City : Hamilton

Category : Other

Industry : Education

Employer : McMaster University

Background:

Supported by our NHLBI R01 grant, The Kretz Lab at the Thrombosis and Atherosclerosis Research Institute and McMaster University is seeking candidates for two postdoctoral research positions to study the molecular genetics of Von Willebrand Factor. The Kretz laboratory focusses on elucidating the biochemical and genetic control of blood coagulation in order to design more effective diagnostics and therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases. We are using a combination of protein biochemistry, enzymology, molecular and cellular biology, in vivo model organisms, and microscopy in our research. The current position expands upon our on-going use of deep mutational scanning (DMS) to define the functional impact of every possible genetic variant in Von Willebrand Factor. This project includes translating our molecular data with patient level data to understand how genetic variation impacts cardiovascular disease phenotype. Our preliminary data demonstrates that DMS can help realize the potential of personalized medicine by tailoring treatments to individual patients based on their genotype. As such, this program involves a significant bench-to-bedside component along with emerging tools in functional genomics.

The Kretz Lab provides a safe, equitable, and inclusive research environment committed to high standards of research excellence. We invite applications from individuals who identify from communities that are historically under-represented in the health and natural sciences.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. and/or M.D. degree with research experience in biochemistry, molecular or cellular biology, or genomics, completed within the last 5 years.
• Prior experience with analysis of deep sequencing data and interfacing with genomics databases.
• Strong publication record in a related field.
• Exceptional capacity for team-working.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to independently organize workload, set goals, and work effectively toward deadlines.
• Ability to effectively work collaboratively with local, national, and international colleagues and collaborators.
• Experience and knowledge in hemostasis, thrombosis, or immunology are considered an asset.

Salary:

Salary is commensurate with experience and accomplishments. Benefits will be provided in accordance with McMaster University guidelines. The appointment is renewable subject to the availability of funding and satisfactory performance.

Other Information:

The Thrombosis and Atherosclerosis Research Institute is a joint initiative of Hamilton Health Sciences and McMaster University to bring clinical and basic researchers together. Its mission is to reduce the death and disability from thrombotic diseases by conducting research into the pathogenesis, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of thrombosis and vascular disease. TaARI is comprised of 12 basic science research groups in an integrated and highly collaborative research space. TaARI investigators interface with clinical researchers in the Population Health Research Institute (PHRI) to facilitate the translation of laboratory discoveries into clinical practice.

McMaster University is situated on 300 acres of scenic property, has over 28,000 undergraduate students, 4,500 graduate students, and 1,000 full time faculty. It is recognized as one of Canada’s best diversity employers, Canada’s most research-intensive university, and is ranked among the world’s top 70 universities by the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings.

The Department of Medicine is committed to providing outstanding clinical care, education, and continuing to be a world-leading centre for research and innovation. It is home to almost 300 full-time and more than 440 non-geographic full-time faculty across 18 divisions.

Hamilton, Ontario is located just one hour outside Toronto, is a sprawling urban centre home to over 550,000 residents. It boasts a Canadian Football League and American Hockey League team, professional theatre company, and growing music and art scene, including Ontario's third largest public art gallery. It is known as the “Waterfall Capital of the World” and is home to the Royal Botanical Gardens, extensive trail systems, and pristine natural areas.