The Techna Institute

The Techna Institute is accepting letters of interest for 10 new faculty positions in the area of technology R&D for cancer.

Background: The Techna Institute for the Advancement of Technology for Health is a new research institute of the University Health Network in collaboration with the University of Toronto. This collaboration between the research hospital and the university has established a new model for research and development, moving beyond basic research to a focus on translation commercialization.

Recruitment Focus: Faculty recruitment will be based on the strategic alignment and ability of candidates to address the needs identified by academic clinicians affiliated with Techna. Success will be measured by advancements in clinical practice. All faculty must strengthen at least one of Techna’s five core programs: Informatics and Communications Technologies; Guided Therapeutics; Nanotechnology and Radiochemistry; Photonics; and Design and Engineering for Health. These positions must address clinical priorities in the area of cancer, but may also have applications in other clinical domains.

Selection Criteria: Techna faculty will be selected based on excellence in two or more of the identified measures of impact, which emulate the culture and environment of the institute. These criteria include:

1. Research & Development: Academic excellence in research is maintained as fundamental criteria for faculty. Assessment of research activities will be measured through independent publications and funding track record. The development of technology that addresses an unmet clinical need is equally important.  Assessment of development activities will be measured through engineering of clinical prototypes, engagement in clinical trials, other testing in the clinical environment.
2. Translation: The application of research is critical to advancing knowledge to a point where it will have an impact on patient health and change in practice. Assessment of translational activities will be measured through innovations in health care and defined achievements for delivering on improvements to health.
3. Commercialization: Engagement in commercial activities is an essential component to advancing technology for use in the global health care market. Assessment of commercial activities will be measured through commercial contracts, patent filings and products that have been produced from development activities.
4. Building the Research Enterprise: Faculty will be expected to contribute beyond their own programs to provide training within the Techna environment, and to providing leadership for expanding the Techna environment to become a leading global institute.

Requirements for Submission: Applicants are requested to submit a statement of interest (limited to 1-page only, 10pt font) outlining their vision for technology in health, and highlighting their track record (include: number of publications, grant funding, patents, commercial development portfolio, clinical impacts).

Submission Information: Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2012 (no commitment to offering all 10 positions this round).

Submissions will be accepted by email at the following address: techna@rmp.uhn.on.ca and should be addressed to the attention of: Dr. David Jaffray, Director, Techna Institute.

For additional information visit: www.uhnresearch.ca

 Posted on behalf of D. Jaffray