Research Associate (Limited Term)

Date Posted: 10/30/2026
Req ID:50842
Faculty/Division: Temerty Faculty of Medicine
Department: Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description:

Your Opportunity

The Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases invites applications for a 12-month Limited Term Research Associate position in the laboratory of Dr. Gabor G. Kovacs. The laboratory conducts translational research into the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly tauopathies and other proteinopathies, integrating human postmortem brain tissue, protein biochemistry, cellular models and protein aggregation and seed amplification assays.

Reporting to Dr. Kovacs, the Research Associate will take scientific responsibility for defined research projects, independently developing hypotheses, designing and leading experimental studies, interpreting findings and disseminating original research. The position combines scientific independence with close collaboration across neuropathology, molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry and translational neuroscience. Laboratory techniques are central to the research but are performed in service of investigator-led scientific questions rather than as routine technical support.

Your Responsibilities

• Independently initiate, design and lead original research projects examining disease-associated protein aggregation, biochemical heterogeneity, protein homeostasis and cellular responses in neurodegenerative diseases, in consultation with the principal investigator.
• Develop research hypotheses, experimental strategies, study protocols and analysis plans; critically evaluate literature, identify methodological gaps and establish scientifically justified research priorities.
• Lead experimental investigations using human postmortem brain tissue, including analysis of PBS-soluble and sarkosyl-insoluble protein fractions, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting and complementary biochemical approaches to characterize tau, α-synuclein and other disease-relevant proteins.
• Design and direct experiments using mammalian cell culture and disease models to investigate protein aggregation, degradation and toxicity; develop or adapt protein aggregation and seed amplification assays as appropriate.
• Independently analyze, integrate and interpret complex biochemical and cellular datasets, assess reproducibility and limitations, and determine follow-up experiments and new research directions.
• Develop, validate and refine experimental methodologies, antibody-based assays and quality-control strategies, exercising independent scientific judgment in troubleshooting and interpreting results.
• Lead the preparation of scientific manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals, including drafting substantial sections, developing figures, responding to reviewer comments and coordinating co-author contributions.
• Prepare and present research findings at laboratory meetings, institutional seminars and national or international scientific conferences; communicate results to multidisciplinary collaborators.
• Contribute substantively to research proposals, grant applications, scientific reports and research ethics submissions, including study rationale, experimental design, preliminary data and methodological plans.
• Provide scientific supervision, mentoring and methodological training to students, trainees and junior research personnel; delegate and review research tasks where appropriate.
• Coordinate scientific activities with internal and external collaborators, set research milestones, monitor project progress and ensure rigorous research documentation and responsible handling of human tissue and data.
• Contribute to the scientific development and broader research and teaching mission of the laboratory, including identifying collaborative opportunities and future research questions.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, molecular genetics, neuroscience or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated postdoctoral or equivalent independent research experience relevant to neurodegenerative diseases and protein biochemistry.
• Evidence of scientific independence, including independently designing and leading experiments, developing hypotheses, troubleshooting complex studies and interpreting original research findings.
• A record of peer-reviewed scientific publications commensurate with career stage, with substantial contributions to manuscript preparation.
• Advanced hands-on expertise in protein biochemistry, including SDS-PAGE, Western blotting and biochemical fractionation, and experience with mammalian cell culture or cellular disease models.
• Ability to integrate biochemical and cellular data with disease mechanisms, particularly protein aggregation, proteostasis and neurodegeneration.
• Demonstrated scientific writing and presentation skills, including experience preparing manuscripts, research abstracts, scientific presentations or grant proposals.
• Experience collaborating across disciplines and providing research guidance or training to students or junior colleagues.
• Strong analytical, organizational, project-management and communication skills, with ability to advance multiple research activities independently.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in tauopathy research, human brain tissue biochemistry, protein degradation pathways, seed amplification assays, neurodegenerative disease modeling, research grant development or presentations at international conferences would be an asset.

Equity and Application Information

The University of Toronto is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. Official institutional equity, accessibility, immigration-priority and application wording should be inserted or confirmed by Human Resources before publication.

Please note this is a one-year term opportunity.

Closing Date: 11/06/2026,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Research Associate
Personnel Subarea:Research Assoc
Appointment Type: Grant - Term
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: R01 -- Research Associates (Limited Term): $55,661 - $104,364
Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching