Student Research Physicist - UHN, Toronto

Role overview

The Vitkin Lab, based at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and the Department of Medical Biophysics at the University of Toronto, develops and applies Optical Coherence Tomography to study tumour biology and novel radiotherapy techniques. As part of an active research program investigating FLASH radiotherapy in preclinical mouse models, we are seeking a motivated student to contribute directly to in vivo studies. This temporary full-time role offers an excellent opportunity for students seeking administration and research experience within University Health Network jobs in Toronto.

The successful candidate will work closely with senior research scientists, physicists, and engineers to acquire and analyze multimodal imaging data, including intravital OCT and 7T MRI. Specific training on all relevant laboratory, imaging, and animal-handling protocols will be provided before hands-on work begins.

Qualifications

• University student in Biomedical Engineering, Engineering Science, Medical Biophysics, Physics, or a related program
• Experience working in a research laboratory is preferred
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written, including experience or interest in scientific writing
• Detail-oriented individual with excellent organizational skills and critical thinking
• Self-motivated individual with the ability to meet deadlines and prioritize across multiple concurrent projects
• Proficiency in MATLAB and/or Python for scientific data analysis is an asset
• Experience with optical imaging techniques such as fluorescence or microscopy and/or MRI is an asset
• Prior experience with small-animal handling or in vivo research is an asset, though training will be provided
• Familiarity with radiation biology, radiotherapy physics, or tumour vascular biology is an asset but not required

Day-to-day

The co-op student will apply their technical skill set to support an active in vivo FLASH radiotherapy research program under direct supervision. Main responsibilities include:

• Assist senior scientists and engineers in the design and execution of in vivo FLASH irradiation experiments using the dorsal skinfold window chamber mouse model
• Support animal preparation, handling, and monitoring in accordance with institutional animal care protocols
• Acquire longitudinal tumour and vascular imaging data using the lab optical coherence tomography system
• Assist with image acquisition on the 7T small-animal MRI system
• Process, analyze, and quantify imaging data using MATLAB and/or Python
• Assist in experimental design, including irradiation scheduling, imaging timepoints, and control-group planning
• Contribute to manuscript writing, including drafting sections, literature review, and reference management
• Produce publication-quality figures and data visualizations summarizing experimental results
• Prepare presentation materials for lab meetings, collaborator updates, and conferences
• Participate actively in weekly group meetings and present progress updates
• Accurately document all experiments, protocols, and results in laboratory notebooks or electronic records
• Perform all work in a safe manner and maintain a clean, organized laboratory and imaging workspace
• Work in accordance with approved protocols and standard operating procedures

Benefits

Working with University Health Network careers provides access to comprehensive offerings designed to support you throughout your professional journey:

• Competitive offer packages
• Membership in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan
• Close access to transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks including corporate discounts for travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance, and on-site gyms