Job Summary:
Maman Biomedical is seeking a motivated Research Scientist under the Mitacs Accelerate program to join our innovation team. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in advancing our novel formulations by designing and executing in vitro and in vivo experiments. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in reproductive biology, focusing on cell viability, toxicity, oocyte development, and animal model development for safety and efficacy validation.
Key Responsibilities:
- In Vitro Experimental Design:
- Design and execute experiments to assess the cell viability and toxicity of novel formulations.
- Develop and implement assays to evaluate the efficacy of formulations in stimulating oocyte development.
- Troubleshoot experimental challenges and optimize protocols as necessary.
In Vivo Model Development:
- Develop and validate animal models to assess the safety and efficacy of novel formulations.
- Conduct in vivo pharmacology and pharmacodynamic studies to understand the therapeutic potential and mechanism of action of the formulations.
- Prepare and manage Animal Use Protocols (AUPs), ensuring ethical and scientific justification for animal use, compliance with regulatory standards, and humane treatment of animals.
Collaboration and Coordination:
- Work closely with colleagues, consultants, and external partners to design and coordinate development and regulatory plans.
- Participate in the planning and execution of proof-of-concept studies, pre-clinical animal studies, and clinical trials.
Data Analysis and Reporting:
- Analyze experimental data, interpret results, and prepare detailed reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
- Contribute to the preparation of regulatory documents and publications.
Qualifications:
- MSc or PhD in Biology, Pharmacology, Reproductive Biology, or a related field.
- Experienced in cell viability, toxicity assays, and efficacy studies in vitro.
- Experience with animal model development and in vivo experimentation.
- Familiarity with the preparation and management of Animal Use Protocols (AUPs) and compliance with ethical and regulatory standards.
- Ability to troubleshoot and optimize experimental protocols.
- Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Contact: latchmi@mamanbiomedical.ca
Cover letter: NO
The 2025 EPIC Ignite Grants provide $50,000 of seed funding for one year to support early stage and pilot level projects that show promise in developing novel understanding or innovations in infectious diseases research and/or pandemic preparedness. The program aims to fund research from each of the four streams: applied and/or translational research, clinical research, fundamental research, population, global and public health research.
To be eligible, lead investigators must have a primary affiliation at the University of Toronto or one of EPIC’s partner institutions (The Hospital for Sick Children, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Unity Health Toronto and University Health Network) For eligibility requirements and to apply, please visit our website.
Application deadline is April 2, 2025, 11:59 pm (ET)
The 2025 EPIC New Connections Grants provide $100,000 over two years to support innovative projects that are fostered through cross-disciplinary collaboration between at least two research groups. Successful proposals will feature joint lead investigators with clearly distinct expertise from different university divisions and/or EPIC partner institutions coming together for their first significant research collaboration. The joint investigators will tackle an infectious disease research question by applying innovative methodologies that leverage their different areas of expertise to achieve impactful outcomes. To learn more and apply, please visit our website.
Application deadline is March 24, 2025, 11:59 pm (ET)
Nominations for the 2025 TATP Teaching Excellence Awards close on February 14th!
Course Instructor Teaching Excellence Award
Departments can nominate a graduate student whose outstanding work as a sole-responsibility Course Instructor shows evidence of educational leadership, meaningful contributions to course and curriculum development, and impact on student learning.
Learn more. Submit a nomination form.
The successful candidate will receive a monetary award and a certificate. All shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend the University of Toronto’s annual Teaching & Learning Symposium and present at a special roundtable session.
TA Teaching Excellence Awards
Students and instructors can nominate a TA for the TA Teaching Excellence Award:
Learn more about the TA Teaching Excellence Award
Recipients will receive a monetary award, the opportunity to participate in the TA Award winner panel at Tri-campus TA Day, and a certificate.
*A TA needs a minimum of 2 nominations to move forward. Nominees have the option to self-select to be considered for the BIPOC TA Teaching Excellence Award.
If you have any questions, please contact the TATP.
Upcoming February offerings for Graduate Students
from the Centre for Learning Strategy Support,
formerly called Academic Success.
February Workshops
Project Management for Grad Students
Tuesday, February 4, 4:00-5:30 pm
Thursday, February 6, 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Rekindle and Sustain Academic Motivation
Monday, February 10, 4:00-5:15 pm
Overcoming the Messaging that Your English “Isn’t Good Enough”
Wednesday, February 12, 6:00-7:30 pm
Write Fright!!! For Grad Students
Wednesday, February 26, 4:00-5:30 pm
3MT Coaching for Semi-Finalists
Friday, February 28, 3:00–4:30 pm
Ongoing Weekly
Writing Groups and Productivity Groups
All grad students in all disciplines are welcome in these supportive, positive, popular sessions.
