Senior Scientific Assistant for Electron and Light Microscopy – University of Victoria, Department of Biology

Job posting and application: https://uvic.mua.hrdepartment.com/hr/ats/Posting/view/10364

Department Summary

The Biology Department Electron Microscope (EM) Facility functions as a research and teaching platform and general resource for electron and light microscopy and imaging for the Biology Department. The EM Facility allows for sample preparation and basic histology for microscope work, and is equipped with two Transmission Electron Microscopes, light microscopes, ultramicrotomes, and ancillary equipment. It also houses a FIB/SEM system owned by the Division of Medial Sciences. Individual research labs also host several confocal and widefield microscopes.

Position Summary

The Senior Scientific Assistant is responsible to maintain the facility, including maintaining and trouble-shooting microscopes and other equipment belonging to Biology Department. They train graduate students and other researchers research labs in Biology in electron and light microscopy techniques. The Senior Scientific Assistant carries out research projects in collaboration with faculty and other researchers and advises them on technical approaches. They are expected to support undergraduate courses and labs, and work with faculty to obtain funding for upgrades and new equipment. The Senior Scientific Assistant works collaboratively with other units on campus who may also use the facility.

Key Responsibilities

  • Maintain, diagnose, and repair TEM, light microscopes, and ancillary equipment (25%)
  • Process and image biological samples for TEM, SEM, and light microscopy (25%)
  • Train new users on TEM and ancillary equipment, as well as the department’s widefield and confocal microscopes (25%)
  • Assist EM facility users with trouble-shooting for both hardware and software (10%)
  • Liaise with repair service engineers and other microscope facilities on campus (5%)
  • Maintain chemical and consumables inventory for the EM facility (5%)
  • Compile user records for billing and charge-backs. (5%)

Summary of Qualifications:

– A MSc in Biology or a related discipline with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in operating light and electron microscopes.

– Experience in sample preparation methods (fixation, dehydration, embedding, and sectioning) for brightfield, fluorescence and electron microscopy and with techniques such as immunolabeling, histochemistry and image analysis.

– Demonstrated desire to learn new technologies, stay up-to-date in the field, and to promote new techniques to facility users and the Department.

– Experience in maintenance, calibration, and minor repairs for both light and electron microscopes.

Posting Close Date: 21 November 2023

Neuroscience Postdoctoral Positions – University of Toronto – Woodin lab

The Woodin lab, in the Department of Cell & Systems Biology at the University of Toronto, is seeking talented postdoctoral fellows with experience in patch-clamp electrophysiology, or molecular biology and biochemistry. Our lab is actively identifying mechanisms regulating inhibition and determining the contribution of excitation/inhibition imbalances to neurological disorders. We use a combinatorial approach that includes electrophysiology, opto- and chemo-genetics, biochemistry, proteomics, imaging, and behavioural testing. The postdoctoral fellow will join the lab of Professor Melanie Woodin, which is co-led with Professor Jessica Pressey. Positions are fully funded (including benefits); applicants are encouraged to apply for external funding. More information on Postdoctoral Fellows at the University of Toronto can be found here: https://postdoc.sgs.utoronto.ca/.

Anticipated Start: Summer 2024

Duration: 2+ years

Application Process:

Interested applicants should email their CV and cover letter to jessicapressey@utoronto.ca. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

 

Visit the Woodin lab website to learn more: https://woodin.artsci.utoronto.ca/

Research Associate – Western University

Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 37.5

Salary Grade: R2

Please note, this is a wholly grant funded position.

About Western

With an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada’s most beautiful campuses.

About Us

Western’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry is a leading Canadian centre of outstanding education and research shaping health care for the next generation and is the largest and most complex faculty on campus. The Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology has a long-standing tradition of distinction in research and teaching. The success of Anatomy and Cell biology is predicated on its people, dedicated Faculty, Staff and Trainees who support our mission: excellence in research and scholarship in anatomy, cell biology, neuroscience and education.

