Assistant Professor in Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science – University of Guelph

Position Title / Rank: Assistant Professor in Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science
College: College of Social & Applied Human Sciences
Department: Psychology
Date Posted: July 15, 2022
Deadline: August 15, 2022 or until a suitable candidate is found
Please reference AD #22-57

Position Description:

The Psychology Department at the University of Guelph invites applications for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level in the Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Sciences (NACS) area. Salary will be negotiable and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Applicants using rodent models are particularly encouraged to apply. The University has an exceptional neuroscience research community, spanning nine Departments across four Colleges, and provides an excellent collaborative atmosphere. It is expected that the successful candidate will show evidence for the capacity to develop and maintain an innovative and extramurally funded research program.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the potential to provide effective and innovative research supervision and teaching to a diverse population of undergraduate and graduate students. Our Department is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and we maintain a standing – and active – EDI committee. For more information on equity, diversity, and inclusion, see the Department’s EDI statement.

Applicants should have:

Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience, Neuropsychology, or equivalent.
Post-doctoral training or equivalent.
A strong plan for a research program that complements the strengths of the NACS area and attracts high-quality graduate students.
A proven capacity (or strong potential) to obtain external support for research.
A record of publishing in scholarly journals.
A strong potential and commitment to excellent teaching and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students.

This is an exciting time of growth for our Psychology Department. We are conducting searches for five positions in the Industrial-Organizational, Applied Social, Clinical, and Neuroscience and Applied Cognitive Science areas. As such, the successful candidate will join the department together with a cohort of enthusiastic and well-supported early career scholars. Our wider department reflects a collegial and welcoming academic community that aims to support a diverse range of people and perspectives in an inclusive work environment.

The University of Guelph is the third largest employer in Guelph, a city of approximately 130,000 people, located about an hour drive west of Toronto, Ontario. University of Guelph is a top-ranked comprehensive university in Canada with an enrolment of over 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across over 40 academic units. The University is known for its commitment to student learning, innovative research, and collaboration with world-class partners. It is a unique place, with transformative research and teaching and a distinctive campus culture. People who learn and work here are shaped and inspired by a shared purpose: To Improve Life. Reflecting that shared purpose in every experience connected to our university positions us to create positive change, here and around the world. Our university community shares a profound sense of social responsibility, a drive for international development, and an obligation to address global issues.

Application Process

Assessment of applications will begin on August 15, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should submit the following materials (preferably as a single PDF file): (1) a cover letter; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) a statement of research interests detailing the candidate’s specific area of expertise, plan of future independent research program (including how this program might be leveraged to obtain extramural funding), ways the candidate’s research program will synergize with the Department’s research environment; (4) a teaching statement detailing the candidate’s teaching philosophy, evidence of teaching excellence (or potential for excellence), and strategies used to promote inclusion and support a diverse community in research lab and classrooms settings. The statement may include teaching experiences across undergraduate and graduate classroom-based teaching (e.g., names of courses one has taught or could teach), research advising, and mentorship; (5) up to three representative publications (including a brief synopsis of their impact or potential for impact and how they fit within the planned research program), and (6) the names, roles, and contact information of three research/academic references.

Contact information

Applications should be sent to the attention of:

Ian R Newby-Clark
Professor & Chair
Department of Psychology
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON N1G 2W1

Email: inewby@uoguelph.ca

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

The University recognizes that applicants may have had obligations outside of work that have negatively impacted their record of achievements (e.g., parental, elder care, and/or medical). You are not required to disclose these obligations in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, the University will ensure that these obligations do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position.

The University of Guelph resides on the ancestral lands of the Attawandaron people and the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit and we offer our respect to our Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Métis neighbours as we strive to strengthen our relationships with them.

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.

If you require a medical accommodation during the recruitment or selection process, please contact Occupational Health and Wellness at 519-824-4120 x52674.

