Master’s and PhD positions available in visual neuroscience at Université de Montréal.

The Neurophotonics lab of the School of Optometry of the University of Montreal is looking for students interested to start a MSc or a PhD in Vision Sciences, Neuroscience or Biomedical Engineering. Our projects focus on the plasticity of cortical maps and functional connectivity in different models of blindness and stroke affecting visual functions. We are also interested in the spatial coding of information in the context of Brain/Machine interfaces and the development of neuroprosthesis to restore vision.
We use a platform for measuring and manipulating brain functions in mice performing visual cognitive tasks in combination with neurophotonic approaches such as calcium imaging (macroscopic or multi-photon) or optogenetics.
We are also interested in the development of technologies applied to neuroscience, in collaboration with companies.

The support of the lab (CIHR, NSERC) will guarantee a scholarship for students who do not yet have the support of funding organizations.

To apply:

  1. You will need to have training or lab experience in at least one of the disciplines below:
    – Neurophysiology (including calcium imaging, electrophysiology, …)
    – Computational Neuroscience
    – Behavioral measurement in animals
    – Biomedical Engineering
  2. You must have a preliminary experience in data analysis (with Matlab or Python ideally)

Contact information Send your CV and cover letter (and any other documents you think could be relevant: transcript, achievement, etc.) to Matthieu Vanni: matthieu.vanni@umontreal.ca

Drs. Arkady Khoutorsky and Bratislav Misic win 2023 CAN New Investigator Awards

The Canadian Association for Neuroscience is very proud to present Dr. Arkady Khoutorsky, Associate Professor in the Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences at McGill University, and Dr. Bratislav Misic, leader of the Network Neuroscience Lab at the Montreal Neurological Institute 2023 CAN New Investigator awards.

Dr. Arkady Khoutorsky is making disruptive contributions in two key areas of neuroscience: translational control in neurological disorders and chronic pain, and his work in both areas is bringing forward new concepts for developing novel types of therapeutic interventions. Read his full profile here: Arkady Khoutorsky wins a 2023 CAN New Investigator award for pioneering research on chronic pain and neurological disorders.

Dr. Bratislav Misic studies how cognition and behaviour emerge from the links and interactions among brain areas. His innovative work, integrating in vivo neuroimaging, statistical learning and network science, is profoundly transforming the field’s understanding of multi-scale structure-function relationships in the brain. Read his full profile here: Bratislav Misic wins a CAN 2023 New Investigator Award for ground-breaking work on brain networks

Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Non-human Primate Models of Health and Disease – Queen’s University

The Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) at Queen’s University invites applications from exceptional scholars performing research on non-human primate (NHP) models of health and disease. This appointment is open only to qualified individuals who self-identify as members of one or more of the Four Designated Groups under the Canada Research Chair program (view note 1) : women, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and racialized persons/visible minorities.

The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor (tenure-track) or Associate Professor (tenured), depending upon level of experience, in the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences with an anticipated start date of September 1, 2023. They will be expected to submit an external nomination for a five-year term position as a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC), eligible for renewal once, to a maximum of two five-year terms as a Tier 2 CRC in NHP models of Health and Disease.

The incumbent will hold an advanced degree (i.e., PhD or MD or MD/PhD) and post-doctoral training to position them as an emerging leader in the field using NHP Models of Health and Disease. They will have a distinguished innovative record of accomplishment and possess expertise in innovative experimental approaches using NHPs to understand healthy sensorimotor and/or cognitive functions, and/or develop models of disease. They will establish an innovative, independent research program and will be expected to secure external funding from diverse sources, including national agencies such as the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and Canadian Institutes of Health Research. They will supervise, mentor, and train students and other highly qualified personnel.

Our top priority is to provide opportunities for emerging scholars to develop an internationally recognized research profile within a dynamic environment wherein all faculty can thrive. A key criterion is to enhance existing strengths at Queen’s University in systems neuroscience that explore NHPs to study neural circuits supporting sensory, motor and cognitive processes and models of neurological diseases/injury. Queen’s boasts a large, modern non-human primate research facility including over a dozen behavioural assessment labs, surgical suites, and an adjacent and easily-accessible MRI facility that houses a state-of-the-art Siemens Prisma system.

Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status and provide proof that they were fully vaccinated or had an approved accommodation to engage in in-person University activities. These requirements were suspended effective May 1, 2022, but the University may reinstate them at any point.

