OPPORTUNITIES

The AGE Program has several opportunities to study, conduct research and intern with the team.

 

More information about available opportunities will be posted here as it becomes available. 

See our list of Alumni

Fellowships

The Adult Genetic Epilepsy (AGE) Fellowship Program at Toronto Western Hospital is a well-established program that offers extensive training in all aspects of genetically-determined epilepsies, both common and rare forms. Our AGE Fellowship program is part of one of the largest and most comprehensive Epilepsy Programs in North America, level 4 epilepsy center, with an excellent team of epileptologists, clinical neurophysiologists, genetic counselors, geneticists, neuropsychiatrists, neuroradiologists, neuropsychologists, neurosurgeons, social workers, nurses and dietitians.

Fellows will attend the Adult Genetic Epilepsy clinics where they will see a variety of genetic epilepsy cases, including some of the most pharmacoresistant. During this fellowship, fellows will develop expertise in recognition of clinical manifestations as well as indication and interpretation of genetic testing. Our cutting-edge management (both acute and long-term) of genetic epilepsies in adults will give fellows the opportunity to master precision medicine treatments as well as take part in new precision medicine trials. In addition, our multidisciplinary Adult Genetic Epilepsy clinics will give the fellows the opportunity to learn about movement disorders, cognition and other comorbidities seen in adults with genetic epilepsy.

The Adult Genetic Epilepsy Program has an important research component and fellows are encouraged to participate in clinical or pre-clinical research. They will have access to the large database and DNA bank of patients with genetic epilepsies and they will be mentored throughout the research. They will also have protected research time.

Requirements: Completion of an accredited residency in Neurology. Completion of a general epilepsy fellowship is encouraged but not required.

Currently, we do not have any opportunities for fellowships, but please feel free to check this space for next academic year’s opportunities (July 2026-2027)

Graduate Students

Dr. Andrade is appointed as an Associate Member of the Institute of Medical Science (IMS) and has provided direct supervision and support to graduate students since 2019. Please see our past and current graduate students and the projects they are working on.  Currently, we are accepting applications for PhD. Candidate for start in the Fall of 2026.

Resident Electives

Adult Genetic Epilepsy (AGE) Clinic has a unique patient population with difficult to treat seizures and multiple associated comorbidities. As a resident, having exposure to this patient population can help you gain several transferable skills while working with the clinical care team and planning individualized management during clinic visits. AGE Clinic is held twice a week on Wednesdays and Thursdays. This opportunity can also help you connect with several healthcare professionals that helps prepare you for the future.

Contact for applications: adult.neurology@utoronto.ca

Summer Students

Every year, AGE Program offers Summer Student Research Assistant positions to interested candidates during the months of June-August.

Applications open: March-April of every year.

Student job duties include:
The candidate would be involved in performing chart review of possible candidate eligibility for current studies taking place and subsequently obtain informed consent. Additionally, the student will create and submit Research Proposals and Amendments to the Research Ethics Board.

Student learning and development opportunities:

  1. Work in a hospital environment
  2. Observe different careers in the field of medicine and medical research
  3. Obtain verbal consent from study recruitment participants
  4. Participate in medical research
  5. Log monitoring and record keeping
  6. Study criteria review – eligibility screening through chart review
  7. Involvement in literature searches relating to gene-involvement in/and epileptic disorders
  8. Assist in preparing Research Ethics Board application submission

The skills that students will develop or any learning that will take place on the job:

  • Clinical research skills
  • Scientific writing – a basic understanding of the research process from initiation (protocol development) to conclusion of a research study (testing hypothesis)
  • Develop knowledge of medical and scientific terminology

For applications, please contact: quratulain.zulfiqar_ali@uhn.ca

Volunteering

Volunteers play a big role in the continuum of our research. As a volunteer Research Trainee within the lab a few opportunities you will be involved with are listed below:

  1. – Performing literature reviews and search for specific research questions.
  2. – Performing supervised data entry on REDCap database after appropriate training is provided.
  3. – Supervised consenting for various research studies.
  4. – Attendance in weekly lab meetings.
  5. – Supervised drafting and submission of Research Ethics Renewals and Initial Submissions.
  6. – Manuscript writing.
  7. – Organization of various research study binders and research materials.

Currently, we do not have any opportunities for volunteers, but please feel free to check this space for next academic year’s opportunities (July 2026-2027)