Close-up of a senior African American couple sleeping together in bedroom at home
Research team at Université de Montréal offers insights that may help both detect and treat the disease among patients in the future
Issue
More than 750,000 Canadians are living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This complex neurodegenerative condition destroys brain cells and causes a gradual deterioration of memory and thinking.
Research
A key feature of AD is the development of plaques composed of amyloid beta proteins inside the brain. Researchers at Université de Montréal are studying how fragments of these proteins initially affect neurons in the hippocampus, which blocks communication between neurons and disrupt sleep patterns.
Impact
This research could provide new ways to diagnose and monitor the progression of AD. It may also support the use of new interventions that help improve sleep as a treatment for the disease.
In a research 5 à 7 presented by Queen’s University, Dr. Stephen Scott, Professor and Incoming Vice Dean Research for Queen’s Health Sciences, presents his invention: Kinarm. Trained in systems designs engineering, and with a background in physiology, Dr. Scott has combined two areas of expertise into something incredible. Kinarm is used to assess neurological impairments related to stroke, MS, ALS, Transient Ischemic Attacks, Parkinson’s disease, kidney dialysis, and more.
Co-hosted by the Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences and the Canadian Association for Neuroscience
On Monday, April 25, the Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences and the Canadian Association for Neuroscience welcomed the Honourable Senator Stan Kutcher for a session on science policy and advice.
Key takeaways:
Scientists must engage in advocacy, it is an important part of their job
We need more scientists in Parliament.
In the absence of more scientists in Parliament, we need scientists and researchers to advocate on behalf of their communities, and highlight the important work they are doing.
We have to help politicians understand how science is part of everything we do, and how if we don’t invest in basic science, we don’t have the tools and products required to improve people’s health and lives.
Scientists and researchers need to be their own champions, and try to find other long-term science champions both in the House of Commons and in the Senate.
We need to highlight how government investments need to be in creating a “science enterprise”, so that young people will want to stay in Canada instead of going elsewhere, or being put off from doing scientific research all together.
It takes constant, repeated, and clear messaging. Fundamental science is a long-game, and communicating its impacts to politicians is a long-game.
Canada’s scientists need to trumpet their successes more. While mainstream media doesn’t have as many scientific journalists as it used to, science communicators need to step up to fill the void and to tell the story of science.
Posting Number: F325P Type of position: Tenure Stream Department/Unit: Pharmacology Location: Halifax
About the opportunity
The Department of Pharmacology at Dalhousie University is seeking to fill a tenure-stream position in the area of neuropharmacology with an anticipated start date of September 2022 (negotiable). The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain a strong externally funded research program and to teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The Department of Pharmacology maintains a strong research profile across a wide range of health-related fields. Neuropharmacological areas of interest within the Department include the endocannabinoid system, neuropeptides, cytokines, prostaglandins, and ion channel modulators. Information on the research activities of the Department of Pharmacology can be found at https://medicine.dal.ca/departments/department-sites/pharmacology/research.html
Dalhousie University provides exceptional opportunities for neuroscience research. This includes strong links with research groups with a focus on neuroscience including the Atlantic Mobility Action Project (AMAP), Dalhousie Pain Network, and Brain Repair Centre that links Neuroscience research across a number of Faculties at Dalhousie and across the Atlantic region.
The successful applicant will have a PhD, or equivalent, and postdoctoral experience (at least two years preferred). Candidates should have a demonstrated record of, and potential for, high-quality research, teaching, and administrative service commensurate with their career stage. The successful candidate will have expertise in pharmacology, preferably in research areas related to systems neuroscience including pain, neuroinflammation, psychiatric or neurodegenerative disorders. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in neuromolecular pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, or pharmacokinetics.
Applicants should indicate their research alignment with neuropharmacology and strategic areas within the Faculty of Medicine and in particular, the potential for research interactions with the Brain Repair centre (https://www.brainrepair.ca), Infection, Immunity, Inflammation and Vaccinology (I3V https://dalhousiei3v.com), and The Institute for Comparative Genomics (ICG) (https://icgenomics.ca/).
A complete application will include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a two-page (max) statement outlining your research program (highlighting the potential for attracting research funding), a teaching dossier, including a two page statement of teaching interests including how equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility is embedded in your teaching philosophy. Two academic references will be requested for short-listed candidates.
Interested candidates, please apply by clicking “Apply for this job” on this webpage Review of applications will commence May 16, 2022 and continue until the position has been filled.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Dalhousie University is committed to fostering a collegial culture grounded in diversity and inclusiveness. The university encourages applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), persons with a disability, racialized persons, including persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians),women, persons of a minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. For more information, please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity.
In accordance with Dalhousie’s vaccination requirements, you will be required to provide proof of full vaccination or may seek an accommodation from Dalhousie’s vaccine requirements on grounds protected under provincial human rights legislation. Visit the Campus Check website for more information.