Postdoc and graduate students (Master’s and/or Ph.D. levels) positions at intersection of AI and Neuroscience – University of Lethbridge

Description: We are looking for postdocs and graduate students (Master’s and/or Ph.D. levels) to use inspirations from neuroscience to make better AI and conversely to apply AI to better understand brain function and behaviour. Projects will be related to our recent work:

Neurons learn by predicting future activity. Nature Machine Intelligence 2022 https://www.nature.com/articles/s42256-021-00430-y

Predictive neuronal adaptation as a basis for consciousness. Front in Sys Neurosci 2022 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnsys.2021.767461/full

Miniaturized head-mounted microscope for whole-cortex mesoscale imaging in freely behaving mice. Nature Methods 2021 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41592-021-01104-8

A Matlab-based toolbox for characterizing behavior of rodents engaged in string-pulling. Elife 2020 https://elifesciences.org/articles/54540

Challenges of a small world analysis for the continuous monitoring of behavior in mice. Neuroscience and Behavioral Reviews 2022 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763422001105

Data-driven analyses of motor impairments in animal models of neurological disorders. PLoS Biology 2019 https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3000516

The project is a collaborative effort between the research groups of Majid Mohajerani (http://lethbridgebraindynamics.com/majid-mohajerani/) and Artur Luczak (http://lethbridgebraindynamics.com/artur-luczak/). Successful candidates will join the highly collaborative and interdisciplinary Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience and Brain Dynamics group. We are located close to Rocky Mountains, Lethbridge has the largest number of sunny days in Canada, and it is the most affordable city for young people in Canada (https://dailyhive.com/calgary/alberta-city-most-affordable-young-people ).

The applications review will start on Aug 15th till the positions are filled. Interested applicants must send an email to Dr Mohajerani (mohajerani@uleth.ca) and Dr. Luczak (luczak@uleth.ca) and include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a brief statement of research interests, and contact information of three references.

Postdoctoral positions in Systems Neuroscience-University of Calgary

The Sargin lab at the University of Calgary is seeking motivated scientists with experience and interest in Neurophysiology and Systems Neuroscience. The goal of our research program is to understand the long-term effects of early life stress on brain function. We have fully-funded two postdoctoral positions available to start immediately. The projects will focus on 1) the activity of neural circuits in mouse models with social deficits and 2) serotonin physiology in mouse models of Alzheimer’s Disease. We use a variety of multidisciplinary techniques including stereotaxic viral delivery, slice electrophysiology, in vivo calcium imaging, optogenetics and behavior.

Ideal candidates will have a PhD in Neuroscience, Physiology or related fields and experience with patch clamp electrophysiology. Strong background in neuroscience or physiology is required. Experience with photometry or optogenetics and mouse behavior is advantageous.

Dr. Sargin’s research group is a part of the Department of Psychology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute and the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education. Our group is in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary and international research environment that provides opportunities to develop new skills and collaborations. Our lab, department and university are committed to fostering and enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome all applicants of diverse backgrounds.

To apply, please send a cover letter describing research background and interests along with a CV to Dr. Derya Sargin at derya.sargin@ucalgary.ca

Contact information

derya.sargin@ucalgary.ca

Posting end date

2022/10/21

Assistant Professor Position in Developmental Biology – Brock University

About Brock University

Brock University is located on the Traditional Territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples. This Territory is covered by the One Dish One Spoon Wampum Agreement and the Upper Canada Treaties. We express our gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working with Indigenous people. In all that we do, Brock University strives to honour and support the Indigenous peoples of whose Traditional Territory Brock University is located. Our commitment to Reconciliation and Decolonization are one of four strategic priorities of Brock’s 2018-2025 Strategic Plan. These priorities include fostering a culture of inclusivity, accessibility, reconciliation and decolonization. At Brock, “we believe that a diverse and welcoming learning  community is built upon the foundation of exceptional students, faculty, staff and alumni. This requires that Brock be attractive and welcoming to people of all identities and accepting of the unique histories and experiences of Indigenous people within the Canadian state.”

The Brock University experience is second to none in Canada. Located in historic Niagara region, Brock offers all the benefits of a young and modern university in a safe, community-minded city, with beautiful natural surroundings. With over 19,000 students and more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in seven diverse Faculties, Brock excels at providing exceptional experiential learning opportunities and highly rated student and campus life experiences.