Canada Research Chairs were established as part of a national strategy to foster research excellence (www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca). The successful candidate must submit an external application to the Tri-agency Institutional Program Secretariat that meets the requirements for the successful nomination of Tier 2 Chair as defined by the Canada Research Chairs Program:

  • be an excellent emerging world-class researcher who has demonstrated particular research creativity;
  • have demonstrated the potential to achieve international recognition in their field in the next five to ten years;
  • have the potential to attract, develop and retain excellent trainees, students and future researchers; and
  • be proposing an original, innovative research program of high

 

Candidates more than 10 years from their highest degree at the time of nomination may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Chair assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process. Acceptable justifications are generally limited to breaks in the candidate’s research career due to maternity or parental leave, extended sick leave, clinical training, and family care. Please contact research@queensu.ca if you desire more information on the Tier 2 justification process. In addition, the impact of certain circumstances (including but not limited to parental leave, family responsibilities, illness, disability, research in emerging fields, limited access to resources) that may legitimately affect a nominee’s record of research achievement will be given careful consideration when assessing the nominee’s research productivity. Candidates are encouraged to provide any relevant information about their experience and/or career interruptions to allow for a fair assessment of their application.

People from across Canada and around the world come to learn, teach and carry out research at Queen’s University. Faculty and their dependents are eligible for an extensive benefits package including prescription drug coverage, vision care, dental care, long term disability insurance, life insurance and access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program. You will also participate in a pension plan. Tuition assistance is available for qualifying employees, their spouses, and dependent children. Queen’s values families and is pleased to provide a ‘top up’ to government parental leave benefits for eligible employees on maternity/parental leave. In addition, Queen’s provides partial reimbursement for eligible daycare expenses for employees with dependent children in daycare. Details are set out in the Queen’s-QUFA Collective Agreement. For more information on employee benefits, see Queen’s Human Resources.

Additional information about Queen’s University can be found on the Faculty Recruitment and Support website. The University is situated on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe, in historic Kingston on the shores of Lake Ontario. Kingston’s residents enjoy an outstanding quality of life with a wide range of cultural, recreational, and creative opportunities. Visit Inclusive Queen’s for information on equity, diversity and inclusion resources and initiatives.

Queen’s Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Queen’s is committed to excellence in research and research training for the benefit of Canadians and to achieving a more equitable, diverse and inclusive Canadian research enterprise.

Queen’s University is committed to diversity and inclusion and has an employment equity program that meets the goals of the Canada Research Chairs program and the requirements of our collective agreement with the Faculty Association. As mentioned above, this appointment is open only to qualified individuals who self-identify as members of one or more of the Four Designated Groups under the Canada Research Chair program: women, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and racialized persons/visible minorities. All above-defined eligible applicants for this position will be invited to self-identify once they have applied. Self- identification information will be held in confidence by the Human Rights and Equity Office and one specially trained member of the selection committee. Shortlisted candidates who self- identify as Indigenous will be asked to verify their identity in accordance with the Hiring of Indigenous Specific Positions – Interim Policy prior to being invited to interview. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada will be given priority.

To comply with federal laws, the University is obliged to gather statistical information as to how many applicants for each job vacancy are Canadian citizens / permanent residents of Canada. Applicants need not identify their country of origin or citizenship; however, all applications must include one of the following statements: “I am a Canadian citizen / permanent resident of Canada”; OR, “I am not a Canadian citizen / permanent resident of Canada”. Applications that do not include this information will be deemed incomplete.

Candidates should submit a complete application comprising:

  • a cover letter (including one of the two statements regarding Canadian citizenship / permanent resident status specified in the previous paragraph);
  • a current Curriculum Vitae that includes a comprehensive list of publications, awards, and grants received;
  • a statement of current and prospective research interests and experience;
  • a statement of teaching experience and interests together with a teaching portfolio;
  • a statement of equity, diversity, and inclusion: candidates should identify their strengths and experiences with respect to increasing equity, diversity, and inclusion;
  • the names and contact information of a minimum of three referees, one of whom must be at arm’s length.

Review of applications will commence on May 24, 2023 and continue until a suitable candidate is found. Applicants are asked to send all documents in their application packages electronically as PDFs to:

Dr. Stephen Scott

Vice-Dean Research, Queen’s Health Sciences Queen’s University

Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6 QHS_Research@queensu.ca

 

The University will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation during the interview process, please contact Megan Coleman in the Vice-Dean Research Office at QHS_Research@queensu.ca.

