Author: Julie

Assistant Professor, Tenure Track, McMaster University

Posted on | by Julie

The Department of Psychology, Neuroscience, & Behaviour at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position in Neuroscience at the Assistant Professor level, beginning July 1, 2020.

We seek a researcher who uses animal models to investigate fundamental neuroscience questions at any level(s) ranging from cells to circuits and systems. Applications from any area of neuroscience are welcome, and applications from early-career researchers are especially encouraged.

Our department has long-standing strengths in sensory systems and behavioural neuroscience, and state-of-the art animal facilities. We also have strengths in perception, cognition, development, evolutionary psychology, and animal behaviour. We value and encourage collaboration among researchers, and have close ties with the Departments of Biology and Kinesiology and the Faculties of Engineering and Health Sciences. Many of our faculty are affiliated with McMaster’s Neuroscience Graduate Program, and together with the Department of Biology, our department founded and administers McMaster’s Neuroscience Undergraduate program.

McMaster University is a globally renowned institution of higher learning and a research community committed to advancing human and societal health and well-being. Our focus on collaboratively exchanging ideas and approaches makes us uniquely positioned to pioneer ground-breaking solutions to real-world problems leading to a Brighter World. The Faculty of Science works to create global impact by advancing scientific discovery and knowledge, and promoting greater understanding. Our innovative, interdisciplinary approach generates new methods and insights, results, and lasting change.

Faculty members at McMaster enjoy numerous personal and professional benefits. University employees are offered an excellent benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, extended health care, dental care, group life, long term disability, worldwide travel assistance, and a retirement plan. Progressive policies are in place to assist faculty who are parents and/or need to care for family members. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

McMaster is located in Hamilton, Ontario, which is part of the “Golden Horseshoe” region of southern Ontario. Hamilton is located between Toronto and the Niagara/Buffalo area. It sits on the shores of Lake Ontario alongside the Niagara escarpment, and boasts an abundance of waterfalls, hiking trails, and green space.

All candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree, and be committed to teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Interested applicants should submit a copy of their curriculum vitae, teaching and research statements, a one-page statement on equity and diversity, and three representative publications (reprints or preprints).

Complete applications must be made online at www.hr.mcmaster.ca/careers (Faculty Positions, Job ID 28515) to the attention of:

Dr. Bruce Milliken, Professor & Chair
Chair, Search Committee
Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour
McMaster University
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada,
L8S 4K1

Academic reference letters are not required at the time of application, but applicants should provide the names of three referees who may be subsequently contacted. Please know and alert your referees that their letters and your full application may be read by all faculty members in the Department and other persons associated with hiring at McMaster.

Review of complete applications will begin November 1st, 2019 and continue until the position is filled. The effective date of appointment is expected to be July 1, 2020. All applicants will receive an on-line confirmation of receipt of their application; however, only short-listed applicants will be contacted for interviews.

Download a pdf version of this advertisement: McMaster-Neuroscience-Job-Ad

Assistant Professor – Tenure-track, University of Toronto Scarborough

Posted on | by Julie

The Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) invites applications for a tenure-stream appointment in the area of Neuroscience. The appointment is at the rank of Assistant Professor and will commence on July 1, 2020, or shortly thereafter.

Candidates must have a PhD in Biological Sciences or a related field, at least one year of postdoctoral experience, an outstanding research record and a strong commitment to excellence in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The successful candidate must employ the latest empirical approaches to understand brain function on multiple levels ranging from the genomic and cellular to circuits and entire organisms. We are particularly interested in candidates who will create synergies with existing neuroscience research within the department and seek those who complement and deepen our existing departmental strengths. Research areas and technological approaches of the successful candidate may include but are not limited to:

  • mechanisms of behavioural adaptation
  • neurodevelopment
  • stress
  • neurodegeneration
  • neuroimmunology

The successful candidate will be expected to conduct innovative and independent research at the highest international level and to establish an outstanding, competitive, and externally funded research program. Applicants must have a record of excellence in research, as demonstrated by publications in top ranked and field-relevant academic journals, presentations at significant conference, awards and accolades for work in the field, an innovative research statement and strong endorsements by referees of high international standing.

The successful candidate will also have a strong commitment to excellence in teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate level. A commitment to excellence in teaching will be demonstrated through the statement of teaching philosophy, teaching accomplishments, and evidence of superior performance in teaching-related activities documented in the submitted teaching materials. Documented teaching excellence may include performance as a teaching assistant or course instructor, experience leading successful workshops or seminars, student mentorship, or conference posters or presentations, as well as strong letters of reference. The successful candidate is also expected to show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment, demonstrated through the application materials.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Contact information

Joanne Terakita
Dept. Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough
1265 Military Trail, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4
email – chairsecbio@utsc.utoronto.ca

Application deadline: December 2, 2019

Dr. Freda Miller wins the 2019 Till & McCulloch Award

Posted on | by Julie
Freda Miller
Freda Miller

Dr. Freda Miller has been named winner of the 2019 Till & McCulloch Award for a new research discovery in tissue repair and regeneration that holds potential for future therapies. The Award is presented annually to one researcher in Canada who has made an exceptional contribution to global stem cell research in that year. Dr. Miller will present the Award lecture on November 5 at the Till & McCulloch Meetings (TMM) taking place in Montréal, Québec, based on her Cell Stem Cell paper entitled, “Mesenchymal Precursor Cells in Adult Nerves Contribute to Mammalian Tissue Repair and Regeneration.”

Read more on Till & McCulloch meeting page

Science should be an election issue – read our Op-Ed in Le Devoir

Posted on | by Julie

Read an Op-Ed signed by the Presidents of CAN, Katalin Toth, and of the Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences, Tarik Moroy, this morning in Le Devoir.  Scientific research is important for all Canadians – it is how Canada can face the issues and challenges we face today. Political leaders should commit to supporting science today.
Read our op-ed here (in French):
https://www.ledevoir.com/opinion/idees/564375/la-science-n-est-pas-un-enjeu-electoral-mais-elle-devrait-l-etre

The Liberal Party answers CAN’s questions about science support

Posted on | by Julie

We have received a response from the Liberal Party of Canada to our five questions about science support.

  1. Is your Party committed to fully implementing the report of the Fundamental Science Review (Naylor report) with additional financial investment into open competitions to maintain Canada as a forefront leader in research innovation and research discoveries?

Our Liberal government believes in evidence-based policy and in science and in the Canadians behind the next big ideas. After a decade of setbacks and cuts to science under the Harper Conservatives, our government is rebuilding Canadian research and supporting our country’s greatest minds.  We unmuzzled our scientists, brought back the long-form census, and re-instated the position of the Chief Science Advisor. Continue reading →

Animal Behavior and Physiology Core Technician – University of Ottawa

Posted on | by Julie

Animal Behavior and Physiology Core Technician

Potential Start Date: October 1 2019

Job Summary:

Full-time Junior Technician position to perform animal testing within the Behavioral and Physiology Core in Roger Guindon Hall at the University of Ottawa.

The Core Facility is a state-of-the-art facility equipped to serve the research community at the University of Ottawa, its affiliated Research Institutes, and external users through contracts. The Core provides a time-efficient and cost-effective service for the design, execution, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data resulting from use of the Core’s facilities.

The equipment enables a full battery of assays relevant to learning and memory, social behavior, sensory gating, motor function, and mood disorders. In addition, the core offers equipment in order to perform in vivo optogenetics, as well as measure various physiological outcomes using small animal telemetry (EEG, EMG, pressure) and non-invasive determinations of body composition and metabolic parameters.

The primary responsibility of this position will be to perform testing in rats using standardized protocols. This person will also aid other core staff as required in setup of equipment, and analysis of data obtained within the core.

Essential Qualifications:

  • Minimum of Undergraduate Degree in a related field, Technical college degree in a related field, and/or minimum of 1 year experience in research or working as an animal technician.
  • Practical experience with rats (prefer both mice and rats)
  • Experience using computer systems and software
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills (perfer Bilingual in French and English)

Support is in accordance with University of Ottawa standards. This is a non-unionized contractual research staff position (35hr/week, with flexible hours including some weekend hours) at the level of a Junior Technician NR1.

Qualified candidates should send a short letter of introduction describing their previous expertise and reasons for applying for this job, CV, and the names of three references to: Behavior and Physiology Core Advisory Committee, in care of Christina Sardella csardell@uottawa.ca.

Contact information

Any questions about this posting please email Dr. Stephen Ferguson and Dr. Diane Lagace

Applications need to be sent to the Behavior and Physiology Core Advisory Committee
In care of Christina Sardella csardell@uottawa.ca.

Download a pdf version of this advertisement

Posting end date:  2019/10/31

Green party responds to our questions for candidates in advance of the federal election

Posted on | by Julie

Last July, CAN sent five questions to the Liberal, Conservative, NPD and Green party in advance of the upcoming federal elections, which we have summarized below.  Read our full questions, with context, here. 

The Green Party of Canada responded first. The questions were submitted to Mrs. Amita Kuttner, Shadow Minister of Science and Innovation for the Green Party of Canada – her response is copied here: Continue reading →

Independent Scientist (Focus: Preclinical/Translational Neurobiology) – Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Posted on | by Julie

Position Description:

The Research Imaging Centre & Preclinical Research department at CAMH’s Campbell Family Mental Health Institute is dedicated on answering the most important and relevant questions that will contribute to a greater understanding of the healthy brain, the origins of mental illness, and progression as illness develops. The department’s priority is to drive research to generate and accelerate the development of novel treatments, with an emphasis on precision medicine.

We are seeking a strong candidate with expertise in preclinical neurobiology. The incumbent will play a pivotal leadership role in building a research program in translational neurobiology to study the neurophysiological, molecular and neuropharmacological bases of neurological and psychiatric disorders and treatments. The incumbent will work closely with experimental biologists, behaviouralists, and computational neuroscientists to design studies focused on mechanisms of major mental illness, including neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. The incumbent will be expected to investigate mechanisms of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders with robust potential for clinical translation. Examples may include neurotransmitter systems, excitation-inhibition balance, neuroplasticity, inflammation, proteostasis, aging, development, etc, using molecular, cellular and in vivo neurobiology and preclinical models. The incumbent will work in a collaborative inter-disciplinary environment that spans fundamental and clinical research and support a workplace that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork and complies with all applicable regulatory and legislative requirements.

Specific responsibilities and expectations include but are not limited to:

  • Mentor, train and manage a team of research staff and trainees;
  • Communicate statistical analyses through manuscripts and reports;
  • Lead the design and submission of externally funded applications as the Principal Investigator and manage budget to ensure support of operational resources;
  • Development and analysis of a variety of research imaging data, using statistical methods; collaborating with data management and programming staff;
  • Coach data management and programming staff to ensure accuracy and completeness of databases/file structures/coding conventions;
  • Disseminate research results through presentations at academic meetings and conferences and communicate ideas to key decision makers.
  • Participation in leadership advisory groups at CAMH and externally

CAMH is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto and the successful applicant will need to obtain academic affiliation with a University department at the Assistant Professor level or above. Preference will be given to candidates eligible for an Associate level academic affiliation. However candidates eligible for an Assistant level will be considered if they have demonstrated research experience in preclinical neurobiology.

This full-time, three year contract position is located at 250 College St., Toronto.

Qualifications:

The successful applicant is required to have a Ph.D. in Health Sciences and 3 years prior experience in preclinical research including neuroscience, pathology, translational and cell biology, electrophysiology and/or cell manipulation (optogenetic/pharmacogenetics) as evidenced by conference proceedings and peer-reviewed publications. Your experience will encompass technical and conceptual aspects of cell activity and the ability to link function with neural network activity, brain function, and behavioural domains. Preclinical modelling at any of those levels is considered an asset. An understanding of electrophysiological cell recordings (in vivo, slice, single cell), in vitro slice and patch clamp recordings, local field potentials, electroencephalography, and knowledge of methods development would be an asset. Translational research including pharmacology, drug development or biomarker applications will be encouraged.

The successful candidate will also possess sound judgment, excellent organizational, communication (verbal/written) and strong analytical skills. The demonstrated ability to cultivate internal and external relationships and collaborate effectively with colleagues, decision makers and the scientific community is required. You must be able to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team. The capacity to work with individuals of diverse ethno-racial and cultural backgrounds is required. Bilingualism (English/French) and/or proficiency in a second language is considered an asset.

Internal Number: 848868

To apply, visit the job posting on the CAMH website

Contact information

To apply, visit the job posting on the CAMH website:

https://www.recruitingsite.com/csbsites/camh/JobDescription.asp?SuperCategoryCode=15233&JobNumber=848868&lang=en

About Centre for Addiction and Mental Health:

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada’s leading mental health and addiction teaching hospital and research institution. CAMH is a Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization Collaborating Centre and is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto. CAMH provides a unique combination of clinical care and research, policy, education and health promotion expertise to help improve the lives of people impacted by mental health and addiction issues. CAMH has Canada’s largest mental health and addictions research program, bringing together internationally recognized biological, psychological and social researchers, doing work that ranges from molecular neurosciences to social policy development. CAMH Research advances knowledge about the cause of mental health and addiction disorders; develops improved diagnostic and evaluation techniques; develops customized, effective treatment, rehabilitation, prevention and health promotion strategies; and enhances knowledge about policies and systems to best serve affected populations. The research program at CAMH supports advanced teaching and training of researchers and other health professionals.
Posting end date 2019/11/11

Independent Scientist (Focus: Cognitive Neuroscience) – Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Posted on | by Julie

Position Description:

The Research Imaging Centre (RIC) at CAMH’s Campbell Family Mental Health Institute is a state of the art imaging facility and is one of the few imaging centres in the world fully dedicated to research on mental illness and addiction. The RIC is home to a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, staff and research trainees with a primary objective of discovering new paths in brain chemistry, structure, function and behavior to better understand mental illnesses and advance treatments.

