Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 CAN- CIHR-INMHA Brain Star Awards!

The Canadian Association for Neuroscience (CAN) and the Canadian Institutes of Health’s Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction (CIHR-INMHA) are proud to announce the winners of the 2023 Brain Star Awards.

The CIHR-INMHA Brain Star awards, administered by the Canadian Association for Neuroscience, are awarded to students and trainees who have published high impact discoveries in all fields and disciplines covered by CIHR’s Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction in the 2023 calendar year.

The top 3 Brain Star Award winners of the year have been invited to make a presentation at the CAN meeting in May.

The Canadian Association for Neuroscience applauds new investments in science and research announced in budget 2024

The Canadian Association for Neuroscience applauds new investments in science and research announced in budget 2024 by the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Finances of Canada. These announcements demonstrate that scientific research has real-world benefits to people across Canada, to Canada’s economy, and to Canada’s future prosperity. We specifically applaud the following measures:

Increased funding for graduate student scholarships and post-doctoral fellowships

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Postdoctoral Positions in Stem Cells and Regenerative Neuroscience – University of Manitoba

Dr. Soheila Karimi is seeking for two to three Post-Doctoral Fellows to join her neuroscience research team in the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Science at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada. Dr. Karimi directs a renowned and well-funded program on Neural Regeneration and Stem Cell Research. Her program offers a collaborative research environment with a focus on regenerative medicine, preclinical models for development of novel stem cell and pharmacological therapeutics, the opportunity to learn and apply technical/theoretical skillsets, professional growth and a competitive salary. Thus, this position offers a unique opportunity for the successful applicants to gain leading-edge training and to drive impactful research projects for establishing a successful career. Position is fully-funded through CIHR funding and it is initially for two years with the potential to extend for an additional 2-3 years upon satisfactory performance. Funding is already secured for 5 years.

Research Areas: The Karimi’s Lab has received two new CIHR grants that will develop and evaluate new stem-cell mediated regeneration strategies for multiple sclerosis (MS) and spinal cord injury (SCI). Karimi’s program is internationally recognized for its contribution to cellular and pharmacological therapeutic approaches in preclinical models. Moreover, genetic mouse models and primary in vitro systems are employed to uncover cellular and molecular mechanisms of repair and regeneration. A major focus is on application of endogenous and transplanted neural stem cells for neuron replacement, neuroprotection, remyelination and regeneration. Human derived stem cells, tissues and organoids models are also used to understand the relevance of preclinical discoveries to human disease and for disease modeling. Karimi’s lab employs an array of advanced approaches that include various preclinical models of MS and SCI, micro-surgical techniques, stem cell transplantation, transgenic models, neural stem cell/neural tissue culture, pharmacological drug delivery, cellular, biochemical and molecular techniques, genetic manipulations, cell tracing, fluorescence/confocal imaging, high throughput transcriptomics (bulk and spatial) and proteomics, bioengineering approaches, live imaging and functional/neurological studies (sensorimotor, pain and cognition).

Current projects:

  • Uncovering the endogenous mechanisms of neural stem cells differentiation in MS and spinal cord injury.
  • Development of stem cell and pharmacological therapies for enhancing neuronal and oligodendrocytes replacement in progressive MS.
  • Neural stem transplantation in spinal cord injury
  • Investigating the modulatory roles of reactive astrocytes, microglia and matrix remodeling in spinal cord injury and MS.
  • Uncovering immune mechanisms and developing immunomodulatory therapies in MS.

Training & expectations: Major areas of focus for the PDF candidates will include studying neurodegeneration, neuroprotection, neural repair, neural stem cells, glial cells, and neuroinflammation in MS and/or SCI. The candidate should have a solid understanding and demonstrated proficiency in some of the following:

  • Cell culture methods involving both isolation and maintenance of rodent neuronal and primary cultures as well as human cell lines.
  • Ability to perform and troubleshoot a wide variety of molecular and cellular biology techniques: Western blotting, qPCR, , immunohisto/cytochemistry, experience with siRNA knockdown, RNA seq and associated data analyses/mining are a strong asset
  • A comprehensive understanding of experimental design and assay optimization is important.
  • Mastery of fluorescence and light microscopy; conventional and/or confocal
  • Applicants with experience in pre-clinical models of neurodegenerative diseases including MS (particularly autoimmune and chemical demyelinating) and spinal cord injury are especially encouraged to apply.
  • Behavioural analysis
  • Evidence of adequate writing skills
  • The expectation is high quality research and a minimum of two publications in peer reviewed international journals.