Academic staff at Queen’s University are governed by a Collective Agreement between the University and the Queen’s University Faculty Association (QUFA).

Appointments are subject to review and final approval by the Provost. Only nominees external to Queen’s University will be considered. (Please note that, for the purposes of this competition, Queen’s Term Adjuncts and Adjunct-1s will be considered as external nominees).

Note 1:

The CRC Program currently employs the categories of the four federally designated groups (FDG)

  • Women, Indigenous Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, and Members of Visible Minorities – to monitor progress towards meeting equity Queen’s has an under-representation across the FDG’s among Canada Research Chairholders. The Tri-Agency Institutional Programs Secretariat (TIPS) has established targets for CRC representation, with staggered deadlines for meeting targets between the period of 2020 to 2029.

CAN-ACN’s response to the 2023 budget

Response to the budget tabled March 28, 2023

The Canadian Association for Neuroscience joins its voice to the rest of the scientific community in expressing disappointment in the lack of support for science, research, and students in Budget 2023.

There are some questions left unanswered following this budget:

How can the government fail to recognize that fundamental research drives innovation and economic growth?

Continue reading

Two Members of Parliament visit the Trudeau lab at Université de Montréal

Dr. Louis-Eric Trudeau, neuroscientist at the Université de Montréal and his research team hosted on April 4 two federal MPs, M. Yves-François Blanchet, leader of the Bloc Québécois, and M. Maxime Joncas-Blanchette MP for the Rimouski region and in charge of science issues at the Bloc. The goal was to discuss the funding of neuroscience and biomedical research in Quebec and in Canada and also the challenges of sharing research discoveries in French. Both expressed strong support for increased federal funding for research.

Lab visits are a great way to engage with elected officials and promote science in Canada – Congratulations Dr. Trudeau!

 

Research Technician – Hazrati lab, McGill University

About the Role:

We are seeking an enthusiastic, organized, and experienced research lab technician to help run the Hazrati research lab at McGill University. Our lab studies the pathology and pathophysiology of mild traumatic brain injury using human brains, animal models, and cell culture experiments. In particular, we focus on cellular senescence and seek to explore the early molecular underpinnings of brain dysfunction associated with trauma. This lab has recently been relocated, and so part of this job will be setting up a new research lab space.

Responsibilities:

  • Optimize and develop molecular assays for assessing human tissue, mouse tissue, and cell culture experiments
  • Statistically analyze data and use critical thinking to interpret results
  • Keep track of inventory and ordering reagents and supplies for the lab
  • Support graduate students by running assays and helping with data analysis
  • Manage electronic lab notebook for the lab
  • Manage brain bank research IDs
  • Present lab updates regularly at weekly lab meetings
  • Lab safety management
  • Management of regulatory paperwork (Health Canada exemptions, animal use protocols, SOPs, REBs and legal paperwork within the institution)

Requirements:

  • Minimum MSc in a relevant biological science field (neuroscience background is preferred)
  • Experience with nucleic acid and protein isolation protocols
  • Experience with protein assays (Western Blots. ELISA, etc.), qPCR, and immunoassays
  • Experience with microscopy (brightfield, confocal)
  • Experience with mammalian cell culture is an asset
  • Previous experience working with mice  and surgical and behavioral testing skills are an asset
  • Preferably experience with tissue cutting using microtome and/or cryostat
  • Bioinformatics experience is an asset (bulk or single cell RNAseq, for example)
  • R or Python programming language experience is an asset

Employment type: Full-time, 1-year contract

Contact: lili-naz.hazrati@McGill.ca

Postdoctoral Researcher – Hazrati lab, McGill University

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to advance projects within our lab studying the molecular mechanisms driving brain dysfunction after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). In particular, we are interested in discovering novel molecular mechanisms associated with trauma which may reflect clinicopathology and/or serve as potential biomarkers.

This position will involve studies using human brain tissue, mouse models, Stereotaxic animal surgery,  mammalian cell culture, and thus our lab emphasizes the importance of translational science. The successful candidate will develop a novel research project using these materials to further our understanding of mild traumatic brain injury, and will contextualize findings to other projects within the lab and across collaborations.

The postdoctoral researcher in this lab will receive strong mentorship and career support, along with a competitive postdoctoral salary and benefits package. There is opportunity for travel to national and international conferences with a successfully funded project.