The mission of Dr. Khokhar’s research is to disentangle the complex relationship between substance use and serious mental illness. The lab uses a variety of cutting-edge behavioural, neuroimaging and circuit manipulation tools to answer translationally relevant questions related to this chicken-or-egg question with the ultimate goal of improving treatment options for these patients.

Responsibilities

The Research Associate will apply their expertise and knowledge to a research project under the direction of a Principal Investigator and will carry out and oversee original and independent research to assist the PI in achieving their research outcomes regarding the interactions between substance use and serious mental illness, with an eye toward treatment of these disorders using a variety of behavioural and circuit-interrogation methods. The position will play a lead role in training staff, graduate students, undergraduate students and post-doctoral fellows, and in resolving issues that arise in the research environment. The Research Associate will support and operationalize new and innovative research opportunities as requested, participate in the development of research and project plans, and design, build and run experiments. The role will plan, implement, and coordinate aspects of data collection, perform data analysis, evaluate and interpret experiment al results, develop models or correlations, and prepare reports and other written material for presentations and/or submissions to various stakeholders as required.

Qualifications

  • Education:
  • Master’s Degree in Neuroscience or Pharmacology
  • PhD Degree in Neuroscience or Pharmacology is preferred.

Experience:

  • 3 years of experience in a related academic research environment with behavioural paradigms including withdrawal, conditioned place preference, self-administration/free-access intake, fear conditioning, prepulse inhibition, and latent inhibition
  • Experience with LC/MS or HPLC methods
  • Experience coding with behavioural control software (such as Med Associates), using behavioural assessment software (such as Noldus Ethovision), and with statistical analysis software packages (such as SPSS or R)
  • Experience with in vivo electrophysiology would be an asset

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Familiarity with regulations and guidelines governing research ethics in an academic environment and with best practices for reviewing and writing grant proposals
  • In depth knowledge with methods for research design, implementation, and analysis with ability in methodology, procedures, equipment and standards to produce required research data
  • Proficiency in summarizing research findings, reviewing, appraising and interpreting published literature
  • Familiarity with techniques for updating, managing and extracting data from a research database
  • Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one’s own unit
  • Communication skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users, with an ability to complete detailed analytics and reports
  • Ability to work in a manner that mo dels best practices in confidentiality standards
  • Ability to provide solutions and ideas for improvement by using imaginative approaches where constructive thinking and innovation are required
  • Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
  • Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the research group’s events and activities
  • Results-oriented with the ability to motivate and coach students to meet high performance standards, while working effectively as a member of the leadership team
  • Ability to investigate defined issues, solicit input, and suggest remedies and alternative approaches that meet the needs of the situation
  • Proven ability and natural inclination to develop relationships by interacting with people in a professional, respectful and diplomatic manner
  • Advanced skills in software and applications used to produce and analyze research outcomes< br />- Demonstrated ability to research/investigate issues and resolve problems

Background Checks

Please note, successful applicants may be required to produce a current police information record check(s) from a police service prior to commencing employment.

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwo.ca or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

Contact information

Interested applicants are asked to visit https://recruit.uwo.ca for further information and to apply online referencing job #32815 by midnight on October 31st, 2023.

Posting end date: 2023/10/31

View/Download PDF version of this advertisement

Chief Research and Program Officer – Brain Canada Foundation

Brain Canada logoPosition: Chief Research and Program Officer

Status: Permanent, full-time

Location: Flexible-work remote position

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

The Chief Research and Program Officer (CRPO) is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, and a strategic member of the Management Team. Reporting directly to the President and CEO, the CRPO contributes actively to the organization’s strategic plan by providing leadership and expertise for the development of long-term strategic research and program priorities and goals.

Overseeing a team of dedicated research and program staff, the CRPO leads and directs the development, design, conception and implementation of all Brain Canada’s research activities and funding programs. They engage regularly with the Canadian brain research community and assist with managing relationships at the scientific level with key stakeholders including Brain Canada’s Board of Directors, the Government of Canada, partners and research funders, universities, private or philanthropic donors, and the international brain research community. They act as a key spokesperson and an ambassador for Brain Canada on the national and international stage.