A competitive salary will be provided based on the candidate’s experience plus all eligible University of Manitoba benefits.

All applicants are thanked in advance; but only those selected for further consideration will receive a response. Review of applications will begin on May 1, 2024. The expected start date for this position will be based on the applicant’s needs, but no later than September 2024.

University of Manitoba

As a post-doctoral fellow in Winnipeg, you will have the chance to collaborate with renowned scholars and scientists at the Manitoba MS Research Centre, the Spinal Cord Research Centre, the Prairie Neuro and the Manitoba Neuroscience Network, and University of Manitoba and beyond at the national and international levels. The University of Manitoba are committed to fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment for researchers, providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The University of Manitoba is a driving force of innovation, discovery and advancement. Our momentum is propelled by our campus community – UM faculty, staff and students whose determination and curiosity shape our world for the better. Our teaching, learning and work environment is uniquely strengthened and enriched by Indigenous perspectives. With two main campuses in Winnipeg, satellite campuses throughout Manitoba, and world-wide research, UM’s impact is global.

Discover outstanding employee benefits, experience world-class facilities and join a dynamic community that values reconciliation, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. We are one of Manitoba’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. At the University of Manitoba, what inspires you can change everything.

The City of Winnipeg (www.tourismwinnipeg.com), located where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet, is recognized for its vibrant, multicultural community and diverse culture. The city, with a growing population of more than 766,000, is home to internationally renowned festivals, galleries and museums, the historic Exchange District and The Forks, and ever-expanding research, education, and business sectors. From the Hudson Bay waters, across the farmland fields, to the pulse of the cities and towns, The Province of Manitoba’s (www.travelmanitoba.com) people and places – its 100,000 lakes, 92 provincial parks, winding river valleys and storied prairie skies – inspire.

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities). All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

An inclusive, open and diverse community is essential to excellence and fosters voices that have been ignored or discouraged. To address the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and in recognition of the underrepresentation of members of historically and currently excluded groups, we take proactive measures including implicit bias training for all hiring panels. We strive for diversity and cultural safety throughout the hiring process (hiring panels, short-list of candidates, interviews). We encourage you to self-identify any aspect of diversity in your cover letter.

If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact UM.Accommodation@umanitoba.ca or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

To apply, send a cover letter summarizing your qualifications and research interests, a CV in PDF format, grade transcript, an English reprint of your most significant publication of research paper, proof of proficiency in English for candidates whose native language is not English (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL scores), and contact information for three references to:

Dr. Soheila Karimi, PhD
Professor, Physiology & Pathophysiology
Director, Manitoba Multiple Sclerosis Research Centre
Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
University of Manitoba
Email: Soheila.Karimi@umanitoba.ca

For more information, visit our website at https://umanitoba.ca/medicine/faculty-staff/soheila-karimi and The Karimi Lab

Contact information

Dr. Soheila Karimi, PhD
Professor, Physiology & Pathophysiology
Director, Manitoba Multiple Sclerosis Research Centre
Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
University of Manitoba
Email: Soheila.Karimi@umanitoba.ca

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Postdoc position in the Behavioural Neuroscience of Reward – Université de Montréal, Canada

Dr Anne-Noel Samaha’s laboratory at the Université de Montréal has an open position for a post-doctoral fellow. The research work involves characterizing the role of the amygdala in the behavioural response to reward cues in rats.

As an example, see https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31953370/

Dr Samaha will hire someone whose primary research interest is in the behavioural neuroscience of reward. Research experience in this or a relevant field is required.

