAS of the Composite Outcome Hematuria and Albuminuria. Scientific Reports. 2023 Oct 16. Senior Responsible Author.
7. De Gregorio V, Caparali EB, Shojaei A, Ricardo S, Barua M. Alport Syndrome: Clinical Spectrum and Therapeutic Advances. Kidney Medicine. 2023 Mar 21;5(5) (Trainee publication). Senior Responsible Author.
8. Gagliano-Taliun S, Sulem P, Sveinbjornsson G, Gudbjartsson DF, Stefansson K, Paterson AD, Barua M. GWAS of Hematuria. Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. 2022 Apr;17:672-683. Senior Responsible Author. Accompanied by invited podcast