They work in close collaboration with the Evaluation and Special Projects Team on evaluation, impact assessment and other initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Positions reporting directly to this role:

  • Program Operational Lead
  • Senior Program Manager, Knowledge Mobilization
  • Research and Program Analyst

Key Accountabilities:

Leadership and Relationship Management:

  • As a key mission ambassador for Brain Canada, lead and inspire Brain Canada’s team in championing and advocating the organization’s ambitious future directions.
  • Develop, grow, and broaden relationships with the federal government and key stakeholders to identify and achieve exciting and transformational research priorities and goals, and promote funding opportunities.
  • Liaise and oversee the presentation of information to the federal government at a strategic level.
  • Develop and maintain active participation and strong relationships with the brain research community and key institutional and organizational research partners, such as universities, partner organizations, research centers and hospitals, researchers, philanthropic donors, etc.
  • Present regularly at Brain Canada Board meetings and represent the Research and Program Team on the Research Committee.
  • Align Brain Canada’s Research and Program activities with the Research Committee recommendations.
  • Participate in the development and stewarding of key donor relationships, assist the President and CEO and the National Director of Philanthropy with discussions, presentations, and meetings with prospective donors and funding partners to develop and implement new agreements which will be mutually beneficial and meet both research and philanthropic objectives.
  • Target and develop new strategic partnerships: initiate discussions with new strategic partners, develop agreements and terms of initial contracts, allocate funds to a specific research domain, etc.

Strategic Planning and Business Management:

  • Lead the Research and Program Team in the development of the organization’s strategic and operational plans (aligned with Brain Canada’s long-term strategic plan). This includes:
    • Overseeing the development, design and conception of all research activities and funding programs, including the peer review process.
    • Preparing and overseeing the execution of the annual budget of the Research and Program Team.
    • Reporting KPIs related to Research and Program to the Board of Directors.
    • Overseeing the selection and implementation of IT systems to increase the Research and Program Team efficiency.
    • Working closely with the CFO and Director of Legal Affairs and Governance to ensure compliance with the federal government’s contribution agreement.
  • Lead the implementation of the long-term strategic plan through annually-developed business plans (with aligned resources, identified reporting, and accountability).
  • Contribute and participate as a member of the executive team supporting the President and CEO to ensure the effective management of the organization including the integration of evidence-based research in the Mission and Vision, Research, Fund Development, and Marketing/Communications plans.
  • Support the Evaluation and Special Projects team to set priorities for evaluation initiatives (e.g., program evaluation, bibliometric analysis).
  • Collaborate closely with the Evaluation and Special Projects Lead on special projects such as strategic planning and stakeholder engagement for Indigenous initiatives and developing concept papers to support program development and philanthropy.

Human Resource Management:

  • Lead, inspire, and engage a highly effective Research and Program Team, ensuring high standards of delivery, competence, performance, and values are maintained and that staff is well supported in fulfilling their duties, developing their skills, and achieving their career potential. Specifically:
  • Ensure a clear understanding of organizational goals and priorities; ensure optimal deployment of resources to achieve business goals.
  • Establish team contribution plan; manage a strong team and develop effective lateral relationships cross-functionally.
  • Establish contribution plans and objectives and review on an ongoing basis.
  • Onboard and integrate direct reports, provide coaching and feedback, assess their contribution, nurture talent, and support their growth to help them realize their potential and engagement.
  • As required, recruit skilled talent in support of current and future needs.
  • Be familiar and comply with Brain Canada policies.
  • Provide coaching and development to team members and implement initiatives that effectively inspire loyalty and philanthropy amongst our supporters.
  • Be a visible leader in living the values throughout the organization.

Policy development:

  • In close collaboration with the Research Committee and Director, Legal Affairs and Governance, develop and update Brain Canada policies that relate to conflict of interest, research integrity, ethical conduct of research, privacy & security, data protection, publication, data access and sharing, intellectual property, and other aspects of the research process.