Links in program titles are active.
Join a weekly group. Groups run 7 days a week. See the schedule.
Email gwg@utoronto.ca to register.
Grad Productivity Groups – Actually Work From Home!
Log in using this link to browse and register for any group, anytime.
Accessibility Sections: GWG-A & GPG-A – log into Folio or inquire at as.learning@utoronto.ca.
Individual Learning Strategy Appointments
Meet with a Learning Strategist to improve your learning and academic experience. Book in Folio.
Booking assistance: clss@utoronto.ca, 416-978-7970.
Join our Listserv!
Graduate students, staff and faculty are invited to join Grad Student Success to receive regular, advanced notice of workshops and programming designed specifically for graduate and second-entry professional students.
Grad Programming Inquiries: Dr. Andrea Graham ak.graham@utoronto.ca
Folio (Registration System) Inquiries: folio@utoronto.ca.
You know you need to prioritize your dissertation!
Get back to writing and learn how to cultivate a
productive writing practice that will help you through the year.
Dear PhD candidates,
During Reading Week this February, the GCAC is again offering its three-day Dissertation Writing Boot Camp! If you would like to set aside time in your busy schedule to refocus solely on your dissertation, or could benefit from working in a community of fellow doctoral students after a period of writing alone, then register now to attend.
DISSERTATION WRITING BOOT CAMP,
FEBRUARY 18th – 20th, 2025!
What is a Dissertation Boot Camp?
The GCAC’s Dissertation Boot Camp offers structure and guidance for three full days of writing and writing-related activities. You’ll be required to set aside all other demands on your time for these three days (9:30am – 4:30pm; optional 5pm), giving you the opportunity to make significant progress on your writing.
Each day will feature a schedule that includes instructor presentations, at least four-and-a-half hours of uninterrupted writing time, and group discussions.
The boot camp will be offered in two formats: in-person and online synchronous. In order to create a consistent community of supportive writers, you are asked to commit to one of these formats for the full three days. The in-person boot camp will be held on the St. George campus (a coffee-&-snacks cost of $20 applies); concurrently, the virtual format will be conducted synchronously over Zoom (no cost for virtual participation).
Who is eligible to enrol in the Dissertation Boot Camp?
In order to sign up for the GCAC Dissertation Boot Camp, you must meet the following conditions:
- You are actively engaged in writing a doctoral dissertation in any department at U of T; the dissertation boot camp is not open to Master’s students.
- You are finished with course work, qualifying exams, and primary research and/or data collection; the boot camp is designed for writing, not further reading and research.
To apply for a place, please fill out this form by Monday, February 10th, 2025: https://forms.office.com/r/1RiLLvM2cp. Confirmations and further details will be sent by end-of-day February 12th.
Enrolment is limited to 20 students in person and 25 students online, and eligible applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Questions about the Dissertation Boot Camp should be sent to Dr. Jordana Lobo-Pires at jordana.lobo.pires@utoronto.ca.
In order to participate, you must be available to attend for the full three days, without exception.
The Gerstein Science Information Centre is looking for a graduate student to support a dedicated project to design and deliver a new 3D design and scanning service in collaboration with librarians and staff at the Gerstein + MADLab 3D printing service. The deadline to apply is February 3, 2025. For more information about the job, including required qualifications and how to apply: https://studentjobs.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/posting/view/3671.
We invite you to join us for the final round of our exciting Healthcare Innovation Challenge: Redefining Primary Care in Canada.
Competitors have been tasked with developing an innovative solution to the question: Given the potential of AI to transform healthcare, how can it be leveraged to address critical challenges in primary care?
Students began by submitting written proposals. The top five scoring teams will advance to the final round, where they pitch their idea to expert judges and a live audience.
There’s $5,000 of prizes to be won by the competitors. We’ll also be handing out fun raffle prizes throughout the night!
This is a great opportunity to support our innovators, network with our community, and find out more about the current state and future directions of primary care in our country.
Date: May 1-2, 2025
Location: The Carlu, #7, 444 Yonge St., Toronto, ON
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/40Uhbqi
Win up to $50,000 at the Power Play Pitch Competition at the International Conference on Aging, Innovation & Rehabilitation on May 1&2, 2025.
This competition is a platform for healthcare entrepreneurs at all stages–from concepts to finished products–to showcase their vision to potential investors and industry leaders.
Apply now: https://bit.ly/40Uhbqi Application Deadline is February 28, 2025 (11:59pm EST).
Tag us!
