Assistant Professor - Computational Biology and Data Science

Position Overview

Date Posted: 02/18/2026
Closing Date: 04/20/2026, 11:59 PM ET
Req ID: 44368
Job Category: Faculty – Tenure Stream (continuing)
Faculty/Division: University of Toronto Scarborough
Department: University of Toronto Scarborough: Department of Biological Sciences
Campus: University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) invites applications for a full‑time, tenure‑stream position in Computational Biology and Data Science applied to Biological Systems and Biomedical Sciences. The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant Professor, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2026.

The successful candidate will be nominated for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair.

---

Eligibility & Diversity Requirements

• Selection will be limited to candidates who identify as members of one or more of the four federally‑designated groups:

  • Women and gender minorities (those who identify as women, trans, nonbinary, Two‑Spirit, and gender fluid)
  • Racialized persons/visible minorities
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Persons with disabilities

• All applicants are required to self‑identify as a member of one or more of the four federally‑designated groups in their cover letter.

• For CRC nomination eligibility:

  • The nominee’s research area must align with the subject‑matter eligibility of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
  • Must hold an active CRC‑relevant tri‑agency grant (e.g., CIHR Project Grant) and/or be actively applying for tri‑agency funding.

• Tier 2 Chairs are intended for exceptional emerging scholars. Nominees must be excellent emerging world‑class researchers who have demonstrated particular research creativity; have the potential to achieve international recognition in the next five to ten years; can attract, develop and retain excellent trainees, students and future researchers; and are proposing an original, innovative research program of high quality.

• Nominees should be within ten years of receiving their PhD. Applicants more than ten years from their highest degree (including career breaks such as maternity, parental or extended sick leave, clinical training, etc.) may have eligibility assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process.

---

Requirements (Qualifications)

• PhD in biology, biomedical sciences, computational biology, AI/machine learning, bioinformatics, or a related area to the subject matter of this search, to be earned by the time of appointment.
• Minimum 2 years of postdoctoral training in academia or industry, with a clearly demonstrated record of excellence in research and teaching.
• Evidence of research excellence of an internationally competitive caliber, demonstrated by:
  • Record of publications in top‑ranked and field‑relevant journals or forthcoming publications meeting high international standards.
  • Submitted research statement.
  • Presentations at significant conferences.
  • Awards and accolades.
  • Strong endorsements by referees of high standing.
• Evidence of excellence in teaching, demonstrated by:
  • Teaching accomplishments and a teaching dossier (including a teaching statement, sample course materials, teaching evaluations or other evidence of superior performance).
  • Strong letters of reference.
  • Additional teaching‑related activities such as performance as a teaching assistant or course instructor, leading successful workshops or seminars, student mentorship, or excellent conference presentations or posters.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI) and to the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment, demonstrated through application materials and a 1‑ to 2‑page statement of contributions to equity and diversity.

---

Responsibilities

• Research

  • Pursue interdisciplinary, innovative, and independent research.
  • Establish an outstanding, competitive, and externally funded research program that innovates real‑world healthcare solutions by employing data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning approaches.
  • Integrate the department’s strengths in basic biology with the Scarborough Health Network’s (SHN) excellence in clinical research.
  • Access data repositories, including data from rare disease cohorts, through the partnership with SHN.

• Teaching

  • Undertake undergraduate and graduate teaching responsibilities on the UTSC campus.
  • Contribute to the comprehensive undergraduate biology curriculum delivered through innovative teaching practices covering diverse areas from molecular to conservation biology.

• Service & Community

  • Participate actively in the Graduate Department of Cell and Systems Biology.
  • Foster and facilitate inclusivity while working at one of Canada’s most diverse institutions.
  • Engage with the vibrant intellectual community of world‑class scholars at the University of Toronto.

• Facilities Access

  • Utilize core research facilities including the Vivarium, Centre for Microscopy and Bioanalysis, TRACES (Technology Research‑Analytical Centre for Environmental Sciences), Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function, and University of Toronto SciNet high‑performance computing resources.

---

Application Process

• Materials to submit (all documents should be uploaded into the dedicated fields; combine additional materials into one or two PDF/MS Word files):

  • Cover letter (including self‑identification of federally‑designated group).
  • Current curriculum vitae (maximum of four pages).
  • Two‑page research statement outlining current and future research interests.
  • Samples of peer‑reviewed publications.
  • Teaching dossier, including a two‑page statement of teaching philosophy, teaching evaluations, sample course materials, or evidence of superior performance in other teaching‑related activities.
  • EDI statement (1‑ to 2‑page statement of contributions to equity and diversity).
  • Names and contact information of three references.

• The University of Toronto’s recruiting tool will automatically solicit and collect letters of reference from each referee within 48 hours of an application being submitted. Applicants remain responsible for ensuring that references submit letters (on letterhead, dated, and signed) by the closing date.

• Submission guidelines: http://uoft.me/how-to-apply

• Deadline: All application materials, including recent reference letters, must be received by April 20, 2026.

• Contact: Chair’s Assistant, Vanessa Melo – chairadminbio.utsc@utoronto.ca

---

Salary & Benefits

• Salary range: $138,000 to $153,000 CAD per annum, depending on experience.
• Negotiations beyond this salary range will be considered for exceptionally qualified candidates.

---

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility

• The University of Toronto embraces diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases capacity to serve the global community.

• Applicants are encouraged to identify as Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities.

• The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and will provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities. Contact: uoft.careers@utoronto.ca

• The Canada Research Chairs Program requires institutions to collect self‑identification data from all applicants. A brief Diversity Survey will be part of the application (voluntary; confidential; results aggregated). More information: http://uoft.me/UP

• For further information on the Canada Research Chairs Program, consult the Canada Research Chairs website. For details about the CRC nomination process at the University of Toronto, contact Judith Chadwick, Assistant Vice‑President, Research Services – crc@utoronto.ca

• Priority: Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority, though all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.