Interdisciplinary Research Fellow in wound healing

Posted on: August 5, 2026

About the role

The Zhulyn lab at The Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto is seeking a postdoctoral fellow interested in comparative genomics and tissue regeneration. The project focuses on the axolotl, a species of aquatic salamander known for its ability to regenerate damaged organs and tissues, as well as scarless wound healing. The goal is to use cutting-edge imaging and -omics tools to identify and characterize newly synthesized proteins involved in wound healing, and to compare this process to dorsal closure in the fly to understand the evolution of shared and species-specific mechanisms. This research aims to lay the foundation for future therapeutic interventions.

This project is supported by a Human Frontier Science Foundation Program research grant and involves collaboration across four partner sites:

• Zhulyn lab (SickKids Research Institute and University of Toronto, Canada): axolotl regeneration; mRNA translation
• Lagha lab (University of Montpellier, France): single molecule imaging and quantitation of translation; fly development
• vanOudenaarden lab (Hubrecht Institute, Netherlands): single-cell Ribo-seq
• Kelleher lab (Northwestern University, United States): spatial mass spectrometry

Successful applicants will work closely with an international team of postdocs to support sample preparation, experiment optimization, and application. Key tasks include integrating axolotl single-cell Ribo-seq and proteomics data to identify newly synthesized proteins at wound closure sites, validating their function in vitro or in vivo, and developing novel reporters to assess mRNA translation dynamics during wound closure.

Requirements

We are looking for a curious and collaborative individual with an interest in tissue regeneration, axolotl biology, evo-devo, and experience with comparative genomics. The ideal candidate will meet the following qualifications:

• Recent PhD in Molecular, Cell or Computational Biology, Genetics, Biophysics, or a related field
• Proficiency in computational analysis and statistics
• Hands-on experience with standard molecular biology techniques
• Driven to learn, innovate, and work both independently and as part of a team
• At least one first-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal
• Fluent in English (native or bilingual proficiency)

Preferred Skills

Competitive candidates will have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• High-resolution imaging in live or fixed organisms, cells, or tissues
• Sample preparation and data analysis for ribosome profiling, mass spectrometry, scRNA-Seq, CHIP-Seq, or other common ‘omics’ approaches
• Experience with cell or animal models (particularly non-standard model organisms)
• Data integration or comparative genomics
• In vitro or in vivo reporter assay design, development, and implementation

Benefits

• Opportunity to learn and implement cutting-edge techniques on a fascinating model organism
• Collaboration with a vibrant international team of faculty mentors and trainees
• Access to state-of-the-art core facilities at the Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning (PGCRL), a 21-storey research tower housing over 2,000 researchers
• Located in Toronto’s Discovery District, a globally ranked biomedical research hub, with proximity to the University of Toronto and 14 research hospitals
• Opportunities to travel and work closely with team members in the United States, Netherlands, and France

Pay

Salary is competitive and in accord with SickKids Research Institute standards.

Schedule

Preferred start date is fall of 2026. The appointment is for 3 years with possibility of extension depending on funding and performance.