Staff Scientist (Polymer Synthesis)

The Formulations Self-Driving Lab at the University of Toronto’s Acceleration Consortium are hiring immediately. We are recruiting for a postdoctoral position focused on formulation development for mitochondrial transplantation. This work will involve the design of advanced formulations to improve the stability and enhance the efficacy of isolated mitochondria by developing automated, high-throughput preparation and characterization workflows. This work is at the interface of materials science, engineering, and cell biology.

This position is funded by a successful New Frontiers in Research Fund –Transformation (NFRF-T) grant for $24M led by researchers, surgeons and clinicians from across Canada and around the world to center mitochondrial transplantation as the next generation of regenerative medicine. The project will establish Toronto as a hub for mitochondrial transplantation research, powering organ regeneration and transplant, improving disease outcomes and maximizing therapeutic efficiency of isolated mitochondria. Specifically, formulating stable, long-lasting mitochondria will help to overcome a significant commercial and logistical bottleneck to unlock the full potential of mitochondrial transplantation as a therapeutic strategy.

The Formulations Self-Driving Lab (SDL) is a constituent of the Acceleration Consortium, a global community of academia, industry, and government that leverages the power of artificial intelligence, robotics, materials sciences, and high-throughput chemistry to create self-driving laboratories. The Formulations SDL advances materials discovery for a wide range of systems and technologies including pharmaceuticals, industrial and agricultural materials, high performance coatings, and personal care formulations.

Situated within the University of Toronto, one of the most productive research communities globally, this position provides access to extensive resources, including fully affiliated academic hospitals and research institutes. The Greater Toronto Area enhances this exceptional academic environment with its cultural and demographic diversity, as well as one of the highest standards of living in the world.

This Post Doctoral Fellowship is supervised by Staff Scientist Dr. Aaron Clasky in the Formulations self-driving lab (SDL) with a direct reporting line to co-supervisor Professor Frank Gu in the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering.

Responsibilities

· Develop automated formulation and characterization work flows to evaluate mitochondrial stability and viability over time

· Use polymers, salts, sugars and other biomaterials to identify new formulations to improve the stability of isolated mitochondria

· Evaluate cellular uptake and therapeutic outcomes in collaboration with organ-on-a-chip labs and other SDLs

· Leverage AI/ML team to design and optimize complex formulations

· Collaborate with experimentalists, engineers and data scientists to guide the development of stable mitochondrial formulations

· Prepare and present findings in regular meetings with supervisor and academic stakeholders

· Prepare and publish high-quality research manuscripts

· Mentor junior lab members and promote a collaborative team environment

Additional Background

The Acceleration Consortium (AC) at the University of Toronto is leading a transformative shift in scientific discovery that will accelerate technology development and commercialization. The AC is a global community of academia, industry, and government that leverages the power of artificial intelligence, robotics, materials sciences, and high-throughput chemistry to create self-driving laboratories. These autonomous labs rapidly design materials and molecules needed for a sustainable, healthy, and resilient future, with applications ranging from renewable energy and consumer electronics to drugs. AC SDLs will advance the field of AI-driven autonomous discovery and develop the materials and molecules required to address society’s largest challenges, such as climate change, water pollution, and future pandemics. 

The Acceleration Consortium promotes an inclusive research environment and supports the EDI priorities of the unit. 

The Acceleration Consortium received a $200M Canadian First Research Excellence Grant for seven years to develop self-driving labs for chemistry and materials, the largest ever grant to a Canadian University.

TheAC is developing seven advanced SDLs plus an AI and Automation lab: 

·  SDL1 - Inorganic solid-state compounds for advanced materials and energy 

·  SDL2 - Organic small molecules for sustainability and health 

·  SDL3 - Medicinal chemistry for improving small molecule drug candidates 

·  SDL4 - Polymers for materials science and biological applications 

·  SDL5 - Formulations for pharmaceuticals, consumer products, and coatings 

·  SDL6 - Biocompatibility with organoids / organ-on-a-chip 

· SDL7 - Synthetic scale-up of materials and molecules (University of British Colombia partner lab) 

Qualifications

Education:

· Ph.D. in Biology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or other related STEM specializations

RequiredExperience:

· At least 2 years of experience in biomaterial research and development, including polymers, hydrogels, nanoparticles

·  Expertise in developing and executing characterization techniques in materials (HPLC, UV-Vis, fluorescence, DLS, rheology) and biological (oxygen consumption rate, live/deadstaining) applications

· Demonstrated experience in preparing and disseminating scientific findings to industry stakeholders, scientists, and the general public

· Strong academic ability, demonstrated through publications in top-tier journals

AdditionalDesired Experience:

·  Experience with high-throughput screening and the design of automated laboratory synthesis platforms, particularly for chemistry or biology applications

·  Cell culturing, imaging and mitochondrial isolation practices

·  Experience working with a Seahorse module

·   Knowledge of Python oran additional scripting language (SQL, MATLAB, C++, etc.) and working knowledge of AI/ML techniques

How to apply

The application package should include:

1.    A cover letter describing you interest and qualifications

2.    Your CV

3.    Contact information for 3 references who have confirmed that they are willing to supply letters of reference upon request

Combine the items 1-3 above into a single PDF file named:“givenname-familyname-SDL5-YYYY-MM-DD.pdf”

Email your application package to Aaron Clasky (aaron.clasky@utoronto.ca) with the subject line “SDL5 Mito Application”. Evaluation of candidates will begin immediately and continue until filled

Posting Date: April 11, 2025

Closing Date:On-going