Other duties:

  • As assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Graduate degree in neuroscience or a related discipline; Ph.D is a plus.
  • Proven success as a strategic transformational leader in a mission-driven health care, research or science organization (8-10 years leadership experience).
  • Extensive knowledge in the design, implementation, and delivery of scientific funding competitions, as well as best practices in the management of funded projects, research, and training programs through experience working in a research-funding organization or in an administrative capacity in a research-performing organization.
  • A demonstrated understanding or a desire/ability to acquire knowledge of the scientific and research issues associated with the brain; experience in inspiring, connecting, and engaging with researchers.
  • Excellent relationship-building skills with a proven ability to engage others and establish strong partnerships.
  • Success in advocacy, policy, and program development, working with government officials, research partners, volunteers, and internal teams.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate and inspire audiences with varying levels of knowledge regarding brain research.
  • Success in rallying a talented staff around a shared vision and plan, delivering planned results.
  • Evidence of strong strategy development and implementation success.
  • Experience in leading change with and through others.
  • Passion for the cause: demonstrated ability to gain partners and donors and raise funds for a cause.

TALENTS:

  • Inspiring and Engaging leadership – inspires, motivates, develops, and manages a high-performing service-oriented team.
  • Excellent relationship-building skills, with people at all levels of organization (internally and externally); a passionate champion and ambassador.
  • Healthy self-confidence, authenticity, and humility.
  • Political savvy/acuity.
  • Superb negotiation, mediation, and persuasive abilities.
  • Ability to work under pressure, balance multiple tasks and projects at once, considering priorities appropriately, meet tight deadlines and cope with rapidly changing scenarios.
  • Excellent written and verbal communications and writing skills in English. Fluency in French is a plus.
  • Available for travel across Canada on a regular basis, and internationally on an occasional basis.
  • Comfort and ease in dealing with volunteers, donors, being visible internally and externally.
  • Agile and flexible leadership style and approach; comfort in leading in a matrix leadership model.
  • Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Work environment:

Brain Canada Foundation is committed to providing an excellent work environment for team members. We offer:

  • A competitive compensation package including a complete benefits plan.
  • A flexibility to work from home, in accordance with our Work-from-Home Policy.
  • A healthy, flexible, and dynamic work environment that values teamwork, creativity, innovation and work-life balance.
  • Access to professional development and training as available.

About Brain Canada

Brain Canada Foundation (Brain Canada) is a national registered charity headquartered in Montréal, Quebec. We play a unique and invaluable role as a national convenor of those who support and advance brain research. A greater understanding of how the brain works contributes to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of disorders of the brain, ultimately improving the health outcomes of people in Canada and around the world.

Our Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI)

Brain Canada is committed to improving and expanding brain science to benefit all people, including groups historically under-researched and underrepresented. We know that increasing the diversity of the research workforce and integrating sex and gender in brain research leads to innovation and greater impact.

Our commitment to EDI is reflected in actions we are taking to diversify our workforce and to foster inclusive environments through our advertising, interviewing, hiring, training, mentoring, and performance review practices. We actively welcome members of underrepresented groups such as women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, immigrants, and LGBTQ2+ communities.

Territorial acknowledgement

The offices of Brain Canada Foundation are located on the traditional, ancestral territory of the Kanien’kehá:ka Peoples, a place which has long served as a site of meeting and exchange amongst nations.

In our work, we focus our efforts on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, particularly those that pertain to improving health for Indigenous Peoples and that focus on advancing our own learning on Indigenous issues (Calls to Action numbers 19 to 24)

 

To apply:

careers@braincanada.ca

Post-doc positions in neuromodulation – University of Calgary, Kiss lab

The Kiss lab has several opportunities for post-doctoral training. One project involves focused ultrasound (FUS) neuromodulation imaging/electrophysiology and modeling, participating in a recently funded NSERC grant. The aim of the project is to learn how FUS applied in animal models alters neural function, using in vitro and in vivo techniques. Another project involves electrophysiology in humans undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) for movement disorders. The goal of this project is to learn how DBS works using neuroimaging and EEG in various conditions. We will investigate new brain targets as well as how it alters brain-wide connectivity in patients who have DBS implants.
The candidate will join a dynamic team that uses imaging and electrophysiology. The candidate will perform experiments, analyze data, write and present her/his research findings. She/he is expected to participate in planning and intellectual development of projects, and will use multidisciplinary approaches to satisfy research objectives. While the positions are fully funded, all trainees will be expected to apply for external fellowships.

