Apply Now: STAGE Toronto Molecular Epidemiology & Biostatistics Training Programme 2026

Applications are now open for STAGE Toronto 2026, a competitive transdisciplinary training programme in molecular epidemiology, statistical genetics, genomics, and computational biology. The programme supports PhD students and postdoctoral fellows working at the intersection of data science, genetics, and population health.

Trainee Application Deadline: March 16, 2026

About STAGE Toronto

STAGE Toronto operates under CANSSI Ontario and brings together mentors across genetic epidemiology, statistical genetics, computational biology, and biomedical genetics.

The programme emphasizes collaborative, cross-disciplinary research aligned with its core research themes.

Training Duration

• PhD Students: Two years or until completion of the PhD (whichever comes first)

• Postdoctoral Fellows: Two years

Mentor Disciplines

Applicants must build a mentorship panel spanning the programme’s three main disciplines:

1. Genetic & Molecular Epidemiology

   • Genetic & Molecular Epidemiology

   • Epidemiology

2. Data Sciences & Quantitative Genetics

   • Statistical Genetics and Genomics

   • Statistics

   • Computational Biology

3. Biomedical Genetics

   • Wet-lab

   • Clinical

At least one mentor must belong to either:

• Genetic & Molecular Epidemiology, or

• Statistical Genetics and Genomics

Candidates must secure a primary mentor and two additional mentors before applying.

Eligibility

STAGE accepts:

• Postdoctoral fellows from relevant quantitative disciplines

• Full-time PhD students in their second year or later with strong computational and quantitative training

Eligible backgrounds include:

Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Statistics, Mathematics, Genetics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Molecular and Forensic Anthropology, Psychology, and related quantitative life sciences.

Preference is given to:

• PhD students in their 2nd or 3rd year

• Postdocs with three years or less of postdoctoral experience

Strong quantitative skills are essential.

Required Application Materials

All documents must be submitted in PDF format (maximum 2MB per file).

Applicants must upload:

1. Summary of proposed research project

2. Statement on interdisciplinary nature of project

3. Canadian Common CV (CIHR Biosketch format)

4. Primary mentor letter (submitted online by mentor)

5. Academic transcripts

6. Supplementary information

Hard copies are not required.

Apply here:
https://survey.alchemer-ca.com/s3/50440446/Application-STAGE-Toronto

Selection Timeline

• 4–6 weeks after deadline: Application review by STAGE admission committee

• 6–8 weeks after deadline: Decision emails sent

• 8–12 weeks after deadline: Public announcement of successful candidates

Contact

Esther Berzunza
Program Manager, CANSSI Ontario
Email: [email protected]

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