 Our Geography

Brock University’s main campus is situated atop the Niagara Escarpment, within a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, overlooking the city of St. Catharines, in the heart of Niagara wine country. The Niagara region is dotted with landmarks that recognize our nation’s history and features breathtaking natural beauty and world-famous attractions. St. Catharines is home to vibrant arts and entertainment venues, and is a short drive from Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Buffalo, New York. With one of the warmest climates in Canada, clean, safe communities, and surprisingly affordable real estate, Niagara is an exceptional location to call home.

What We Offer

Brock University offers competitive salary and benefits, and ample support for research and sabbaticals. Research resources include conference support, start-up funding, subscriptions to major databases, and access to various research funding vehicles. For candidates considering relocation, moving expenses will be administered according to the Collective Agreement.

 About the Position

The Department of Biological Sciences at Brock University invites applications for a tenure-track position in  Developmental Biology, at the rank of Assistant Professor. Applicants should possess a Ph.D. in Biology or closely related field, with a minimum of 2 years of post-doctoral experience. Applicants should have a strong track record of scientific and research excellence as well as demonstrated strength in teaching and research supervision. The establishment of a successful, externally funded research program with supervision of undergraduate and graduate students is expected.

Applications from diverse research areas of developmental biology using either invertebrate or vertebrate animal model systems are welcome. Current interests in the department include, but are not restricted to, evolutionary development, developmental neuroscience, and regenerative biology. We encourage applications from candidates who perform innovative and rigorous research in developmental biology at the genetic, molecular, cellular, or organismal level, and who will apply unique approaches to address fundamental questions that further our understanding of animal development.

 About the Department

The Department of Biological Sciences at Brock University is a diverse department with extensive cross- disciplinary collaborations. The successful applicant will be expected to contribute to teaching within the Department of Biological Sciences, including upper year courses in developmental biology. More information about the department can be found at: http://www.brocku.ca/mathematics-science/departments-and- centres/biology). Interested candidates are invited to submit a letter of application, a curriculum vitae, a statement outlining their current and proposed research program (maximum 3 pages), up to 3 recent publications, and a one- page statement of teaching philosophy (and any evidence of teaching performance) in electronic format via the online application system here. A single file PDF upload is preferable, but please note that a file maximum of 5MB per attachment exists.

Applicants should also arrange for up to three letters of academic reference to be sent electronically to Brittany Kalbfleisch at bkalbfleisch@brocku.ca (within 2 weeks following the application deadline). Complete applications received by August 31st, 2022, will receive full consideration (reference letters will be accepted until September 15th 2022). The start date for the position is negotiable but could be as early as January 1st, 2023. The availability of this position is subject to final budgetary approval. Inquiries can be directed to A. Necakov, Biological Sciences, 905-688-5550 x3829, Email: anecakov@brocku.ca.

Applications should be submitted electronically through the Brock Careers website at the following link:

https://brocku.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/brocku_careers/job/St-Catharines-Main-Campus/Tenure-Track– Assistant-Professor-Position-in-Developmental-Biology_JR-1012809

Our Commitment

Brock University is actively committed to diversity and the principles of employment equity and invites applications from all qualified candidates. Women, Aboriginal peoples, members of visible minorities, people with disabilities and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) persons are encouraged to apply and to voluntarily self-identify as a member of a designated group as part of their application. LGBTQ is an umbrella category and shall be read to include two-spirited people. Candidates who wish to be considered as a member of one or more designated groups can fill out the Self-Identification questions included in the questionnaire at the time of application.

Brock University recently paused its COVID-19 vaccination and mask requirement although this decision is subject to change on short notice should the public health situation require it. If the University once again requires all employees working on campus and/or in-person with other employees, students, or members of the public to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you will be required to submit proof of vaccination. Those who meet specific and limited medical or human rights accommodation criteria may be required to participate in rapid antigen testing and enhanced screening protocols.

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

We will accommodate the needs of the applicants and the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the selection process, as outlined in the Employment Accommodation Policy https://brocku.ca/policies/wp-content/uploads/sites/94/Employment- Accommodation-Policy.pdf. Please advise: talent@brocku.ca to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated through this process. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

We appreciate all applications received; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. At this time, initial interviews will be conducted virtually.

