The position
Synth-Med Biotechnology Inc. is hiring a postdoctoral fellow to work in collaboration with Dr. Craig
Simmon’s lab on in vitro blood–brain barrier (BBB) models supporting Synth-Med’s CNS-directed
enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and nanomedicine programs for lysosomal storage disorders.
The successful candidate you will be supporting our pre-clinical in-vitro testing of BBB crossing nano
carriers and help unveiling mechanistic processes of the technology.
This is a joint academic–industry role. You will be based in the Simmons Lab with access to its
microphysiological systems and stem cell infrastructure, and you will work closely with the Synth-Med
R&D team on program timelines and data packages.
What you'll do
- Establish, validate, and maintain Transwell BBB models, including hiPSC-derived brain microvascular
endothelial cells in mono- and co-culture with astrocytes, pericytes, and/or neurons
- Run barrier integrity and permeability assays (TEER, paracellular tracer flux, immunostaining for
junctional and transporter markers) and set acceptance criteria for study readouts
- Design and execute transport studies on enzyme conjugates, shuttle-peptide and single-domain
antibody constructs, and nanoparticle carriers
- Develop quantitative readouts of transcytosis and intracellular trafficking, and distinguish transport
from surface association
- Adapt models to disease-relevant genotypes, including patient-derived or gene-edited iPSC lines
- Analyze and present data to the Simmons Lab and to Synth-Med; contribute to internal reports,
regulatory-facing documentation, grant applications, and publications
- Mentor graduate and undergraduate students working on related projects
Required
- PhD in biomedical engineering, cell biology, neuroscience, pharmacology, or a related field
- Hands-on experience building and running Transwell BBB models, with demonstrated command of
barrier integrity measurement and troubleshooting
- Independent hiPSC culture experience.
- Strong quantitative data analysis and a track record of peer-reviewed publication
- Ability to work to project timelines in a collaborative, partly industry-facing setting
Preferred
- Prior work on lysosomal storage disorders
- Familiarity with nanoparticle or liposomal drug delivery and associated characterization methods
- Experience with receptor-mediated transcytosis approaches
- Microfluidic or organ-on-chip barrier models
- Confocal and live-cell imaging, image quantification
- Experience with electronic lab notebooks and structured documentation practices suitable for
regulatory submissions
- Experience with co-culture assays and the practical problems that come with them - media
compatibility, seeding order, timing, and controls
What we offer
- A project with a clear translational endpoint and a direct line to program decisions
- Access to the Simmons Lab's microfabrication, imaging, and stem cell facilities, plus the wider
Toronto research ecosystem
- Mentorship from both an academic PI and an industry R&D team, with exposure to preclinical
development and regulatory strategy
- Support for conference travel and professional development
- Publication rights on project outcomes, subject to standard IP review
How to apply
For your application:
please complete this form:
https://forms.office.com/r/YeY66vA3BE
and upload a cover letter and CV here:
https://synthmed.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/Hiring/IgDZWinpfd1vQ5ojXU6VO2t_AaXXf_W9wKPc0qEXZsLYwcU