Training in techniques such as Pavlovian/Instrumental conditioning, in vivo optogenetics, chemogenetics, electrophysiology, and in molecular biology assays is desirable. Speaking French is not mandatory.

The salary is fully funded, though applicants will be expected to also apply for nominal funding. Our lab is dynamic and very collaborative. We are part of several research groups and networks, with many opportunities for collaborations.

See also https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=samaha+AN+montreal&sort=date

To apply, send a letter of intent, a CV with publications listed, a paragraph summarizing current research, and the contact details of 2-3 academic referees to Dr Samaha: anna.samaha@umontreal.ca

Contact information

Dr Samaha: anna.samaha@umontreal.ca

 

Assistant professor – University of Manitoba

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, FULL-TIME TENURE TRACK (PROBATIONARY)

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN ANATOMY AND CELL SCIENCE

RADY FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA

Position Number #34651

 The Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba is seeking applications for a full‐time tenured or tenure track position at the rank of Assistant Professor commencing as early as August 1, 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications, and in accordance with the University of Manitoba Faculty Association collective agreement.

The successful candidate will have a PhD degree or equivalent, a minimal postdoctoral experience of 2-3 years, have demonstrated excellent research productivity, and employ innovative approaches in the molecular neurosciences and/or brain tumor biology with the potential for multidisciplinary and translational research collaborations. This position will intersect with and support the department’s research strengths in brain tumors (primary and metastatic), neurosciences and cell stress mechanisms. Individuals with a research interest in the interactions between tumor cells and resident brain cells are especially encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will support the department’s teaching activities in human anatomy and/or embryology at the undergraduate and/or graduate level. It is expected that the candidate will participate in service activities for the department, the university and the community.

The successful candidate will develop a strong, externally funded and nationally recognized research program that integrates with and expands upon the departments’ research strengths. Preference will be given to candidates demonstrating an innovative research program that complements the research expertise of current department members. The candidate is expected to take a collaborative team-based approach to building a successful research program that will attract and retain talented local, national, and international trainees. The successful candidate is expected to apply to the Canada Foundation for Innovation John R. Evans Leaders Fund (CFI-JELF) to complement existing infrastructure and equipment in the department.

The department houses the electron microscopy core platform and the histology service facility of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, as well as the departmental microscopy imaging suite and the brain tumor cell and tissue resource in support of translational brain tumor research. The candidate will have access to 3D imaging, super-resolution and confocal imaging, transmission electron microscopy, histomorphology facilities, a recently expanded zebrafish facility, and an established mammalian animal facility with animal imaging capabilities (PET-MRI, micro-CT, IVIS bioluminescence and ultrasound). They also have access to research services and other core platforms at the RFHS, such as proteomics & systems biology, flow cytometry, live-cell imaging, central animal core and transgenic facilities, and statistical genomics and bioinformatics.

The Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science has a strong track record of teaching microscopic and macroscopic human anatomy, neuroanatomy, and embryology to different educational programs in the Health Professions at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate level. This position will fill a need to support current and planned program expansions in the College of Medicine, including increased enrolments in Medicine and the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program.

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities). All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

The Rady Faculty of Health Sciences is committed to the social justice principles of equity, access & participation and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, Black, racially marginalized communities, disabled persons and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities).

An inclusive, open and diverse community is essential to excellence and fosters voices that have been ignored or discouraged. To address the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences commitment to equity, access and participation, and in recognition of the underrepresentation of members of historically and currently excluded groups, we take proactive measures including implicit bias training for all hiring panels. We strive for diversity and cultural safety throughout the hiring process (hiring panels, short-list of candidates, interviews). The University acknowledges the potential impact that Career Interruptions and Personal Circumstances can have on an applicant’s record of research achievement. Measures will be taken to ensure that these leaves will be taken into careful consideration during the evaluation process.

We encourage you to self-identity aspects of your identity that position you to bring currently under-represented viewpoints, expertise and forms of excellence to this role.