The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB), in the College of Biological Science (CBS) at the University of Guelph (U of G) invites outstanding applications for a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) opportunity in Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Disease. The appointment will be a full-time tenured position normally at the rank of Associate or Full Professor. The CRC Tier 1 program is one of Canada’s most prestigious Research Chair programs, and this position will be funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), whose mission is to support the discoveries and innovations that improve our health and strengthen our health care system, consistent with the U of G mission “To Improve Life”. The program is designed to attract leading scientists and scholars. A CRC Tier I Chair is awarded for a seven-year term and can be renewed once. For more details, visit the CRC program.
The proposed CRC Tier I (CIHR) in Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Disease will be a position of strategic importance to the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, the College of Biological Science and the University of Guelph. Intersecting with important research themes in the University’s Strategic Research Plan, including fundamental science and its application and animal and human health and wellbeing, this position will also advance the rapidly growing program in One Health at U of G. The proposed CRC will be open to researchers studying any prokaryotic or eukaryotic system, and research in infectious diseases, cancer or neurological disorders represent priority areas. This position will thus enhance existing excellence at the University of Guelph in the realm of cellular/molecular basis of disease and connect multiple departments and colleges, which are home to research programs spanning cardiac and kidney disease, tumour progression, neurological pathologies, nutrition, microbial communities and antimicrobial resistance, and intersect with programs in translational disease research. New knowledge arising from these programs is already leading to the development of novel approaches to combat disease, and the proposed CRC will be critical to continue the forward momentum in this regard.
The successful candidate will join a dynamic, multidisciplinary, research-intensive department with 44 faculty members who study diverse biological systems at levels from molecules to cells. The Department is the home of undergraduate programs in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology & Genetics, Neuroscience, and contributes to programs in Biological Science, Biomedical Science, and Plant Science. Graduate training activities include programs offering M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Molecular and Cellular Biology, and a Master of Biotechnology degree. Faculty members also participate in cross-department programs, including Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Neuroscience, Plant Science, and Toxicology. The successful applicant will be expected to develop a creative and independent research program, sustained by external funding from national/provincial agencies, and contribute to undergraduate and graduate training. The CRC holder must be an outstanding and innovative world-class researcher whose accomplishments have made a major impact in their field; be recognized internationally as leaders in their field; have a proven track record of sustained extramurally funded cutting-edge research; and a superior record of attracting and supervising graduate students and postdoctoral fellows (taking into account different practices in the relevant field or discipline). As a chairholder, the successful candidate will be expected to develop an original, innovative research program of the highest quality; attract CIHR and other Tri-Agency funding; take leadership on large, competitive, collaborative grants; develop and retain excellent trainees; contribute to innovative and effective knowledge translation and transfer activities in collaboration with collegiate and institutional research offices, and be a prominent leader in CBS and at the U of G.
The College of Biological Science and the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology value equity, diversity, and inclusion, based on the principles that every person has a right to equal treatment and that we are strengthened by diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. The Department aims to foster a diverse and inclusive environment by continuous and active engagement of all department members and to remove barriers faced by equity-seeking groups. The Department prioritizes the creation, support and maintenance of a learning, research, and work environment that is free from discriminatory and intimidating behaviour. The CRC holder is expected to have a strong track record of mentorship in equitable and inclusive research environments. The Chair is expected to establish a diverse research team and create an inclusive environment that enables all members to reach their full research potential. The CRC holder should also have a track record of providing opportunities for equity-deserving groups.
While this is a research-intensive appointment, the successful candidate is expected to contribute to undergraduate and graduate education in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (however, a reduced teaching assignment will be in place during the 7-year term of the Chair and the potential renewal). Outstanding researchers and scholars who are international leaders in their field are invited to apply. Candidates must be full professors or associate professors that are expected to be promoted to full professor within one or two years of the nomination. Alternatively, if they come from outside the academic sector, candidates must possess the qualifications necessary to be appointed at these levels. Candidates must be from one or more of the following equity-seeking groups to apply: women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and racialized groups. Salary is negotiable and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Positions are subject to review and final approval by the CRC Secretariat. Review of applications and nominations will begin on May 31st, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.
Please consult the CRC program for full program information, including details on eligibility.
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 more than 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 May 31, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should submit the following materials (as a single PDF file):
1. A 1-2 page cover letter that identifies:
The alignment of the applicant’s research with the area of Cellular and Molecular Mechanism of Disease, the Department’s research activities, and the University of Guelph’s Strategic Research Plan.
An overview of the applicant’s plan for the structure of their research team.
The applicant’s anticipated infrastructure and space requirements.
2. A full curriculum vitae.
3. An Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion statement (one-page) that describes the candidate’s positionality and the impacts of their intersectional identities on their research program.
