We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity to apply for the Scholar in Residence (SiR) Program at Unity Health Toronto. This program honors the remarkable contributions of Dr. Arthur S. Slutsky to research at St. Michael’s Hospital during his 18-year tenure as Vice President of Research (2000-2018). Made possible through the generous support of the St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation, the program selects one internationally renowned scientist annually to engage with Unity Health’s research community. The selected scholar will provide research consultancy, mentorship, and expertise to scientists, staff members, and trainees in key focus areas. Scholars will spend four months in residence at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (LKSKI) as part of their year-long appointment.

Areas of Research Focus

For the term beginning in the summer to fall of 2025, we are seeking scholars with expertise in:

• Infectious disease epidemiology with a focus on health equity.

• Research ethics and integrity, including open science, reproducibility, and equity in research practices.

• EU horizons grant recipient.

Program Objectives

The goals of the LKSKI SiR program are a) to enrich the intellectual and collaborative environment at the LKSKI; b) to enhance the research productivity of the Institute; and, c) to help establish the LKSKI as a desirable and unique hub for scientists and trainees.

The Scholar in Residence will contribute to advancing Unity Health’s these objectives by:

• Collaborating with Unity Health scientists, staff, and trainees to provide expertise for ambitious research projects, including the conceptualization and submission of collaborative grant proposals.

• Mentoring junior faculty and trainees, offering guidance to support their professional development.

• Generating impactful, collaborative publications in their area of expertise.

• Participating in seminars, workshops, and capacity-building activities at Unity Health.

• Promoting outreach by fostering connections with external scientists, partners, and potential donors.

• Contributing to advancing Unity Health’s strategic initiatives in research and innovation.

Deliverables

The Scholar in Residence will be responsible for the following key deliverables:

• Deliver at least one public lecture to the broader Unity Health and University of Toronto communities.

• Establish and document mentoring relationships with at least two junior faculty members and two graduate trainees at the LKSKI.

• Collaborate with Unity Health researchers on the conceptualization and submission of at least one grant proposal.

• Produce at least two collaborative research manuscripts for publication related to their area of focus by the end of the one-year term

• Conduct sessions on research integrity, ethics, and related topics to build capacity among Unity Health’s scientists and trainees.

• Continue collaborating with Unity Health researchers beyond the residency period to ensure sustained impact.

Eligibility and Benefits

• Scholars will receive a stipend of $50,000.

• Dedicated office space at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Unity Health Toronto.

• Specifics of the four-month in-residence period are negotiable to accommodate the Scholar’s schedule and program objectives.

About Unity Health Toronto

Unity Health Toronto is a leading health network comprising Providence Healthcare, St. Joseph’s Health Centre, and St. Michael’s Hospital. It is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto (U of T), Canada’s largest and most research-intensive university. The Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute is the hub for clinical and health services research, dedicated to advancing the health of urban and vulnerable populations.

Commitment to Equity

Unity Health Toronto is strongly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion within its community. We encourage applications from members of visible minority groups, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives.

Application Process

Interested individuals are invited to submit the following to VPRI@unityhealth.to by March 18, 2025.

• A letter of interest outlining their research focus, mentorship philosophy, and alignment with the program’s goals.

• A current CV.

Applications will be reviewed after the deadline. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Andrea Tricco at Andrea.Tricco@unityhealth.to.