Author: Julie

CAN Outreach & Advocacy Award: The Peaceful Brain

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The Canadian Association for Neuroscience is pleased to support the  “The Peaceful Brain, a celebration against hate, discrimination, and prejudice” series of events organized by the Convergence initiative. These events has also leveraged support from Heritage Canada, Brain Canada, the McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Native Immigrant, Concordia University Centre for Creative Reuse.

The Convergence Initiative is an independent Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the knowledge of neuroscience and art and the Canadian Association for Neuroscience has been a long-time supporter of this initiative that promotes cross-talk between artists, neuroscientists and the public to further our understanding of how our brain works. Convergence has always favored the approach of two-way engagement, which promotes knowledge sharing between presenters and the public, and not simply one-way teaching.

The four events proposed in the current proposal aim to address a very important issue: How to combat hate, discrimination and prejudice. The approach used is to try to expose some of the unconscious biases and ideas that each of us carry, to understand how they happen in our brains, and more importantly, how we can overcome these.

By bringing together scientists, artists, and people from different cultural and social backgrounds, these events will lead to a better understanding of what happens in our brains when we interact with people that come from different backgrounds, who have different faiths and ways to view the world, with the objective of increasing our acceptance of these differences.

We are happy to provide our support for the Convergence initiative once again.

Visit the event webpage for full details: https://www.convergenceinitiative.org/about-3

Post Doc Position-Neurotrophic mechanisms in brain diseases – Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto

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Reduced brain cell structure and function contributes to cognitive symptoms in depression, Alzheimer’s disease and other brain disorders, and during aging. Current efforts aimed at developing therapeutic agents to reverse these deficits focus on excitatory or neurotrophic mechanisms, but have had limited translation to effective therapeutics potential, identifying a world-leading unmet clinical need with significant impact on patients, family, society and healthcare.

The Neurobiology of Depression and Aging program (www.NDA-sibille.ca) is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to investigate the cellular mechanisms of novel neurotrophic approaches, using cell-based and rodent models. The NDA program investigates the molecular bases of psychiatric disorders and develop novel therapeutic avenues. It is located at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Canada’s largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital. CAMH is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.

Qualifications:

The candidate will have a PhD in Neuroscience, Neuropharmacology or a related discipline, with demonstrated expertise in molecular neuroscience, including primary neuron culture and in vivo rodent models. Experience with methods related to molecular biology (plasmid DNA handling, qPCR, Western blot, proteome analysis, recombinant virus handling etc.), pharmacology, immunohistochemistry and imaging (confocal microscopy, morphometric analysis) is preferred.
The successful candidate will have a track record that demonstrates competence in publishing in high impact peer reviewed journals, disseminating research at formal scientific meetings, writing grant proposals and participation in the education of students and trainees. The successful candidate will also possess strong interpersonal, organizational and communication skill, and the ability to work both independently and in a team. The ability to interact with populations of diverse ethno-racial and cultural backgrounds is also required.

Please note: This full-time position is NOT part of any bargaining unit.

Salary Range: Competitive Salary

Contact information

Send your application with cover letter and CV to: Etienne.sibille@camh.ca

Download a PDF version of this advertisement

Posting end date: 2022/10/21

Research Associate 1 – University of Guelph – Khokhar lab

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Position Title:                 Research Associate 1, (Grant & Trust Professional)
Employer:                         University of Guelph (Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College)
Term:                                  Temporary full time (15 month contract to start as soon as possible)
Hours:                               Full-time (35 Hours/Week)
Number of Positions:  1
Hiring Ref. Number:   2022-0604

N.B.:    Please read the Application Instructions before applying: https://www.uoguelph.ca/hr/careers-guelph/how-apply

The Khokhar Lab researches 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 Research Associate is responsible for the following main duties:

  • conducts behavioural experiments assessing the effects of cannabinoids in a variety of animal models of addiction (e.g., withdrawal, conditioned place preference and self-administration/free-access intake) and serious mental illness (e.g., prepulse inhibition, latent inhibition);
  • provides input with respect to appropriate methodology, procedures, equipment and standards to produce required research data;
  • applies specialized knowledge and principles to review, appraise and interpret published literature, summarize research findings, and draft scientific/technical reports, manuscripts, grant proposals;
  • establishes and maintains effective relationships with external partners, which may include coordinating of project plans, presenting research findings (may include presenting findings at conferences).