Learn more about Brock University by visiting www.brocku.ca.

 

Contact information

https://brocku.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/brocku_careers/job/St-Catharines-Main-Campus/Tenure-Track– Assistant-Professor-Position-in-Developmental-Biology_JR-1012809

Inquiries can be directed to

A. Necakov, Biological Sciences, 905-688-5550 x3829, Email: anecakov@brocku.ca.

Posting end date : 2022/09/15

Postdoctoral Fellow – Behavioral Neuroscience/Drug Discovery, University of Toronto

The Martin Lab (www.martinpainlab.com) in the Department of Psychology at the University of Toronto is recruiting a full-time postdoctoral fellow in the area of Behavioral Neuroscience to screen novel small molecule therapies based on psychedelics and related compounds for mental health disorders. Initial experiments will require the candidate to establish an automated head-twitch detection system to assess novel compounds aimed at the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. The laboratory has an extensive global network of academic, industrial, and governmental collaborators. Our group offers a highly dynamic, collaborative, innovative research environment with state-of-the-art technology and instruments.

This position is in partnership with Dalriada Drug Discovery (www.dalriadatx.com), a small molecule drug discovery company supporting global innovators through its TURN-KEY™ model. With all R&D operations in Mississauga, Canada, Dalriada has built expert teams in MedChem, Biology and ADME to allow for the most rapid project advancements and value building.

Job description

There is a significant opportunity for improved next-generation therapies to address mental health disorders. The past several years have yielded a massive amount of preclinical and clinical knowledge regarding using psychedelic and related compounds to treat these disorders. There is a significant opportunity to deliver enhanced small molecule therapies building on the existing and emerging knowledge of psychedelics’ mechanism of action. The successful candidate will develop and lead a research project that tests the biological effects of novel small molecule therapeutics based on psychedelics.

 

Position start date: Immediately

Job site: University of Toronto, 3359 Mississauga Rd, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6

Status: Full-time, 12-24 months contract

 

Desired Skills and experience

The candidate should have completed their Ph.D. degree in Behavioral Neuroscience, Biology, Psychology, Pharmacology, or a related discipline. The successful candidate will be a highly motivated, goal-oriented and self-driven individual ready to work independently and in a team environment. The ideal candidate has experience using rodent models to support preclinical development and screening of drug candidates.

 

Required:

  • Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience, Biology, Psychology, Pharmacology, or related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of neuroscience with a background in receptor pharmacology
  • Collection, analysis and interpretation of data sets and proposal of follow-up experiments based on data trends
  • Troubleshoot and optimize automated behavioural analyses. Familiarity with DeepLabCut or a similar platform would be an asset but is unnecessary.
  • Track record of academic excellence
  • Strong skills in written and oral communication
  • Ability to work effectively independently and as a team member is a prerequisite.

Interested candidates are asked to submit a CV and a cover letter to lj.martin@utoronto.ca with the subject line “Martin-Dalriada Postdoctoral Fellowship application.”

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Please apply by September 1, 2022. Only successful applicants will be contacted for an interview.

This position is open to Canadian citizens, Permanent Residents and International Applicants.

The University of Toronto is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to achieving accessibility by providing accommodation for people with disabilities during our hiring process. Accommodation is available on request for qualified candidates during the recruitment process.

Contact information

Loren Martin, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, University of Toronto Mississauga
Canada Research Chair in Translational Pain Research
Department of Psychology, CCT Building, Room 4061
3359 Mississauga Rd, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6
PH (office): 905-569-5784, PH (lab): 905-828-3785,
Web: www.martinpainlab.com, Email: lj.martin@utoronto.ca

Neurophysiology graduate student position at the University of Victoria, BC

We are inviting applications for a Master’s or PhD student position to study synaptic neurophysiology at the University of Victoria, in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The selected candidate will join the team of Dr. Raad Nashmi’s laboratory.

