The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is seeking an exceptional, visionary scientific leader to serve as the Program Head of the Developmental, Stem Cell & Cancer Biology (DSCB) Research Program. This role will provide strategic and scientific leadership for a dynamic, multidisciplinary program dedicated to advancing child health through groundbreaking research in developmental biology, stem cell science, and cancer biology. The DSCB Program pushes the boundaries of fundamental discovery, from uncovering molecular mechanisms of human development to innovating new disease models, and translates these insights into precision therapies for pediatric cancers, congenital disorders, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions, and rare childhood diseases. The successful candidate will champion innovative, collaborative research that accelerates the impact of scientific discoveries on child health. In this role, the Program Head will also advance SickKids' Precision Child Health initiative, integrating developmental and genomic insights to enable more predictive, individualized pediatric care and improved patient outcomes.

This is a five-year term leadership appointment, renewable following a successful program review, with the successful candidate appointed as a Senior Scientist in the Research Institute (and eligible to maintain this appointment beyond the leadership term).

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Scientific Leadership

Define and execute a compelling vision for the DSCB program that keeps SickKids at the forefront of developmental, stem cell and cancer research globally Align the program’s scientific direction with institutional priorities, including Precision Child Health, to maximize impact on child health

Program Development & Integration





Build and lead a cohesive program that bridges fundamental discovery and translational science, fostering synergy among basic scientists, clinician-investigators, and collaborators Identify and capitalize on emerging research opportunities and technologies (e.g. organoids, genetics, advanced models) to drive breakthroughs in pediatric disease modeling and regenerative medicine

Discovery to Impact

- Accelerate the translation of discoveries into therapeutic innovations, guiding the development of recent treatments and interventions Encourage interdisciplinary approaches that connect laboratory findings to novel clinical strategies for childhood diseases, and partner with clinical departments to embed research insights into care practices

Collaboration & Partnerships

Forge strong collaborations across SickKids' research programs and hospital centres, as well as with University of Toronto and other leading institutions Promote interdisciplinary and cross-program initiatives (e.g. joint projects with other Program Heads) to leverage collective strengths and maximize resources and shared platforms Foster strategic partnerships with industry, funding agencies, and international research networks to enhance the program’s reach and resources

People Leadership & Mentorship

Recruit, mentor, and inspire a diverse community of scientists, clinician-scientists,



and trainees Champion a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and excellence, supporting the career development of investigators and trainees Serve as a role model in scientific leadership, nurturing the next generation of research leaders in developmental, stem cell, and cancer biology

Operational Excellence & Sustainability

Oversee the program’s research portfolio and infrastructure, working with administrative leaders to ensure sustainable growth Secure and diversify funding streams through competitive grants, philanthropy, and partnerships, bolstering the program’s long‑term impact and international reputation Represent the DSCB program in institutional strategic planning, helping shape research priorities, allocate resources effectively, and advocate for the program’s needs

Required Qualifications

PhD, MD, or MD/PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant field. Internationally recognized scientific excellence in an area relevant to developmental biology, stem cell research, and/or pediatric disease (e.g. cancer biology), with a strong record of high-impact research achievements Progressive leadership experience guiding multidisciplinary research teams or programs, demonstrating the ability to set a vision, execute strategy, and mentor talent Proven track record of sustained peer‑reviewed funding and influential publications in top‑tier journals Eligible for appointment at the Associate or Full Professor level (Status-Only) at the University of Toronto (For physician candidates: eligible for medical licensure in Ontario)

Preferred Qualifications

Experience bridging fundamental discoveries to therapeutic or clinical applications, such as involvement i

📌 Program Head – Developmental, Stem Cell (Toronto)
🏢 Hospital for Sick Children, SickKids Research Institute
📍 Toronto