Contact information

Zelma HT Kiss, MD, PhD
Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Cumming School of Medicine
University of Calgary
Room 1AC58 Health Research Innovation Centre
3280 Hospital Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta T2N4N1
Email: zkiss@ucalgary.ca

IBRO Rising Star Award

The IBRO Rising Stars Awards aim to increase the successful transition and retention of diverse, early-career neuroscientists into academic positions by providing funds to make a significant difference in their research endeavors.

The award supports the research needs of early career faculty from diverse and/or underrepresented backgrounds (racial/ethnic minorities, sexual orientation, disability, etc) and early career faculty who do not have substantial start-up funds or grant support from other agencies.

Website and application link:

Read CAN Connection – the September 2023 edition!

Read our latest newsletter today!

Table of content:

Message from the President, Adriana Di Polo

Post-doctoral researcher(s) in cellular and molecular neuroscience – University of Victoria

Swayne lab

The Swayne Lab in the Division of Medical Sciences at the University of Victoria is recruiting post-doctoral researchers, or research associates, in cellular and molecular neuroscience.

The research projects 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. Successful applicants 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.

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.

Interested applicants are invited to send their CV, list of references, and brief statement of research interests to Dr. Leigh Anne Swayne: lswayne@uvic.ca.

Posting end date: 2023/10/15

Neuroscience Postdoctoral Scholar positions – University of Calgary

Duration: Minimum 2 years

Start date: Jan 2024 (negotiable)

Salary: TBD, plus medical benefits

 

The projects:

The Kurrasch Lab currently has three open postdoctoral positions (fully funded):

Project 1: Maternal microbiome and mechanistic impacts on the developing brain. This goal of this project is to define the mechanistic events that link adverse changes in the maternal gut to neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring, using mice as a model system.

Project 2: Embryonic neural sex differentiation. The goal of this project is to determine the programs driving sex dimorphic development of the hypothalamus in mice.

Project 3: Comparative study of adult hypothalamic plasticity. The goal of this project is to determine the role of immature neurons in the adult hypothalamic parenchyma across small and large-brained species.

All projects employ a variety of cutting-edge techniques: single cell ‘omics, advanced microscopy (including iDISCO), in utero electroporation, live cell imaging, behavioral monitoring, human brain organoids (where relevant). Responsibilities include generating, analyzing, graphing, and presenting results, as well as writing and submitting manuscripts. The postdoctoral fellow will be expected to generate new ideas in collaboration with the Principal Investigator. Daily the scholar will interact with other laboratory personnel, including helping to train graduate and undergraduates.

The postdoctoral fellow will join Dr Deborah Kurrasch’s laboratory in the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary. Each position is fully funded.

Interested applicants please provide:

  • a cover letter with statement of research experience and interests,
  • curriculum vitae,
  • the names and contact information for three persons who have agreed to provide references.

Deadline for application is October 31, 2023.

Submit applications via email directly to Deborah Kurrasch, kurrasch@ucalgary.ca.

Please indicate PDF application in the subject line.

Download this advertisement (PDF file)

 

A Promising Non-Invasive Therapy to Promote Repair and Remyelination in Multiple Sclerosis

Valerie Verge

Source of story: MS Canada website

Summary: Researchers find that a non-drug based treatment approach called acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH), which consists of short periods of reduced oxygen, reduces inflammation, protects nerve fibres, and promotes repair in mice with multiple sclerosis-like disease. While the findings of this study are promising, further research will need to assess whether this treatment has the same effect in people with MS.

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