The Fraser lab in the Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research at the University of Toronto is looking for two creative and highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellows to establish a new platform that will transform how we measure metabolites and drugs. These are fully-funded positions but candidates are also strongly encouraged to apply for national and international fellowships.

 

Outline: Our group developed a new method, smol-seq, that uses DNA sequencing to measure metabolites and drugs. This harnesses the incredible power of DNA sequencing for metabolomics. It also allows metabolomics to be integrated with other sequence-based omics technologies. We are looking for two postdocs to establish this new technology as a new metabolomics platform — this is an exciting project that combines basic science with biotech applications and combines rich functional assays with cutting-edge computational biology.

Our method relies on aptamer-based sensors to recognise each specific metabolite target. The next key step is identifying sensors for many new metabolite and drug targets. Our goal is to use a range of novel in-house experimental methods to discover hundreds of new sensors and in parallel to develop methods to predict new sensors in silico. The projects combine basic research questions (“how do individual sensors work and what are the design principles?”) with cutting edge computational methods (“can we develop foundational models for aptamer-target interactions?”). The ultimate goal is to completely transform how we can detect and measure metabolites and drugs. This work obviously is at the interface of academic science and commercial applications — we have already filed patents around this technology and anticipate multiple more as this project advances.

Key Reference: Quantifying metabolites using structure-switching aptamers coupled to DNA sequencing. Tan, J.H. and Fraser, A.G. Nature Biotechnology 2025

 

Fraser lab: We believe strongly that discoveries are driven by new technologies and that generating unbiased, systematic data can give new and unexpected insights into biology. That has been at the core of our work ranging from genome-scale RNAi screens to systematic mapping of genetic interactions to analysis of the effect of genetic background on the severity of genetic disorders. Some representative papers that capture the flavour of our work over the years include:

• Quantifying metabolites using structure-switching aptamers coupled to DNA sequencing. Tan J.H. and Fraser A.G. Nature Biotechnology 2025

• Identification of a family of species-selective complex I inhibitors as potential anthelmintics. Davie T. Nature Communications 2024

• RNAi screens in C. elegans reveal that variation in gene expression modulates the severity of mutant phenotypes. Vu V. et al. Cell 2015

• The majority of animal genes are required for wild-type fitness. Ramani A. et al. Cell. 2012

• Systematic mapping of genetic interactions in Caenorhabditis elegans identifies common modifiers of diverse signaling pathways. Lehner B et al. Nat Genetics 2006

 

Donnelly Centre: The Donnelly Centre is one of the leading institutes in functional genomics, bioengineering, and technology development. It has a diverse international community of researchers and a strongly collaborative view of science. It is located in the heart of downtown Toronto, in one of the world’s largest biomedical research campuses in an exciting and cosmopolitan city. Our interdisciplinary research institute fosters the integration of biology, computer science, engineering, and medicine as well as collaborations across laboratories and scientific fields (thedonnellycentre.utoronto.ca).

 

Required Qualifications: We are looking for postdocs that have excellent molecular biology skills and/or a strong computational background including machine learning approaches. Candidates should be highly creative — new technologies are emerging rapidly, and we are learning continually how to develop, adapt, and combine new approaches. This is part of the fun!

• PhD in molecular biology or functional genomics — previous experience with multiple nextgen sequencing platforms, spatial multiomics platforms, and/or a strong computational background is preferred Knowledge of aptamers, SELEX, or nucleic acid structure prediction would be ideal.

• Strong publication record including at least one first-author publication.

• Ability to work independently and to lead an ambitious research project.

• Candidates should be highly creative — new technologies and analytical tools are emerging rapidly, and we are learning continually how to develop, adapt, and combine new approaches. This is part of the fun!

•Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  

 

Application instructions: Interested applicants should send a cover letter, CV, and contact information of three references to andy.fraser@utoronto.ca by the closing date.

 Closing date: January 31st 2026

Supervisor: Prof. Andy Fraser

 

Expected start date: Immediately

 

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience

 

 

The normal hours of work are 40 hours per week for a full-time postdoctoral fellow (pro-rated for those holding a partial appointment) recognizing that the needs of the employee’s research and professional development and the needs of the supervisor’s research program may require flexibility in the performance of the employee’s duties and hours of work.

 

Employment as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto is covered by the terms of the CUPE 3902 Unit 5 Collective Agreement.

 

This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 5 Collective Agreement.

 

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.