If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact UM.Accommodation@umanitoba.ca or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

Applications will include all the following documents (as a single PDF file):

  • Letter of application
  • Curriculum vitae (including details of history of mentorship of trainees)
  • Statement of research interests and evidence of research productivity
  • Statement of teaching experience and competency detailing relevant experience in human anatomy and/or embryology (if applicable)
  • A reference letter detailing the applicant’s past teaching performance
  • Names and contact information of three academic referees

Please send via email specifying position #34651 to:

Dr. Sabine Hombach-Klonisch, Chair of the Search Committee

Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science

Room 130 Basic Medical Sciences 745 Bannatyne Avenue

Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J9 CANADA

c/o Ms. Jacki Armstrong: Jacki.armstrong@umanitoba.ca

Note that application materials will be shared with participating members of the search process.

Applications will be accepted until May 17, 2024 or until the position has been filled.

Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provision of The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae may be provided to participating members of the search process.

The University of Manitoba is a driving force of innovation, discovery and advancement. Our momentum is propelled by our campus community – UM faculty, staff and students whose determination and curiosity shape our world for the better. Our teaching, learning and work environment is uniquely strengthened and enriched by Indigenous perspectives. With two main campuses in Winnipeg, satellite campuses throughout Manitoba, and world-wide research, UM’s impact is global.

Discover outstanding employee benefits, experience world-class facilities and join a dynamic community that values reconciliation, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. We are one of Manitoba’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. At the University of Manitoba, what inspires you can change everything.

The City of Winnipeg (www.tourismwinnipeg.com), located where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet, is recognized for its vibrant, multicultural community and diverse culture. The city, with a growing population of more than 766,000, is home to internationally renowned festivals, galleries and museums, the historic Exchange District and The Forks, and ever-expanding research, education, and business sectors. From the Hudson Bay waters, across the farmland fields, to the pulse of the cities and towns, The Province of Manitoba’s (www.travelmanitoba.com) people and places – its 100,000 lakes, 92 provincial parks, winding river valleys and storied prairie skies – inspire.

Caroline Ménard wins the 2024 CAN New Investigator Award for groundbreaking research on stress vulnerability and resilience.

Caroline Ménard

The Canadian Association for Neuroscience is very proud to announce that Dr. Caroline Ménard from Université Laval is the winner of the 2024 CAN New Investigator Award. Her innovative research program is shedding light on the biological mechanisms underlying vulnerability and resilience to stress, with the help of state-of-the-art photonic technology and with the aim of developing pioneer strategies to treat or prevent depression.

Read her profile here

Swayne Lab – post-doctoral researcher in cellular and molecular neuroscience

Project: The post-doctoral researcher will investigate cross-cellular mechanisms regulating dendritic spine stability. Experiments will involve transgenic models both in situ and in vitro, a variety of imaging techniques (confocal, super-resolution, two-photon microscopy), cell biological and biochemical tools as well as electrophysiology, and behavioural studies.

Opportunity: The post-doctoral researcher will have the opportunity to apply and expand their expertise in neuron and astrocyte biology across these approaches in a dynamic and collaborative research environment that values integrity, teamwork, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Qualifications and Skills: We encourage researchers who have obtained or will soon obtain their PhD with a demonstrated track record in cellular signaling and imaging research to apply. Previous experience with fluorescence imaging, transgenic models, and primary cell culture is especially valued.

  • Applications will be accepted until May 31, 2024
  • Start date will be January 1, 2025
  • Yearly salary will range from $60,000 to $65,000 annually (benefits included)

Interested applicants are invited to email a CV, list of references, and brief statement of research interests to swaynelab@uvic.ca. Applications will be reviewed by Dr. Swayne together with team of senior lab members. A short list of applicants will be invited to a virtual interview, following which there will be an additional final selection and interview process. Please note that only applicants who make the short list will be contacted. For more information about the lab, please visit https://www.uvic.ca/swaynelab.

