Principal Investigator(s) in Reproduction, Pregnancy and Developmental Biology

1. Position Summary

The Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute (LTRI) of Sinai Health , a University of Toronto-affiliated research centre, is seeking emerging leaders in the broad area of reproduction, pregnancy and developmental biology . Appointments will be for Full-Time Principal Investigator(s), rank equivalent to Assistant or Associate Professor, with a cross-appointment at the University of Toronto in the academic department best aligned with the candidate’s background and research topic, with the anticipated starting date of September 1, 2027, or a date to be mutually agreed upon.  The LTRI provides competitive start-up packages and salaries, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

We are seeking new colleagues who will develop innovative, outstanding and independent research programs in one of the following topic areas:

( i) Maternal-Fetal Health: Examples of topics of interest include the investigation of fundamental biological processes underlying placentation and maternal-fetal adaptations; disease modeling and the pathophysiology of pregnancy-associated complications (e.g., preeclampsia, preterm birth, gestational diabetes); therapeutic discovery; and the developmental origins of health and disease.

(ii) Reproductive and Developmental Biology: Examples of topics of interest include reproductive biology, early embryogenesis, lineage specification, morphogenesis, and the developmental origins of health and disease. We welcome applications exploring the molecular, cellular, and genetic mechanisms that drive early development and stem cell dynamics.

Research approaches and methodologies across both areas of interest may include, but are not limited to: hypothesis-driven mechanistic studies; the generation and analysis of large-scale multi-omic datasets (including single-cell genomics and spatial transcriptomics); advanced live-cell or super-resolution imaging; computational modeling of developmental trajectories; and the engineering of advanced  in vitro models (such as stem cell-based embryo models, organoids, or micro-physiological systems) or  in vivo models.

The Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute is one of Canada’s leading biomedical research institutes, located within Mount Sinai Hospital at Sinai Health in downtown Toronto. LTRI’s faculty members are internationally renowned for their focus on improving human health, driven by a legacy of foundational discoveries in maternal and infant health, developmental and cellular biology, genetic disorders, and stem cell biology, with strengths in cancer, inflammatory conditions and other areas of human disease. The Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute is committed to excellence in biomedical research, the development of early career investigators, and the training of the next generation of researchers. A dedicated Research Trainee Centre supports trainees across disciplines from around the world.

The Institute provides a research-intensive environment with innovative core facilities spanning proteomics, single-cell and spatial genomics, laboratory automation and advanced cellular imaging, supporting both technology development and cutting-edge biological research. These facilities include the Network Biology Collaborative Centre and the  Nikon Centre of Excellence . LTRI is also home to The Centre for Phenogenomics , a state-of-the-art facility for mouse models, and is a founding member of the  Nanoscale Biomedical Imaging Facility .

LTRI benefits from close ties with flagship clinical programs focusing on fetal medicine and women’s health, cancer and cancer genetics, diabetes, autoimmune/inflammatory diseases, complex medicine, complex orthopedics, geriatrics and infectious disease. Together with a strong history of biotechnology entrepreneurship, these connections provide a rich environment for translating research discoveries toward human health. 

Of particular relevance to this search, the  Frances Bloomberg Centre for Women’s and Infants’ Health at Mount Sinai Hospital (Sinai Health)in Toronto is Canada's largest academic centre for reproductive, maternal, and newborn care. The program supports the over 7,000 births  each year , with particular expertise in complex and high-risk pregnancies and assisted reproductive technologies.

This outstanding clinical environment is complemented by major research resources at LTRI. The Institute hosts the Ontario Birth Study as well as the Research Centre for Women's and Infants' Health (RCWIH) BioBank , both supported by the fully accredited Biospecimen Repository . Led by several PIs at LTRI, the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative ( HeLTI ) is a major international research program testing interventions starting before conception to prevent chronic childhood diseases such as obesity and diabetes and improve neurodevelopmental outcomes.

LTRI researchers engage in productive collaborations with the larger University of Toronto community, as well as with national and international groups. The University of Toronto is home to one of the world's most concentrated biomedical research communities, and Sinai Health is part of the Toronto Academic Health Science Network ( TAHSN ). Toronto is a vibrant, safe, multicultural city with an excellent quality of life.