Education, Skills, Work Experience and other Requirements:

  • Master’s degree in relevant discipline combined with at least 3-5 years of relevant research experience with behavioural paradigms including: withdrawal, conditioned place preference, self-administration/free-access intake, prepulse inhibition, latent inhibition;
  • Experience coding with behavioural control software (e.g., Med Associates or equivalent), and using behavioural assessment software (e.g., Noldus Ethovision or equivalent) and statistical analysis software packages (e.g., SPSS or R);
  • Proven ability in methodology, procedures, equipment and standards to produce required research data;
  • Proficiency in summarizing research findings, reviewing, appraising and interpreting published literature;
  • Strong attention to detail;
  • Self-motivated and able to work collaboratively within a team environment;
  • Experience with in vivo electrophysiology is considered an asset.

Salary: $54,107 – $62,168

Vacation Pay: accrual rate of 1.25-1.83 days/month

Benefits: Extended Health, Basic Life Insurance (up to specified maximums), Dental coverage subject to minimum employment contract and minimum workload thresholds being met and Long Term Disability subject to minimum employment contract and minimum workload thresholds being met (payable to a maximum of 5 years).

Location of Employer: 50 Stone Road, Guelph, ON N1G2W1

Location of Work: Guelph, ON                    

Language of Work: English

All Canadian citizens or permanent residents who qualify are invited to apply by sending their Cover Letter and CV (including list of publications demonstrating relevant experience), quoting hiring number 2022-0604, by email to careers@uoguelph.ca or by mail to the following address: 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph ON N1G 2W1 (Attention: Human Resources).

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

ERC-funded project: neural control of locomotion before and after spinal cord injury in salamanders – Research Staff

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The Université de Sherbrooke is inviting applications at the rank of Research professional responsible at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, with an association with the Department of pharmacology – physiology. The position is in the Ryczko team. This is a renewable full-time position for one year.
The Ryczko lab uses electrophysiology, calcium imaging and neuroanatomy to identify the mechanisms through which the brain and spinal cord control locomotion in salamanders.
The candidate will work in a dynamic team with a strong collaborative spirit. She or he will be responsible for overall lab management and organization, student training, in vivo and in vitro experiments. The position includes execution of patch-clamp, calcium imaging, neuroanatomy and behavioral experiments (training can be provided), training student, maintenance of salamander colonies, maintenance of setups, ordering of reagents, ensuring the implementation of health and safety standards in the lab.

PRINCIPAL CHALLENGES AND DUTIES
– Patch-clamp electrophysiology, calcium imaging (epifluorescent, confocal, two photon) and behavioral experiments in salamanders
– Help to analyze data and communicate results
– Participate in operational activities of the lab (general lab management, maintenance of equipment, purchasing, safety)
– Train students in electrophysiology, calcium imaging, neuroanatomy and behavioral techniques

QUALIFICATIONS
– Master degree in Life sciences or equivalent
– Hands-on experience in electrophysiology or calcium imaging or movement analysis
– Experience in laboratory organization & maintenance
– Fluency in English

APPLY
Candidates should send a letter of interest explaining how they would fit, a CV, a record of their academic results and three references at dimitri.ryczko@usherbrooke.ca. Please specify where you found the job post.