Qualifications:

  • PhD in relevant biological sciences field of study (neuroscience preferred)
  • Research expertise and hands-on experience with the following: experimental design, nucleic acid and protein assays, microscopy/imaging techniques, animal studies, mammalian cell culture, single cell sequencing .
  • Expertise and knowledge about cellular senescence, fat metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction and/or role of BRCA1 in brain will be also an asset
  • Preferred (not required, but an asset) skills: bioinformatic data analysis, R programming language
  • Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and in a team setting (collaborative in nature)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills (must be able to present project ideas and data effectively to experts and non-experts)
  • Track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals
  • Experience with grant writing (including budgets) is an asset

Responsibilities:

  • Initiate new projects in the lab and collect/interpret data for grants (CIHR) and publications
  • Get involved with ongoing lab projects as much as possible, providing scientific expertise and technical assistance where needed
  • Collect data for CIHR and other grants, assist in grant writing including budgets
  • Assist graduate students in the lab with projects
  • Assist with regulatory paperwork such as REBs, AUPs, SOPs, and lab notebooks.

If you are interested, please send your CV and cover letter to lili-naz.hazrati@mcgill.ca with the contact information for two references.

Assistant Professor – Biological Psychiatry – University of Saskatchewan

University of Saskatchewan logoApplications are invited from qualified individuals for a tenure-track position at the level of Assistant Professor with the Department of Psychiatry, in the area of Biological Psychiatry. We are searching for individuals with exceptional promise to develop a vibrant, externally funded research program. While we encourage applications from candidates studying any aspect of Biological Psychiatry, we are particularly interested in applicants who will build a research program focused on platforms capable of screening for microglial mechanisms and pro-inflammatory processes across a range of disease models as they relate to neuropsychiatry. The research program is expected to underpin unique translational studies in personalized medicine. A competitive start-up package is available to facilitate this. The successful candidate will also show a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching, as well as Psychiatry residency training.

The successful applicant will join a department that is undergoing significant renewal, particularly in the areas of Biological Psychiatry. The department has several areas of research strength encompassing cellular and molecular biological as well as bioinformatics investigator-led programs focused Alzheimer disease, depression, suicidality, mood instability, forensics, and alternative treatment modalities, all of which offer many opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Specific research areas of our faculty can be viewed here: (https://medicine.usask.ca/department/clinical/psychiatry.php#Research). The department benefits from having the Canadian Light Source situated on our campus, and the department has affiliations with the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, the School of Public Health, and the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science and Justice Studies.

The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. The University of Saskatchewan is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, a family friendly city with a diverse and thriving economic base, a vibrant arts community and a full range of leisure opportunities. The University has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and scholarly activities and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to a student population of over 25,000.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a PhD degree and post-doctoral experience in a biomedical discipline relevant to the position and a demonstrated ability to conduct original, innovative research. Applicants must also provide evidence of teaching at multiple levels as well as demonstrate a track record of research awards. The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and show an interest in fostering collaborations with faculty members in the department and elsewhere on campus.

Salary band for this position at the rank of Assistant Professor for the 2022-2023 academic year is $98,178 to $117,978. This position includes a comprehensive benefits package which includes a dental, health and extended vision care plan; pension plan, life insurance (compulsory and voluntary), academic long term disability, sick leave, travel insurance, death benefits, an employee assistance program, a professional expense allowance, and a flexible health and wellness spending program.

Interested candidates must submit via email a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae, a brief statement of research interests and 5-year research plan (max. 3 pages), a teaching statement (1 page), an equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) statement (1 page or less), and contact information for three references. In your EDI statement please reflect on your lived experiences, attitudes, beliefs and practices then discuss how you will consider EDI in your role as a colleague, teacher, researcher, and in building your research team. For more information related to equity, diversity and inclusion please see our webpage: https://medicine.usask.ca/about-us/edi.php. Due to federal immigration requirements, we also ask candidates to indicate in the cover letter whether they are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or are otherwise already authorized to work at this position for the duration of the appointment, with an explanation if this last category is indicated. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Review of applications will begin in February of 2023; however, applications will be accepted and evaluated until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2023.