4. A five-page (maximum) statement that includes:
An overview of the applicant’s research proposal, including knowledge mobilization and any innovation activities.
How the proposed research embeds EDI considerations at each stage of the research process.
Alignment with U of G’s existing or emerging areas of research strength.
Potential to collaborate with other researchers at the U of G.
Social and economic benefits for Canada that will result from the research program and contribution and fit to the research ecosystem in Canada and internationally.
5. The names and email addresses of 3 arm’s length referees who are prepared to submit a letter of recommendation on request. Letters of reference will only be requested for candidates who are shortlisted.
The application materials should be submitted by May 31, 2022 to:
Dr. Marc Coppolino Chair Molecular and Cellular Biology College of Biological Science University of Guelph Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Email: mcbchair@uoguelph.ca
The CRC program is committed to excellence in research and research training and is promoting exemplary practices with respect to equity and diversity. The goals of research excellence can only be met when equity and diversity are integrated into the research initiative. The CRC program reflects the federal government’s commitment to equity and diversity in employment. It aims to ensure the appropriate representation of women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples and racialized persons.
The University of Guelph recognizes that an inclusive campus and a culture of inclusion (https://uoguel.ph/ox2p9) is an institutional and social imperative. Acknowledging the University’s diverse population and ensuring that every member of an inclusive campus is a valued contributor is a foundational pillar of a successful post-secondary institution. The University of Guelph is committed to an Employment Equity Program that includes special measures to address the underrepresentation of individuals from four groups designated by the Employment Equity Act (women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and racialized groups) within its allocation of Canada Research Chairs. For this search, the University seeks applications only from these 4 designated groups.
Collection of self-identification data is a requirement of the CRC Program, and all applicants to CRC positions are required to complete the University’s self-identification form, the Applicant Tracking Questionnaire. The questionnaire includes an option “prefer not to answer.” Self-identification information is collected by the Office of Diversity and Human Rights (ODHR) in support of the University’s employment equity program. All self-identification specifics of candidates will be kept confidential by the ODHR.
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.
If you require a medical accommodation during the recruitment or selection process, please contact Occupational Health and Wellness at 519-824-4120 x52674.
Applications are invited from qualified individuals for a tenure-track faculty position in Neuroscience within the Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences https://wcvm.usask.ca/departments/bio-medical.php of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Applicants engaged in all research areas of Neuroscience are encouraged to apply, but Neuroscience at the Behavioural or Systems level that could be relevant to veterinary medicine is of particular interest. The ideal candidate would be able to engage with existing research strengths in the department and teach important Neuroscience curriculum that has clinical correlation to the veterinary medicine program.
The department comprises multiple research foci including Reproductive Health, Neuroscience and Behaviour, Anatomy/Morphology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Molecular Biology and Organ Pathophysiology. The ideal candidate should be able to utilize innovative multidisciplinary and translational approaches that intersect with the research foci of faculty in the department and thus build on our strengths of collaborative and interdisciplinary teaching, research and service related to the health and disease of animals. To that end the WCVM houses an Animal Care Unit, an Imaging Centre including live imaging, confocal, and electron microscopes, an ultrasound imaging station, a Cytation-5 High-throughput Cell Imaging Multi-Mode Reader and access to a variety of other research facilities (https://wcvm.usask.ca/research/all-facilities.php). The University of Saskatchewan is also home to the Neuroscience Research Cluster (https://neuroscience.usask.ca/) and the Cameco MS Neuroscience Research Centre (https://medicine.usask.ca/centres/cameco.php#About).
The Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM; http://www.usask.ca/wcvm/index.php) is the premier centre for veterinary medical education and expertise in western Canada. More than 250 undergraduate students are enrolled at the internationally recognized college that also includes the Veterinary Medical Centre, a state-of-the-art primary care and referral hospital; the BJ Hughes Centre for Clinical Learning; and Prairie Diagnostic Services, providing expertise in support of animal health diagnostics, teaching and disease surveillance.
The University of Saskatchewan has the widest array of health science colleges in Canada, including the WCVM, College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, and School of Public Health. Collaborative opportunities exist with these and other facilities on campus including the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), InterVac (International Vaccine Centre), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Canadian Light Source and Canada’s national synchrotron facility, Environment Canada, the Toxicology Centre, the School of Environment and Sustainability.
The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. The University of Saskatchewan is in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, a 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 24,000.
Qualifications
Applicants must have a PhD in Neurosciences. A DVM would also be an asset. Postdoctoral research experience and teaching experience would be ideal.