Linkedin: Toronto Rehabilitation Institute
Twitter: @KITE_UHN
Instagram: @kite_uhn
Facebook: The KITE Research Institute
Exploring AI as a Learning Tool Workshop Series:
- Planning & Productivity (Tuesday, January 28th at 4:00pm, in person)
- Critical Thinking & Conceptualization (Thursday, February 27th at 10:00am, in person)
- Studying for Exams (Wednesday, March 19th at 1:00pm-2:30pm, in person)
These interactive workshops are designed with a focus on undergraduate studies, but all students are welcome. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Rahul Bhat (rahul.bhat@utoronto.ca).
Student-facing language for St. George students is below and promotional material is attached.
Practice Using AI to Support Your Learning
Curious about using AI tools like Copilot for your learning? Join our interactive in-person workshops to explore the benefits, limitations, and risks of using AI to support your learning at U of T.
- Experiment with strategies to maximize the effectiveness of AI tools, like Copilot.
- Discuss the pros and cons of using AI for your planning, learning, and coursework.
- Share your strategies, questions, and concerns about using AI as a learning tool.
Exploring AI as a Learning Tool Winter Workshops:
- Planning & Productivity (Tuesday, January 28th at 4:00pm, in person)
- Critical Thinking & Conceptualization (Thursday, February 27th at 10:00am, in person)
- Studying for Exams (Wednesday, March 19th at 1:00pm-2:30pm, in person)
The Exploring AI as a Learning Tool workshops are held in person at 800 Bay Street, 5th Floor. Visit folio.utoronto.ca to discover all of our learning strategy support programs.
These workshops will not provide a how-to guide for using AI but instead provide an opportunity to discuss innovative and ethical practices to support effective learning. All students are encouraged to use AI tools consistent with the guidelines established by their instructors and the University of Toronto, in the Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters.
Hosted by the Centre for Learning Strategy Support.
Visualize your science The University of Toronto’s Biomedical Communications Program invites you to collaborate with our master’s students as a content supervisor for their Master’s Research Projects (MRPs). The Master of Science in Biomedical Communications (MScBMC) program, offered through the Institute of Medical Science, trains a select group of science-savvy visual communicators to create stunning and effective animations, illustrations, and interactive experiences. Each year, our students partner with researchers and clinicians to bring compelling health and science information to life for a variety of audiences.
See examples of previous work: For other examples of student MRPs, please visit here or copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://vimeo.com/mscbmc
Submit Your Master’s Research Project Idea We are seeking content supervisors to propose topics for our students’ second-year Master’s Research Projects. If you have intriguing science or health messaging that you’d like to see visualized, please complete the form at the following link (it shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes): https://forms.office.com/r/PxigyLPf9h
Deadline: February 12, 2025 (11:59 PM) What’s Involved?Your Role: As a content supervisor, you’ll guide students on the target audience, communication goals, and scientific content. You’ll attend three committee meetings and provide periodic feedback throughout the project.
Timeline: Students select their topics by April 2025. Projects are completed by July 2026.
Funding: While not required, offering funding can make your project more appealing to students.
Frequently asked questions What are the timelines for these projects?The MScBMC program is two years long. Students pick MRP topics at the end of their first year of study and complete the project at the end of their second year of study. If your project is selected, it would be complete by July 2026.
Is funding required to propose an MRP?As a professional program, student stipend funding for these projects is not a requirement. However, if you have funding available, it will make projects more attractive to the students.
What if my project is not selected by a student?Unfortunately, not all projects are selected by students. With only 16-18 students per year, some projects inevitably go unmatched. If your project idea is not chosen, it will remain in our database for future consideration. We encourage you to resubmit updated ideas in subsequent years.
Are there specific deliverables I can expect from the project?Deliverables vary based on the project but often include animations, illustrations, interactive modules, or other visual communication tools. You can discuss specific deliverables with the student once the project begins.
Who is involved in a Master’s Research Project (MRP) committee?Each MRP committee consists of the MScBMC student, who is responsible for developing and completing the project; a Biomedical Communications faculty member from the University of Toronto, who provides academic oversight and ensures the project meets program standards; and the content supervisor, who offers subject matter expertise, defines communication goals, and ensures the scientific accuracy of the work. Occasionally, other individuals, such as external collaborators or co-supervisors, may join the team, depending on the project’s nature and scope. For general information about the MScBMC program, please see our web site at:http://www.bmc.med.utoronto.ca/ We look forward to collaborating with you to bring your science to life. For any questions or further information, feel free to contact us directly at s.saharan@utoronto.ca. Interested in submitting an MRP topic?
Please complete the form at the following link (it shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes): https://forms.office.com/r/PxigyLPf9h