 

Contact information

 

Dr. AG Ahmed

Chair of Search Committee

103 Hospital Drive, Ellis Hall Rm 119

University of Saskatchewan

Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8

Telephone: (306) 844-1310

Email: psychiatry@usask.ca

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Postdoc in Barcoded Connectomics and Circuit Neuroscience – Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD, USA

We are looking for several postdoctoral fellows to join the Kebschull Lab at the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD, USA. These NIH-funded positions are for postdocs to develop new tools to integrate barcoded connectivity tracing, gene expression, and function in the zebra finch brain or bring barcoded connectomics to NHPs and tackle questions in circuit evolution.

In the lab, we develop and apply cutting-edge molecular and neuroanatomical tools to study how brain circuits change over the course of an animal’s lifetime in disease and over the course of evolution. We specialize in barcode sequencing-based high-throughput connectomics (e.g. BRICseq, MAPseq) and in situ sequencing. Recent relevant papers include Kebschull et al. 2020 Science, Huang et al. 2020 Cell, Han et al. 2018 Nature, and Kebschull et al. 2016 Neuron.

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. degree (or equivalent) in neuroscience, molecular biology, biomedical engineering or a related field. The ideal candidate should have molecular biology and some bioinformatics skills and be passionate about tool development and the songbird or NHP research. Previous experience in either system is not required. We particularly encourage applications from any underrepresented or minority group.

Our lab is located on the School of Medicine Campus of Johns Hopkins University, surrounded by world-class neuroscience and biomedical engineering labs. We are committed to establishing a first-class, stimulating, diverse, and equitable environment in our new lab to allow you to flourish, achieve your goals, and further your career.

 

Contact information

Qualified applicants should send a letter describing their current and future research interests, their CV, and names and contact details for three references to kebschull@jhu.edu. More information is available on https://www.kebschull-lab.org/.

Master’s and PhD graduate student positions (Neuroscience) – University of Saskatchewan

We are inviting applications for Master’s and PhD students in behavioural and systems neuroscience at the University of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan).

Our Research:
The Botterill laboratory has two major research pillars, including a basic science pillar focused on studying the cells and circuits that support learning, memory, and affective behaviours and a health sciences pillar focused on studying the neurobiological mechanisms of temporal lobe epilepsy and its treatment. Our research programs primarily focus on the dentate gyrus subfield of the hippocampus to study how hilar mossy cells, dentate granule cells (including adult-born neurons), and GABAergic interneurons influence hippocampal function in health and disease.

Methods:

  1. Mouse stereotaxic surgery for injections of adeno-associated viruses (AAV), electrode recording assemblies, optic fibers, and cannulae for drug infusions, etc.
  2. Gain- and loss-of function manipulations via optogenetics and Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs)
  3. Mouse models of epilepsy (pilocarpine, kainic acid)
  4. 24/7 video electroencephalography (EEG) recordings in freely behaving mice
  5. Slice electrophysiology (whole cell patch clamp & extracellular field recordings)
  6. Mouse behavioural testing
  7. Behavioural pharmacology
  8. Biochemistry
  9. Epifluorescence and confocal microscopy

Eligibility requirements:

  • Strong academic record
  • Interest in behavioural neuroscience and/or epilepsy research
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Experience in rodent handling / behavioural neuroscience is preferred.
  • The ideal candidate will have experience with AAV injections, in vivo optogenetics, slice electrophysiology, and/or video EEG data collection & analysis.

Funding:
Successful candidates will receive graduate student stipends commensurate with the standard stipend amounts for graduate students in the Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology in the College of Medicine. Candidates will be expected to apply to the College of Medicine’s Graduate Student Award (CoMGrad) and Tri-council competitions (e.g., NSERC or CIHR).

Important dates:
Deadline: June 1, 2023. Start date: September 1, 2023

Additional information:
Google Scholar Publications: https://scholar.google.ca/citations?hl=en&user=VL_1ODIAAAAJ
Botterill Laboratory Website: https://research-groups.usask.ca/botterillneurolab/index.php
Anatomy, Physiology, & Pharmacology website (for program details and tuition costs):
https://grad.usask.ca/programs/anatomy-physiology-pharmacology.php

Contact information

Contact information:

We welcome applications from qualified candidates and strongly encourage applications from individuals belonging to groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in the sciences. Applications will be reviewed until the positions are filled.

Please contact Justin Botterill (j.botterill@usask.ca) with the following information:

  1. A brief statement of research interests and goals
  2. A copy of your curriculum vitae (CV) with at least 2 references.
  3. A copy of your unofficial transcripts.
  4. Please indicate whether you are a Canadian Citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.

Posting end date

2023/06/01