ERC-funded project: neural control of locomotion before and after spinal cord injury in salamanders – Graduate student position

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PROJECT: Salamanders can swim underwater and walk on ground. Their spinal cord regenerates after a full transection and the animal recovers voluntary locomotion after a few weeks. How this occurs is largely unknown. Genetic dissection of salamander neural circuits is now feasible with methods for manipulation, elimination, and visualization of genetically-defined cells. Such approaches can be combined with patch-clamp electrophysiology, calcium imaging, optogenetics, tracing and movement analysis (Ryczko et al. 2020 Trends in Neurosciences, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tins.2020.08.006). The candidate will use electrophysiology (patch-clamp recordings), calcium imaging and movement analysis based on deep learning and neuroanatomy to study salamander locomotor circuits. This project is funded by a synergy grant of the ERC. The work will be carried out in collaboration with a team of modelers and roboticists (Pr. Ijspeert, EPFL, Switzerland) and experts in genomics (Pr. Simon, Karolinska Institute, Sweden).

REQUIREMENTS: The candidate should have completed a MSc in neuroscience. The ideal candidate would have experience in electrophysiology, calcium imaging, optogenetics, virus injections, deep learning-based movement analysis, matlab scripting, and a keen interest in motor control.

HOST LABORATORY: The lab of Dr. Ryczko has expertise in the neural control of locomotion and publishes in excellent journals (PNAS, Science, Science Robotics, Journal of Neuroscience…). The lab receives grant support by the CIHR, NSERC, FRQS, CFI and ERC. We are equipped for patch-clamp recordings, confocal and two photon calcium imaging, optogenetics, viral injections, deep learning-based movement analysis, and microscopy (confocal, light-sheet, two-photon, STED).

APPLY: Candidates should send a letter of interest explaining how they would fit, a CV, a record of their academic results and three references at: dimitri.ryczko@usherbrooke.ca. Please specify where you found the job post.

ERC-funded project: neural control of locomotion before and after spinal cord injury in salamanders – Post-doc position

Posted on | by Julie

PROJECT: Salamanders can swim underwater and walk on ground. Their spinal cord regenerates after a full transection and the animal recovers voluntary locomotion after a few weeks. How this occurs is largely unknown. Genetic dissection of salamander neural circuits is now feasible with methods for manipulation, elimination, and visualization of genetically-defined cells. Such approaches can be combined with patch-clamp electrophysiology, calcium imaging, optogenetics, tracing and movement analysis (Ryczko et al. 2020 Trends in Neurosciences, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tins.2020.08.006). The candidate will use electrophysiology, calcium imaging and movement analysis based on deep learning and neuroanatomy to study salamander locomotor circuits. This project is funded by a synergy grant of the ERC. The work will be carried out in collaboration with a team of modelers and roboticists (Pr. Ijspeert, EPFL, Switzerland) and experts in genomics (Pr. Simon, Karolinska Institute, Sweden).

REQUIREMENTS: The candidate should have completed a PhD in neuroscience. The ideal candidate would have experience in patch-clamp electrophysiology, calcium imaging, optogenetics, virus injections, deep learning-based movement analysis, or matlab scripting, and a keen interest in motor control.

HOST LABORATORY: The lab of Dr. Ryczko (https://ryczkolab.wordpress.com/) has expertise in the neural control of locomotion and publishes in excellent journals (PNAS, Science Robotics, Journal of Neuroscience…). The lab receives grant support by the CIHR, NSERC, FRQS, CFI and ERC. We are equipped for patch-clamp recordings, confocal and two photon calcium imaging, optogenetics, viral injections, deep learning-based movement analysis, and microscopy (confocal, light-sheet, two-photon, STED).

APPLY: Candidates should send a letter of interest explaining how they would fit, a CV, a record of their academic results and three references at: dimitri.ryczko@usherbrooke.ca. Please mention where you found the job post.

Postdoctoral positions available in neuroimmunology in Calgary, Canada

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The laboratory of Dr. Wee Yong (Pubmed: Yong VW or Wee Yong V) at the University of Calgary is recruiting postdoctoral fellows in neuroimmunology. The successful candidate is recently graduated or about to finish a PhD program. Available are several projects on the roles and mechanisms of neuroimmunology in mediating injury or recovery in multiple sclerosis. Please send your resume to vyong@ucalgary.ca. Calgary offers a world-class neuroscience program and superb indoor/outdoor activities.

https://live-cumming.ucalgary.ca/labs/reparative-neuroinflammation/home

Contact information:

Wee Yong

vyong@ucalgary.ca

Download a PDF version of this advertisement

Director – The Western Institute for Neuroscience

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THE WESTERN INSTITUTE FOR NEUROSCIENCE

is seeking outstanding candidates for a

DIRECTOR

Western University in London, Ontario, Canada seeks applicants for a Director of the Western Institute for Neuroscience (WIN) Research. Applicants who can demonstrate outstanding leadership in research, training, and outreach in the field of neuroscience are encouraged to apply. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. or MD or DDS or equivalent with relevant professional designation or licensure. Candidates should also be recognized internationally for research relevant to neuroscience. The successful candidate will hold a tenure or continuing academic appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor with (commensurate with qualifications and experience), in the most appropriate Department/School and Faculty. As Director, the candidate will hold a Western Research Chair (Leadership) and join an interdisciplinary network of collaborative researchers, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and/or clinician-scientists for a 3 to 5-year terms that is renewable once. The position will commence as soon as October 1, 2022 or as negotiated.

Reporting to the Vice President (Research), the Director will advance the WIN at Western University as an entity known internationally for its impact on research and knowledge mobilization across a range of specialties that include tools and technologies, basic science and applied research, in accordance with the research vision and mission. Towards this goal, the Director will identify, and enable access to, opportunities that expand the Institute’s research mission through the development of partnerships and fund-raising. Also, the Director will engage frequently with a Governing Board, the Executive Committee as well as internal and external Advisory Boards regarding strategy and vision. The Director will inspire research excellence and actively implement processes that mobilize and support interdisciplinary research teams within the Institute. The Director will be supported by the Institute’s excellent administrative team in implementing programs/activities. Also, the Director will be expected to lead their own research program as part of an interdisciplinary network of collaborative researchers in WIN.

The ideal candidate will have the following profile:

  • Demonstrated excellence in neuroscience research and training at all levels (undergrad to early career)
  • Demonstrated research leadership involving financial oversight
  • Strong communication skills
  • Evidence of ability to build community amongst multiple stakeholders and support for open-science
  • Evidence of ability to build effective teams of interdisciplinary researchers
  • Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization (EDID)
  • Evidence of ability to attract, establish and sustain internal and external partnerships
  • Willingness to engage and support fund-raising efforts

The WIN was established in 2020 to bring together and enhance collaboration among basic and applied researchers and clinicians, with expertise in various disciplines and approaches. As a whole, neuroscience across the London region has a gene to behaviour breadth, spans the lifespan and includes emphases on fundamental mechanisms that are translated into breakthroughs in education, technologies, and brain health. The research impacts human lives in both the social and clinical contexts and how these two worlds interact. Home to world-class facilities and training programs, the mission of the WIN is to elevate and accelerate the impact of neuroscience research on society by: creating new opportunities for collaborative interdisciplinary neuroscience research, coordinating efficient economies of scale through city-wide neuroscience platforms, raising the profile of a unified neuroscience community at Western, enhancing funding success and philanthropic gains, expanding current training opportunities, and developing strategic cooperative alliances.

Western University is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron peoples, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) whom we recognize as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors of our society.

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. With annual research funding exceeding $220 million, and 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. We seek excellent candidates to join us in what has become known as the “Western Experience” – an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference. For more information about Western’s strategic priorities, visit the Western Strategic Plan and Indigenous Strategic Plan and for information on Western’s research areas please visit Western Research.

Interested applicants are invited to submit a complete application package to Jann Paquette-Warren at jpaquet3@uwo.ca, in confidence, as a single PDF file containing:

  • Cover letter that outlines their interest and qualifications for the role and a statement on Equity, Diversity,Inclusion and Decolonization in relation to their leadership
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Names of 3 referees
  • Brief statement of interest that addresses the candidate profile listed above
  • Brief statement of research experience and interests.

Please ensure that the Application for Full-Time Position form at

https://www.uwo.ca/facultyrelations/pdf/full- time-application-form.pdf

is completed and included in your application submission.