2. Appointment Details

Investigators at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute are appointed to independent positions equivalent to Assistant, Associate or Full Professor, depending on experience. Preference for these appointments will be given to individuals qualifying at the level of Assistant or Associate Professor. Successful candidates will be cross-appointed to the University of Toronto in the academic department best aligned with their backgrounds and research topics.

3. Education and Experience Requirements

Candidates must hold a PhD and/or MD degree or equivalent doctoral degree, with postdoctoral experience and an established record of research accomplishment demonstrated by outstanding publications, presentations at major international conferences, awards and accolades, as well as strong endorsement by reference letters. A track record of securing external funding is an asset, as are interest and experience in cross-disciplinary collaboration. The successful candidates will be expected to initiate and lead innovative, independent, and externally funded research programs of the highest international calibre and impact.

As an equal opportunity employer who understands that diversity enriches our community and culture, we invite applications from all qualified candidates, including Indigenous Peoples, racialized people, disabled people/people with disabilities, women, and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.  The Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and Sinai Health recognize that scholars have varying career paths and that career interruptions due to personal circumstances can be part of an excellent academic record. Candidates are encouraged to explain any personal circumstances to allow for a fair application assessment. The committee will carefully consider any impact of career interruptions in their decision-making. 

4. How to Apply Applications should include the following documents:

1. A cover letter
2. A one-page structured summary that includes:  A)  a brief education/training history;  B)  a summary of the applicant’s most important research contributions (up to five), and  C)  an abstract of the research plan
3. A research statement highlighting the proposed research program (not exceeding 3 pages, including figures; references can be on a separate page)
4. A statement (0.5 to 1 page) highlighting past and future commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). Please identify your strengths and experiences in increasing EDI in your previous institutional environments and your commitment to supporting diverse trainees and co-workers in the future.
5. A complete curriculum vitae with complete publication list, and evidence of prior funding
6. Three reference letters

Applications should be submitted via the Interfolio website by November 29 th , 2026: . The search will remain open until suitable candidates are identified.

Applicants needing additional information can contact the Search Committee Co-Chairs, Drs. Stephen Lye and Stephen Matthews or Dr. Daniel Schramek, Deputy Director for Discovery Research, via View email address on nature.com . Note that e-mailed applications will not be accepted.

5. DIVERSITY STATEMENT AND EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

Employment at Sinai Health is conditional upon the verification of credentials, completion of a health review, and demonstrating proof of immunity and vaccination status of vaccine-preventable diseases. All employees and affiliates will follow safe work practices and comply with health and safety policies, procedures and training. If you believe you are one of the very few people who may require an exemption from vaccination, supporting medical information must be submitted to our Occupational Health department, who will review and assess. 

Sinai Health is comprised of Mount Sinai Hospital, Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute and our system partner Circle of Care. We deliver excellent care in hospital, community and home, focusing on the comprehensive needs of people. Sinai Health discovers and translates scientific breakthroughs, pushes boundaries for health solutions and educates future clinical and scientific leaders. Clinical areas of specialization include rehabilitation and complex continuing care, surgery and oncology, urgent and critical care, and women’s and infants’ health. The Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute is one of Canada’s leading biomedical research institutes. Sinai Health is a full affiliate of the University of Toronto.

As an equal opportunity employer who understands that diversity enriches our community and culture, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including Indigenous Peoples, racialized people, disabled people/people with disabilities, women, and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. If you require accommodation(s) due to disability at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Human Resources Department via email at View email address on nature.com .

We recognize that scholars have varying career paths and that career interruptions due to personal circumstances can be part of an excellent academic record. Candidates are encouraged to explain any personal circumstances to allow for a fair assessment of their application. Search committee members have been instructed to give careful consideration to, and be sensitive to, the impact of career interruptions in their assessments.

All qualified applicants are strongly encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

6. COLLECTION OF EQUITY DATA

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey directly on the Interfolio site. This form is voluntary, and any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by the search committee. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes as part of our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives.