Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream-Behavioural Neuroscience at the University of Toronto Scarborough

The Department of Psychology at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) invites applications for a full-time teaching stream position in Behavioural Neuroscience. The appointment will be at the rank of Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2025.

Applicants must have earned a PhD degree in Psychology or a related area by the time of appointment, or shortly thereafter with a demonstrated record of excellence in teaching with experience in behavioural neuroscience. We seek candidates whose teaching interests complement and enhance our existing departmental strengths. Candidates must have teaching experience in behavioural neuroscience from a degree-granting program, including lecture and laboratory preparation and delivery, curriculum development, and development of online material/lectures. Additionally, candidates must possess a demonstrated commitment to excellent pedagogical inquiry and a demonstrated interest in teaching-related scholarly activities.

The successful candidate should be well-versed in current theory and methods in behavioural neuroscience and have broad content knowledge of the field at both the cell and systems levels. Experience and/or knowledge related to evidence-based pedagogical practice as it applies to teaching courses in behavioural neuroscience will be considered an asset. The candidate is expected to contribute to initiatives associated with the new Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health (SAMIH).

The successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate courses in behavioural neuroscience, and to supervise undergraduate students in research projects. They will also be expected to perform standard professional and administrative activities typical of a department and/or university.

Evidence of excellence in teaching and a commitment to excellent pedagogical inquiry can be demonstrated through teaching accomplishments, awards and accolades, presentations at significant conferences, the teaching dossier submitted as part of the application (with required materials outlined below), as well as strong letters of reference.

Additional evidence of excellence in teaching can also include documentation of excellent performance in other teaching related activities such as conducting pedagogical research, supervising undergraduate and/or graduate research projects, and/or leading successful workshops or seminars.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. We seek candidates who value diversity and whose research, teaching and service bear out our commitment to equity. Candidates must also show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and to the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment, as demonstrated through the application materials. Candidates are therefore asked to submit a 1- to 2-page statement of contributions to equity and diversity, which might cover topics such as (but not limited to): research or teaching that incorporates a focus on underrepresented communities, the development of inclusive pedagogies, or the mentoring of students from underrepresented groups.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The appointment is at the University of Toronto Scarborough, which is a research-intensive campus with an interdisciplinary commitment, a multicultural student body, and a modern campus surrounded by parklands and green spaces. The Department of Psychology at the University of Toronto Scarborough is particularly well known for technological pedagogical innovation and provides an opportunity for the successful candidate to join a department that values and promotes excellent teaching, and is committed to furthering the learning sciences in terms of both research and practice. The position offers the opportunity to conduct research, teach, and live in one of the most diverse cities in the world.

The Department of Psychology at UTSC includes faculty members with interests in behavioural neuroscience, clinical, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology. For more information about our department faculty, please visit our home page: https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/psych/.

All qualified candidates are invited to apply online by clicking the link below. Applicants must submit a complete and current curriculum vitae; a cover letter that includes a summary of their teaching philosophy, experience, and accomplishments; a complete teaching dossier that includes a statement of teaching philosophy, goals, and strategies as well as sample course materials, course evaluations, and any other evidence of excellent teaching and undergraduate supervision; as well as an EDI statement as described above.

In addition, our department embraces the values of open science and strives for replicable and reproducible research. Candidates are, therefore, asked to describe in their application materials how they plan to integrate and reinforce open science principles and estimation techniques when teaching courses in behavioural neuroscience.

Applicants must provide the name and contact information of three references. The University of Toronto’s recruiting tool will automatically solicit and collect letters of reference from each referee the day after an application is submitted. Applicants remain responsible for ensuring that references submit recent letters (on letterhead, dated and signed) by the closing date. At least one reference letter must primarily address the candidate’s teaching. More details on the automatic reference letter collection, including timelines, are available in the candidate FAQ.

Submission guidelines can be found at http://uoft.me/how-to-apply. Your CV and cover letter should be uploaded into the dedicated fields. Please combine additional application materials into one or two files in PDF/MS Word format. If you have questions about this position, please email Dr. Jonathan Cant, Acting Chair of the Department of Psychology, at psychchair.utsc@utoronto.ca.

All application materials, including recent reference letters, must be received by December 02, 2024.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Diversity Statement
The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact uoft.careers@utoronto.ca.

Contact information

https://jobs.utoronto.ca/job/Toronto-Assistant-Professor%2C-Teaching-Stream-Behavioural-Neuroscience-ON/585182717

Posting end date 2024/12/02

Mouse functional neurogenetics of rare diseases – Université de Montréal

Project Overview

Since 2020, we have collaborated with a patient association with whom we have discovered new genetic variations in a gene that had never before been implicated in neurological diseases. We have access to patient cells and have generated numerous lossof- function models in this gene: KO mouse model, humanized mouse model, conditional KO mouse model, KO zebrafish models, KO cell lines, iPSC-KO… Our recent work has validated the pathogenicity of patient variants and, more broadly, the loss of function of this gene in neurodevelopmental diseases. Over the next few years, we aim to decipher the yet unknown function of this gene during neurodevelopment and central nervous system function. The project will focus on the analysis of neurodevelopment in different conditional KO mouse models. The project will also investigate how perturbations in this gene can affect the function of the central nervous system, particularly causing seizures.

Expertise

We are looking to recruit a passionate post-doctoral fellow with extensive expertise in the study of neurodevelopment in mice and in-depth knowledge of neurogenesis. Expertise in molecular biology analytical techniques applied to mice is required. Expertise in behavioural analysis and EEG recording in mice is a plus. Expertise in bioinformatics data

Why joining?

  • All models are already generated
  • Working on an entirely new subject with a gene whose function is totally unknown
  • Project funded for 3 years
  • Participation in one international congress per year to present research data
  • A young, dynamic lab autonomy to thrive
  • A vast network of collaborators (clinicians, geneticists, researchers)
  • Modern premises in the heart of downtown Montreal

Our Lab

Our laboratory is interested in dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying rare neurological diseases. We take advantage of the ease of use of the zebrafish model, but also combine it with mouse models and human cells.

Find out more about our lab: https://www.samlab.ca/

  • Provincial tax exemption with post-doc status at Université de Montréal
  • Technical support from more than 19 platforms at the CRCHUM

Contact information Send a cover letter, CV and at least two letters of recommendation to eric.samarut@umontreal.ca

There are no closing dates for applications, and analysis of the files may stop as soon as a candidate has been selected.

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Neuroimmunology and Neurodevelopment – Dong and Howland Laboratories, University of Saskatchewan

Applications are being considered for a new postdoctoral fellow who will work in the laboratories of Drs. Jeff Dong and John Howland at the University of Saskatchewan. The successful applicant will lead two collaborative projects with funding secured from CIHR and the US Department of Defense: 1) the roles of oxidized phosphatidylcholines in brain aging and multiple sclerosis, and 2) the long-term effects of gestational cannabis exposure on offspring brain and behavioural development. The ideal applicant will have experience with single cell and/or spatial transcriptomic analysis as well as proficiency in molecular biology and/or behavioural neuroscience techniques. Applicants are expected to have strong written and oral communication skills, as evidenced by their academic record or previous research experience. We encourage applications from individuals that have been traditionally under-represented in the life sciences. Salary will be commensurate with past experience and external scholarships/awards.

Please contact Jeff Dong (jeff.dong@usask.ca) and John Howland (john.howland@usask.ca) with:

1) a brief statement of research interests, and

2) a CV with the names of at least two references.

The review of applications will begin in early fall, 2024.

Read CAN Connection – September 2024

Scientist in Neuroimmunology – Assistant/Associate Professor, Krembil Research Institute & University of Toronto

Held jointly between Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network and Department of Immunology, University of Toronto

The Krembil Research Institute at University Health Network (UHN) and the Department of Immunology at the University of Toronto (UofT) are accepting applications for a full–time permanent Scientist position, with non‐tenured faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, in the specialty area of neuroimmunology. The position is available immediately. The Search Committee is seeking an outstanding individual with a proven international track record in neuroscience and immunology. Individuals with expertise in developing new cutting‐edge technologies and strengths in the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply: neural‐ and glial‐immune interactions, preclinical models of neuroinflammation and/or human cohorts/samples and systems‐biology approaches to neuroimmunology.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline, as well as significant postdoctoral research experience and an established record of research excellence. Candidates are expected to demonstrate evidence of: successful research funding (peer‐reviewed grants, fellowships, etc.), publications in leading journals, presentations at significant conferences, and increasing leadership experience in directing a research team. The successful applicant will initiate and maintain an original, competitive, and independently funded research program of international caliber, and will be expected to teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. A competitive benefits package is being offered along with support for relocation expenses.

The successful applicant will be appointed as a Scientist at the Krembil Research Institute, and is expected to qualify for an academic cross‐appointment as an Assistant or Associate Professor (status only) in the Department of Immunology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, at the University of Toronto, depending on career stage.

The successful applicant’s research program will be housed at the Krembil Research Institute in the state‐ of‐the‐art Krembil Discovery Tower (60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, Canada), located near the Discovery District in the heart of downtown Toronto. The position offers a unique environment to conduct research, teach, and live in one of the most vibrant, safe and diverse cities of the world. UHN is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto – Canada’s largest and top‐ranked university – and our researchers benefit from the extensive research facilities of the UofT and other affiliated institutions.

For more information on this opportunity and to apply, please visit: https://smrtr.io/mZwTB

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Scientist in Brain Circuits – Assistant/Associate Professor, Krembil Research Institute & University of Toronto

The Krembil Research Institute at University Health Network (UHN) and the Department of Physiology at the University of Toronto (UofT) are accepting applications for a full–time permanent Scientist position, with non‐tenured faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, in the specialty area of neuroscience. The position is available immediately. The Search Committee is seeking an outstanding individual with a proven international track record in neuroscience. Applicants with expertise in developing cutting‐edge technologies and strengths in the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply: neural circuits, systems neuroscience, and plasticity.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline, as well as significant postdoctoral research experience and an established record of research excellence. Candidates are expected to demonstrate evidence of: successful research funding (peer‐reviewed grants, fellowships, etc.), publications in leading journals, presentations at significant conferences, and increasing leadership experience in directing a research team. The successful applicant will initiate and maintain an original, competitive, and independently funded research program of international caliber, and will be expected to teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. A competitive benefits package is being offered along with support for relocation expenses.

The successful applicant will be appointed as a Scientist at the Krembil Research Institute, and is expected to qualify for an academic cross‐appointment as an Assistant or Associate Professor (status only) in the Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, at the University of Toronto, depending on career stage.

The successful applicant’s research program will be housed at the Krembil Research Institute in the state‐ of‐the‐art Krembil Discovery Tower (60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, Canada), located near the Discovery District in the heart of downtown Toronto. The position offers a unique environment to conduct research, teach, and live in one of the most vibrant, safe and diverse cities of the world. UHN is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto – Canada’s largest and top‐ranked university – and our researchers benefit from the extensive research facilities of the UofT and other affiliated institutions.

For more information on this opportunity and to apply, please visit: https://smrtr.io/mZx2t

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Graduate Student Positions in Behavioral & Systems Neuroscience – Botterill laboratory at University of Saskatchewan

The Botterill laboratory is accepting applications for graduate students (Master’s or PhD) in Neuroscience. Our laboratory is in the Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology at the University of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon, Canada).

About us: The Botterill Laboratory opened in January 2023 and is currently supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grant program, an Establishment Grant from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF), and a New Investigator Award from Epilepsy Canada. Our laboratory currently employs 2 graduate students, 3 undergraduate students, and 1 high school student.

Areas of Research: Our lab is focused on two primary areas of research. Our basic science research program is focused on studying the cells and circuits involved in learning, memory, and affective behaviors in mice. Projects related to this research area are currently investigating engram cells and hippocampal mossy cells across a range of behavioral tests (e.g., fear conditioning, open field, object memory, etc). Our second research area is focused on studying the neurobiological mechanisms underlying temporal lobe epilepsy. Epilepsy projects explore neural circuits that contribute to, exacerbate, and/or prevent seizure activity using mouse models, 24/7 video EEG, and gain- and loss-of function manipulations. Active collaborations also include studying novel cannabinoid-related compounds and their therapeutic potential for seizures.

Laboratory Techniques: Our laboratory utilizes a variety of behavioral and systems neuroscience approaches to address research questions from multiple perspectives. Our current techniques include:

  • Rodent behavioral testing (fear conditioning, open field, elevated plus maze, novel object tests, etc)
    • Optogenetics, DREADDs, fiber photometry, brain infusions, inducible transgenic mice (e.g., TRAP2)
  • Mouse stereotaxic surgery (AAVs, fiber implants, depth electrodes, EEG assemblies, cannulae)
  • Mouse models of epilepsy with 24/7 video EEG recordings (pilocarpine or kainic acid)
  • Slice electrophysiology (whole cell patch clamp recordings, local field potentials)
  • Biochemistry (immunofluorescence staining of brain tissue, ELISAs) and PCR
  • Anatomy (e.g., viral tracing) and immunofluorescence microscopy

Location: The University of Saskatchewan is located in the heart of Saskatoon and is recognized as one of the most beautiful campuses in Canada. Saskatoon and the surrounding area is home to approximately 300,000 people.

Requirements: We welcome applications from highly motivated applicants with a passion for neuroscience.

  • Applicants should have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in neuroscience or related field. Undergraduate students with laboratory experience in the final year of their program are encouraged to apply.
  • Applicants should have a competitive academic record with excellent written and oral skills.
  • Experience with rodent handling and behavioral testing is preferred.
  • Ideal candidates will have experience in mouse stereotaxic surgery (AAVs), optogenetics/fiber photometry, animal models of epilepsy, and/or electrophysiological recordings (in vivo or in vitro).

Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience; however, we acknowledge the need to provide graduate students with a livable salary that exceeds the minimum standards.

Apply: All qualified applicants will be considered. We strongly encourage applications from individuals traditionally underrepresented in the sciences. Please contact (J.BOTTERILL@USASK.CA) with the following information:

  • A brief statement of research interests & goals
  • An up-to-date curriculum vitae with at least 2 references
  • A copy of your unofficial transcripts

 Additional information:
Departmental Website (for tuition and other info): https://grad.usask.ca/programs/anatomy-physiology-pharmacology.php
Publications: https://scholar.google.ca/citations?hl=en&user=VL_1ODIAAAAJ
Laboratory Website: https://research-groups.usask.ca/botterillneurolab/index.php

The cellular secret of how memories are made, and lost

Dr. Sheena Josselyn - Photo credit: SickKid news

Dr. Sheena Josselyn

From: SickKids news

Scientists use a peptide to strengthen connections between brain cells and restore memory in a pre-clinical model.

Research led at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is illuminating the mechanism underlying memory, which could result in future therapeutic targets for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. 

Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that causes memory loss, characterized by the accumulation of a protein, called A-beta, in the brain that damages neurons and their connections.

Published in Nature Neuroscience, Drs. Paul Frankland and Sheena Josselyn, Senior Scientists in the Neurosciences & Mental Health program, used a peptide to block adverse effects of the accumulation of A-beta in pre-clinical models – a technique that showed promise in restoring memory.