Salary bands for this position are as follows: Assistant Professor: $98,178 to $117,978; Associate Professor: $117,978 to $137,778. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
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 a cover letter outlining their qualifications and suitability for the position, a detailed curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests, plans and their intersection with department strengths (max 3 pages), a teaching philosophy statement (1 page), a statement on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) summarizing the candidate’s experiences with EDI and how those experiences will enhance the department (1 page), and contact information for three references. Appropriately signed electronic or paper-based applications should be sent to:
Daniel J MacPhee, Associate Professor and Head Dept. of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences University of Saskatchewan 52 Campus Drive Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4 Canada E-mail: cheryl.hack@usask.ca
Review of applications will begin August 15, 2022, though applications will be accepted and evaluated until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is January 1, 2023.
The University of Saskatchewan is strongly committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that empowers all employees to reach their full potential. All members of the university community share a responsibility for developing and maintaining an environment in which differences are valued and inclusiveness is practiced. The university welcomes applications from those who will contribute to the diversity of our community. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
This is a 2-year opportunity, with benefits package included, and possibility of renewal for 4 additional years. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
About Us
With an international reputation for success, Western University ranks as one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research – Institute of Aging (CIHR-IA) is one of thirteen Institutes of the CIHR, Canada’s health research investment agency. The Institute’s mandate is the aging person in an aging society, and the effects of different diseases and conditions on aging. With this mandate, the Institute has a vision to position Canada as a leader in the creation of knowledge through health research that benefits all Canadians and the global community.
About the Role
Working with the Scientific Director and Assistant Director of the CIHR-IA, the Program Director plays the critical role of providing leadership for all aspects of initiatives and programs relating to Brain Health and Cognitive Impairment in Aging. The Director builds relationships and networks through outreach and partnership development with national and international stakeholders, and will facilitate the development of large funding initiatives and provide input on the allocation of resources within research programs and initiatives. The Program Director also convenes and leads the Dementia Research Alliance, and work related to the research component of the first National Dementia Strategy released by the Government of Canada in 2019.
About You
As our ideal candidate, you are a strategic partner, advisor, and project leader with a background in brain health, dementia and Alzheimer’s research and knowledge of the Canadian landscape in this research area. You also have familiarity with peer-review granting systems and regulations governing research. In addition, you have influential communication and interpersonal skills that allow you to develop partnerships and networks of contacts, which in turn enable you to be on the cutting edge of emerging opportunities. You enjoy working in a dynamic, complex environment. You are also a creative problem solver, with the ability to use imaginative approaches, supporting by constructive thinking and innovation. You have a Master’s degree in Biomedical Science or a related discipline (a PhD in the area of brain health and dementia is preferred), which you complement with your experience in research administration, partnership development, and leadership of research programs.
Contact information
Please visit: https://recruit.uwo.ca to apply online to job reference #24915 by midnight on May 13, 2022.
The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, Black persons, members of racialized groups, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwo.ca or phone 519-661-2194.
The Canadian Association for Neuroscience recognizes key investments that were made to support targeted research areas in budget 2022 but calls on the government to provide broader support to the Canadian scientific community through increased funding for fundamental research. We are specifically disappointed with the lack of increased support for non-targeted, hypothesis-driven & investigator-led research funded through Tri-Agency – Canadian Institutes of Health Research – CIHR, Natural Science and Engineering Research Council – NSERC, and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council -SSHRC). Continue reading →
The Canadian Association for Neuroscience is extremely proud to present Dr. Boris Bernhardt, Assistant Professor in Neurology and Neurosurgery at McGill University, with the 2022 CAN New Investigator Award. Dr. Boris Bernhardt is a Tier-2 Canada Research Chair in Cognitive Neuroinformatics and leads the multimodal imaging and connectome analysis laboratory (http://mica-mni.github.io) at the McConnell Brain Imaging Centre (BIC) of the Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital (The Neuro).
Dr. Boris Bernhardt is recognized internationally for his research that seeks to better understand human brain organization, brain development, and neural mechanisms of human cognition across different spatial and temporal scales. His research integrates cutting edge in vivo neuroimaging, network science, histology, and transcriptomics approaches. He is one of the pioneers of an emerging system neuroscience field to study large-scale gradients – spatially organized patterns of brain microarchitecture, connectivity, and function– and to examine their role in human cognition. His research has contributed to the growing understanding of how multiscale network anomalies contribute to atypical brain function and cognitive difficulties in common conditions, notably in epilepsy and autism.
Physiotherapist assisting a patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
After 12 years of research, Dr. Richard Robitaille is hopeful that we’ll soon have a treatment to help people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) regain mobility.
A new clinical trial is set to start soon, thanks to a $1-million grant from the American ALS Association announced just before Christmas. “I’m still in shock! For me, this grant is recognition of years of hard work,” said Robitaille, a full professor in the Department of Neurosciences in the University of Montreal’s Faculty of Medicine. “Now we will be able to run clinical trials on patients with ALS and ultimately use what we learn to help others suffering from the disease.”
