The Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto and the Division of Rheumatology at UHN/Sinai Health is seeking applicants for a full-time Clinician Investigator who has clinical expertise and research activities focused within the domain of musculoskeletal imaging of spondyloarthropathies, especially Psoriatic Arthritis. The successful candidate, who will be based at the Toronto Western Hospital site of University Health Network, will be tasked with establishing a clinical research program within the psoriatic arthritis program to lead the development of imaging research within the division and to strengthen strategic partnerships with other imaging and biomarker researchers. Applicants must have recognized clinical and scientific credentials allowing them to be eligible for a full-time clinical academic appointment at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor at the University of Toronto. Effective start date is negotiable, but could be as early as February 1, 2024

The ideal candidate must have training and expertise in musculoskeletal imaging, particularly magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, the candidate must have the ability to manage patients with psoriatic arthritis, and other rheumatologic conditions, supervise rheumatology trainees and medical residents, participate in the teaching program, and in patient education.

The successful candidate must hold an MD degree or equivalent and have completed subspecialty training in a recognized rheumatology postgraduate training program. He/she must have or be eligible for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Candidates should have a graduate training in an area of scholarship that supports their research endeavors. The candidate must be able to function proficiently in English. The successful candidate will report directly to both the University of Toronto and University Health Network /Sinai Health System leadership for the Division of Rheumatology and for the Department of Medicine.

Rheumatology at the University of Toronto encompasses a large, multi-centered group of clinicians, teachers, educators, and researchers. We provide unparalleled care for patients with complex, chronic rheumatologic disease and advancing care by studying pathogenesis, biomarkers, therapeutics, and clinical outcomes. We are excited to be training the next generation of rheumatology clinicians, teachers and scientists. The Division of Rheumatology is embedded within the academically focused Department of Medicine and supported by the benefits of the highly regarded University of Toronto.

The vision of the Psoriatic Disease Research Program (PsDRP) is to find the cure for patients with psoriatic disease. The Program works to increase our understanding of psoriatic disease aetiology and progression and to help discover new treatments and prevention measures in order to improve the lives of those afflicted.

Academic rank, remuneration and contractual arrangements will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate, with a minimum of $260,000 CAD annually based on Alternate Funding Plan and fee-for-service. Remuneration and start-up funding is multi-sourced and includes base salary support commensurate with the position, funding through the Alternate Funding Plan and clinical (fee-for-service) billings. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will also obtain support via grants and salary awards.

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from visible minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, members of sexual minority groups, and others who may contribute to further diversification of ideas. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Applications will be accepted until October 30, 2023.

Should you be interested in this opportunity, please forward a letter of interest, an up-to-date curriculum vitae and the names/contact information of 3 suitable references to:

Dr Nigil Haroon, Division Head, Rheumatology
University Health Network and Mount Sinai Hospital
1E-425, 399 Bathurst Street, Toronto Western Hospital,
Toronto, ON. M5T2S8. Canada. Fax: 416-603-4348
Tel: 416-603-5634
Email: Nigil.Haroon@uhn.ca

Usual Job Components for a Clinician Investigator
Clinical Activities: (40-50% of professional time)
Clinical activities will include 3 half-day psoriatic arthritis clinic and 1 half-day general rheumatology clinic weekly. Additionally, it is expected that the successful candidate will supervise as the attending physician for our clinical ward and/or hospital based consult service for a total of 8 weeks per year

Teaching Activities: (approximately 10% of time but fluctuates over time)
Pedagogic activities will include formal teaching of medical students and teaching clinical clerks, residents and fellows during ward rounds and consult service. Will also participate in core teaching of medical residents and rheumatology specialty residents.

Research Activities: (50% of professional time)
The successful candidate will participate in the Psoriatic Disease Research Program to establish and strengthen strategic partnerships and productivity. Research will focus on the development and validation of innovative imaging techniques for diagnosis, assessment and management of psoriatic arthritis. The Investigator will also partner with molecular biomarker researchers to identify and validated molecular and imaging biomarkers. Will be an active member of national and international research groups to foster research collaboration. Will foster imaging-based research within the UHN/Sinai Division of Rheumatology.

Administration: (5-10% of professional time)
All members of our division are expected to participate in committees and/or other divisional/departmental activities, commensurate with their position, seniority and subspecialty expertise.