Continue reading

Canadian Postdoc Seminar Series – Call for Organizers (2024-2025)

Dear CAN members,

With the growing success of the Canadian Neuroscience Seminars – Postdoctoral Series (CNS-PDS), we are delighted to announce a “Call for Organizers” for the third round of CNS-PDS (2024-2025). 

CNS - PDS logo

The CNS-PDS initiative, organized by postdocs for postdocs, promotes research accomplishments of postdocs throughout Canada and Canadian postdocs abroad. Our speakers have a unique opportunity to increase their scientific visibility and network within the CAN community. These seminars also give a room for the CAN community to interact with the next generation of neuroscientists.

The series takes place monthly in the format of virtual presentations, and features scientific talks from talented postdocs in any field of fundamental or clinical neuroscience.

Currently we are inviting CAN postdocs to join the committee for the upcoming year (2024-2025) to help organize the seminars. Being part of this committee is not only an excellent way of expanding your network, but it is also a great opportunity to gain leadership and outreach experiences along with making an impact in the scientific community. 

Ideally, the organizing committee will be representative of multiple institutions across Canada. To promote better representation, people who identify as belonging to under-represented groups in neuroscience research are strongly encouraged to apply.

Duties of the committee will include reviewing submissions, speaker selection, organizing the 2025 schedule and hosting seminars. Please note that while serving on the committee, members are prohibited from presenting their work at the seminars due to conflict of interest.

If you are interested in being part of next year’s committee, please fill out the following Google form: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/195KIEUMr9beb4nTCdkqEYv8u64DGwBrThO85CGlUSPQ

Application deadline: SEPTEMBER 6, 2024, by 11:59 pm (Pacific Time)

Questions? Contact seminars@can-acn.org

Sincerely,

CNS-PDS Committee

Twitter: @CNS_PDS

MSc or PhD student: Vascular repair mechanisms following traumatic brain injury – University of Manitoba

Project description:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes the loss of vascular cells and dysfunctional blood flow, which limits oxygen and nutrient support to the tissue. This exacerbates cell death and prevents the activation of neurorepair mechanisms involving neural stem cells (NSCs). Strategies to improve cerebral vascular repair have the potential to promote successful neuro-regeneration and improve the lives of TBI patients. Currently, thereI is a limited understanding of how cerebral blood flow and NSC activation are related and can be enhanced to facilitate repair.

The Lindsey and Stobart labs have started a collaboration using an adult zebrafish model to investigate how new blood vessels and blood hemodynamics may direct NSC-driven regeneration after TBI. This is an exciting opportunity to learn diverse techniques that bring together expertise from both labs. Students will learn:

  • Zebrafish neuroscience and the TBI model
  • In vivo two-photon microscopy of blood flow
  • Histological techniques (immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization)
  • FACS and flow cytometry
  • Proteomics analysis
  • Computer image analysis

We are looking for motivated candidates who hold a B.Sc. or MSc. in biology or related discipline. They must be interested in neurobiology, have good problem solving skills, and can work independently. Previous experience with zebrafish is beneficial.

Successful candidates will be admitted to the graduate program through the Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science at the University of Manitoba where they are expected to complete some course work in addition to research experiments. All students will be paid a stipend to cover tuition and living expenses. If the student is successful in the first year of the program, there will be an opportunity to transition directly to the PhD program. International students who are from countries where the primary language is not English – regardless of the language of their instruction – will also require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100 out of 120 (equivalent to a TOEFL CBT of 250 out of 300, a TOEFL PBT of 600 out of 677, or an IELTS score of 7.5 out of 9.0).

Please submit a letter with statement of research interests, CV including research experience, official transcripts and contact details for 2 references by email. Contact information Please send your documents to:

Dr. Benjamin Lindsey
Assistant Professor
Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada
Benjamin.lindsey@umanitoba.ca

OR

Dr. Jill Stobart
Assistant Professor
College of Pharmacy
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada
jillian.stobart@umanitoba.ca
www.stobartlab.com