All materials will be provided to the search committee. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Review of applications will begin on August 15, 2022.

Effective September 7, 2021, all employees and visitors to campus are required to comply with Western’s COVID- 19 Vaccination Policy

(https://uwo.ca/univsec/pdf/policies_procedures/section3/mapp311_covid19.pdf).

Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communication skills in English. 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, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Kristina Fornelos at kfornelo@uwo.ca.

https://www.uwo.ca/research/impact/institutes/win_director_search.html

Posting end date 2022/09/19

Post-doctoral fellow positions – Vulnerable Brain Lab at Western University

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The Vulnerable Brain Laboratory (www.vulnerablebrain.com), in the Dept. Anatomy and Cell Biology at Western University is a cross-disciplinary, translational lab interested in interrogating the role of microglia activation in aging and disease/injury. We are currently recruiting 1-2 post-doctoral fellows with interests developing assays aimed at using circulating brain extracellular vesicles as a diagnostic tool for measuring brain inflammation and cognitive impairment in cell, experimental animal, and human samples. Additionally, we are searching for candidates with interests in extracellular vesicle trafficking and release, and proteomic/lipidomic analysis of extracellular vesicles and their cargo.

Previous experience some of the following is preferred: rodent based stroke models, cell culture, rodent behaviour, molecular biology, microscopy, histology, and mass spectrometry, including mass spectrometry imaging.

Western University is strongly committed to principles related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization (EDID). We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including women, members of visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, members of sexual minorities and persons with disabilities.

Contact information

Please send a cover letter, CV, and a list of 3 references to Dr. Shawn Whitehead (shawn.whitehead@schulich.uwo.ca). We will notify applicants prior to contacting references.

 

Call for Expressions of Interest for Brain Research Editor-in-Chief

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From Elsevier

We are seeking an Editor-in-Chief for our flagship neuroscience title Brain Research. The first step of the search process is an open call for nominations of candidates. Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged. The Search Committee welcomes nominations of a diverse pool of candidates without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, country of residence, age, disability, or any other category protected by law. Brain Research is a broad-format journal inviting submissions from across the international neuroscience community that range in scope from issues in fundamental neurobiology to translational and clinical neuroscience.

Role and Responsibilities

The Editor-in-Chief is responsible for defining an overall strategy for the journal and upholding the mission of the publication. The Editor-in-Chief works closely with the Deputy Editor to evaluate submissions and assign, if appropriate, to a handling editor who recommends whether the submission should be sent to reviewers or rejected without review based on how it ranks relative to other submissions under consideration. The Editor-in-Chief also handles suspected plagiarism cases, Editorials, Correspondences, and Announcements.

The ideal Editor-in-Chief should have

  • an international reputation as an outstanding researcher and educator in field of neuroscience
  • a demonstrated commitment to constructive participation in academic peer review
  • no major conflicts of interest and adequate support from applicant’s institution
  • an ability to work diplomatically with authors, other editors, and reviewers
  • intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for the field of neuroscience as a whole
  • an interest in remaining abreast of issues and developments in scientific publishing
  • an unwavering commitment to quality, integrity, and the principles of academic freedom
  • a willingness to work within an online manuscript handling system and handle email correspondence

Nomination and Selection Process

15 August 2022 is the deadline to submit a nomination. Prospective candidates are asked to send a complete curriculum vitae and a cover letter (max 1 page), detailing their interest for the position and names and email addresses of three referees who are willing to speak to the nominee’s qualifications for the position. Please send the document to Gail M. Rodney, Senior Publisher; email: g.rodney@elsevier.com

In September, the Search Committee will select a short list from among the nominees, invite those individuals to provide additional information (in particular, a statement of their vision for Brain Research), and solicit input from their referees.

Appointment/Term

The initial term of the editorship is three years with a maximum total term of 10 years. However, the parties understand and acknowledge that an initial appointment is not a commitment to a 10-year term. The incoming Editor-in-Chief will begin receiving new submissions on 1 January 2023.

More details about Brain Research can be found at https://www.journals.elsevier.com/brain-research