Contact information Questions and applications should be addressed to the Swayne Lab, University of Victoria, swaynelab@uvic.ca

Posting end date: 2024/05/31

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Neuroscience McGill University, Canada

We are currently seeking outstanding candidates with an interest in neocortical circuits, including topics and methods such as synaptic plasticity, unconventional NMDA receptor signalling, 2-photon optogenetics, and 2-photon imaging. Applicants should be experienced with whole-cell recordings and/or advanced imaging techniques. Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in whole-cell electrophysiology and/or 2-photon imaging, as well as a related track record of publications. Duties include performing experimental recordings, together with the analysis and presentation of data, at local, national, and international conferences, writing manuscripts as well as occasionally training other members of the team. For examples of directions the lab is currently taking, please see:
• Chou et al bioRxiv 2023 https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.12.30.573666
• Wong et al Neuron 2023 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2023.10.011

The Sjöström lab is located at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre in beautiful Montreal, Canada. Montreal is a vibrant, multicultural city that provides an excellent quality of life. McGill and its neighbouring universities provide an exceptionally rich neuroscience community.

We provide fully funded salary that is competitive. Applicants are also expected to apply for independent funding, which we provide guidance with. Such independent funding is available for both Canadian and international applicants.

Full applications, including Letter of Intent, a full CV, a brief outline of current research, and the names and contact details of three academic referees should be sent to Dr. Jesper Sjöström at jesper.sjostrom@mcgill.ca (http://plasticity.muhc.mcgill.ca). In the subject line, please enter “Postdoc” followed by your name.

The application deadline is July 31, 2024.

McGill University is committed to diversity and equity in employment. It welcomes applications from: women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, visible minorities, and others who may contribute to diversification. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Contact information:

jesper.sjostrom@mcgill.ca

View a PDF version of this advertisement: Postdoc-2024

Postdoc position in the Neural Dynamics of Emotional Memory lab – University of Toronto

The Neural Dynamics of Emotional Memory lab at the University of Toronto Scarborough is recruiting postdocs. We are a systems neuroscience lab that uses in vivo electrophysiology, fiber photometry, miniscope imaging, and optogenetic manipulations during innovative behavioural tasks to investigate the neural dynamics of emotional memory. We are particularly interested in how the threat-level of a context alters prefrontal and hippocampal representations to modulate fear and anxiety behaviours.

We are looking for candidates that are interested in how environmental and experiential factors alter neural representations to direct emotional behaviour. Research experience with rodents is required. Experience with in vivo recording methods and data analysis are highly encouraged.

Please send your CV and cover letter describing why you are interested in joining our team to robert.rozeske@utoronto.ca. For details visit rozeskelab.org Salary is commensurate with experience and start date is flexible.

Contact information

robert.rozeske@utoronto.ca

Postdoctoral fellowship in the genetic basis of natural variation in sociability

The Choe and Dukas labs, McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

The Choe and Dukas labs at the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University are looking for a postdoc for a collaborative ongoing project deciphering the genetic basis of natural variation in sociability.

The Dukas and Dworkin labs have artificially selected low and high sociability fruit fly lineages  (https://academic.oup.com/evolut/article/76/3/541/6728481) and identified promising candidate sociability genes. We have begun the process of quantifying the effects of these genes on sociability in fruit flies and wish to expand our work to examining the role of the verified genes in mammalian sociability using mice as a model system.

The Choe Lab (http://choelab.ca) investigates neurobiological mechanisms underlying social behaviour using a multi-scale approach with a wide array of techniques including in vitro electrophysiology, molecular biology, confocal and lightsheet imaging, optogenetic and chemogenetics, in vivo fiber photometry recordings, mouse fMRI and behaviour assays.

The prospective postdoc would combine functional genetic analysis (using RNAi interference, CRISPR, or Cre-conditional knockout strategies among other genetic approaches) to examine variation in sociability and its neurobiological basis using fruit flies and mice as model systems. Qualified candidates will possess a PhD in biology, neuroscience or another relevant field.

Please send a cover letter, current CV, and a list of 3 references to Drs Katrina Choe or Reuven Dukas at choek@mcmaster.ca or dukas@mcmaster.ca. We will notify applicants before contacting any references.

Contact information

Katrina Choe: choek@mcmaster.ca
Reuven Dukas: dukas@mcmaster.ca

View a PDF version of this advertisement: Choe-Dukas-McMaster-postdoctoral-fellow-job-ad