We are seeking a strong candidate with MR imaging experience to play a pivotal leadership role to build a research program in cognitive neuroscience using brain imaging techniques. The incumbent will work closely with Psychologists and Clinician Scientists devoted to the clinical impact of cognitive impairment, and mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction (e.g. neurophysiological) and disability to design cognitive neuroscience clinical trials to cut across psychopharmacology, brain stimulation and psychosocial interventions. The position will also support colleagues, particularly RIC scientists in experimental design and task-based fMRI; work in a collaborative inter-disciplinary environment that spans fundamental and clinical research and support a workplace that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork and complies with all applicable regulatory and legislative requirements.

Specific responsibilities and expectations include but are not limited to:

  • Mentor, train and manage a team of research staff and trainees;
  • Develop and lead curriculum and training initiatives including MRI methodology training and application of fMRI and cognitive neuroscience paradigms;
  • Communicate statistical analyses through manuscripts and reports;
  • Lead the design and submission of externally funded applications as the Principal Investigator and manage budget to ensure support of operational resources;
  • Foster collaborations within the RIC, psychologists interested in cognitive neuroscience, and basic science researchers interested in the molecular mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction and disability;
  • Develop and analyze research imaging data, using statistical methods;
  • Coach data management and programming staff to ensure accuracy and completeness of databases/file structures/coding conventions;
  • Disseminate research results through presentations at academic meetings and conferences and communicate ideas to key decision makers;

CAMH is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto and the successful applicant will need to obtain academic affiliation with a University department at the Assistant Professor level or above. Preference will be given to candidates eligible for an Associate level academic affiliation. However candidates eligible for an Assistant level will be considered if they have demonstrated research experience in MR imaging.

This full-time, three year contract position is located at 250 College St., Toronto.

Qualifications:

The successful applicant is required to have a Ph.D. in Health Sciences and 3 years prior experience in MR imaging as evidenced by conference proceedings and peer-reviewed publications. Your experience will include working in MRI research and interdisciplinary collaborative research within a mental health/addiction, government, hospital, or community organization. You will have expertise in identifying optimal study designs for specific scientific questions related to the use of fMRI and cognitive neuroscience; the development of new methodology to integrate data between different brain imaging methods; and, post-acquisition processing approaches to advance the understanding of brain disorders. You will have demonstrated proficiency and familiarity with the LINUX and Microsoft Windows operating systems and the ability to write basic processing scripts in programming language and simulation tools such as Matlab, IDL, Mathematica and/or Octave. Understanding of the role of individual variability in cognitive performance and MRI data, demonstrated ability to use data-driven techniques, and knowledge of methods development with multi-centre, publicly available brain imaging data, quality assurance and considerations of data provenance are an asset.

The successful candidate will also possess sound judgment, excellent organizational, communication (verbal/written) and strong analytical skills. The demonstrated ability to cultivate internal and external relationships and collaborate effectively with colleagues, decision makers and the scientific community is required. You must be able to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team. The capacity to work with individuals of diverse ethno-racial and cultural backgrounds is required. Bilingualism (English/French) and/or proficiency in a second language is considered an asset.

Internal Number: 848955

To apply, visit the job posting on the CAMH website

Contact information

To apply, visit the job posting on the CAMH website: https://www.recruitingsite.com/csbsites/camh/JobDescription.asp?SuperCategoryCode=15233&JobNumber=848955&lang=en

About Centre for Addiction and Mental Health:

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada’s leading mental health and addiction teaching hospital and research institution. CAMH is a Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization Collaborating Centre and is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto. CAMH provides a unique combination of clinical care and research, policy, education and health promotion expertise to help improve the lives of people impacted by mental health and addiction issues. CAMH has Canada’s largest mental health and addictions research program, bringing together internationally recognized biological, psychological and social researchers, doing work that ranges from molecular neurosciences to social policy development. CAMH Research advances knowledge about the cause of mental health and addiction disorders; develops improved diagnostic and evaluation techniques; develops customized, effective treatment, rehabilitation, prevention and health promotion strategies; and enhances knowledge about policies and systems to best serve affected populations. The research program at CAMH supports advanced teaching and training of researchers and other health professionals.

Posting end date 2019/10/11