Our lab is interested in understanding how cholinergic neurons affect the excitability and plasticity of neural circuits in the brain. To achieve this our lab employs a variety of techniques including whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of mouse brain slice tissue, optogenetics, UV uncaging of neurotransmitters and the study of mouse behaviours. Ultimately, we are interested in how specific neural circuit activity in the brain control or modulate specific behaviours. The Master’s or PhD candidate will examine how different neurotransmitter systems, including the cholinergic system, modifies the function of substantia nigral neurons in a spatial and temporal manner.

Applicants should have taken courses at the undergraduate or graduate level in physiology and/or neuroscience. Experience with electrophysiology would be an asset but is not necessary.

The University of Victoria is a research intensive university located on Vancouver Island in the city of Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. Greater Victoria region has a population of 397,000 and has all the amenities common to major Canadian cities. Victoria and its surrounding local areas boast breathtaking natural scenery and a mild climate, making it one of the most desirable destinations in Canada.

Please contact Raad Nashmi, raad@uvic.ca, with a resume or CV, a copy of your university transcripts and a brief explanation of your research interests.

Contact information
Raad Nashmi

raad@uvic.ca

Postdoctoral Position in Neurobiology of Pain, McGill University

A postdoctoral position is available in the Alan Edwards Pain Management Unit and the Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain (AECRP) at McGill University under the supervision of Drs. Yoram Shir and Arkady Khoutorsky. We are looking for an independent and motivated researcher to work on multiple projects related to the role of the gut microbiome in different chronic pain conditions. The projects involve both clinical and basic science approaches, with the goal to characterize changes in the gut microbiome in chronic pain in humans, investigate the role of these changes in mediating pain and related co-morbidities, and develop strategies targeting the microbiome to alleviate pain. More details can be found here: https://www.mcgill.ca/painresearch/yoram-shir, http://arkady-khoutorsky.lab.mcgill.ca/ and https://www.mcgill.ca/painresearch/amir-minerbi .

The AECRP at McGill University hosts numerous clinical and basis science researchers covering a wide range of interests and expertise in the field of pain and creating a highly stimulating environment. Montreal is a vibrant, cosmopolitan, and affordable city with one of the strongest neuroscience communities in North America.

Highly motivated and independent individuals with a solid publication record are encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to candidates with experience in pain and/or microbiome research. The position would involve work on several basic science and clinical projects as part of a multidisciplinary team. Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills are required.

Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, a CV, and names & contact information of at least two referees to Yoram.Shir.med@ssss.gouv.qc.ca, arkady.khoutorsky@mcgill.ca.

Postdoctoral or Research Associate position available — University of Toronto

The Martin Lab (www.martinpainlab.com) in the Department of Psychology at the University of Toronto has a postdoctoral position available for an independent, highly motivated, and enthusiastic individual to study the synaptic basis and circuits of complex behaviour. The successful candidate will join a vibrant, highly collaborative, dynamic well-funded laboratory located on the Mississauga Campus of the University of Toronto.

The long-term objectives of our lab are to study and understand the endogenous mechanisms of pain modulation by social and cognitive factors. We are especially interested in the associations formed during the pain experience and use classical conditioning approaches to understand the learning mechanisms of pain sensitivity and pain relief as well as the contribution of fear to pain processing (Martin et al., 2019, Curr Biol). The candidate will use a combination of viral tract tracing, electrophysiology, and optical techniques to identify the cellular and circuit mechanisms that control pain following conditioning to noxious stimuli and analgesic drugs.

Qualified postdoctoral candidates should have experience with mouse models, viral vectors, in vitro (patch-clamp) electrophysiological techniques, in vivo optogenetics or fibre photometry. Experience with molecular biology and/or immunohistochemistry are strong assets. Strong background in R language and using R packages to analyze connectome data. Familiarity with Python/MATLAB for spike and waveform analysis is also advantageous.

To apply, please send a brief statement of research interests, CV, and contact information for 3 references to

lj.martin@utoronto.ca.
Contact information Loren J. Martin, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, University of Toronto Mississauga
Tier II Canada Research Chair in Translational Pain Research
Department of Psychology, CCT Building, Room 4065
3359 Mississauga Rd, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6