Congratulations to Antoni Klonowski from Brandon, Manitoba, who won the third place for Canada at the 2021 International Brain Bee competition, held virtually November 5-8, 2021. The IBB is the world’s premier neuroscience competition for teenagers. Continue reading
Author: Julie
Tenure-Track Position in Behavioural Neuroscience, Concordia University
The Department of Psychology at Concordia University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the assistant professor level in behavioural neuroscience. Duties include research, teaching at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, and service to the institution. The ideal candidate will conduct innovative research using animal models to study the neural mechanisms of behaviour, and how this process changes across the life span. The successful candidate will apply multidisciplinary and translational approaches to identify key cellular processes controlling the brain. This position builds on existing strengths in research on addiction, motivation, cognition, learning and memory, biological rhythms and neurophysiology at Concordia University. The successful candidate will become a full member of The Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology and will have access to state-of-the-art facilities at Concordia University, including the PERFORM center, the Center for Microscopy and Cell Imaging, and the Center for Biological Applications of Mass Spectrometry.
Concordia University is strongly committed to achieving equity, diversity and inclusion throughout the institution and recognizes the value of achieving inclusive excellence in both teaching and research contexts.
Candidates must have completed their PhD in Psychology, Neuroscience or a relevant field or be near completion at the start date of the appointment. The main criteria for selection are scholarly and teaching excellence and a demonstrated commitment to supporting our department’s equitable and inclusive learning environments. The successful candidate will provide evidence of high-quali ty scholarly output that demonstrates the potential for independent research leading to peer-assessed publications and the securing of external research funding, as well as strong potential for outstanding teaching contributions at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The department values diversity among its faculty and strongly encourages applications from women and members of underrepresented groups. The language of instruction at Concordia is English, but a working knowledge of French is an asset.
Details of the application process can be found on this website:
https://www.concordia.ca/artsci/about/jobs/tenure-track-appointments/2021/assistant-professor-behavioural-neuroscience.html
CAN advocacy award winner: Who can become a scientist?
CAN is proud to support the “Who can become a scientist?” workshop
Description of event
Who can become a scientist? is a workshop for a high school age audience. The workshop is approximately 1.5 hours and is currently in a virtual format. The program is led by a team of dedicated undergraduate and graduate volunteers, and pairs module-based education about equity diversity and inclusion issues in science along with audience-participation activities. The workshop begins with a ~25 min interactive introduction, that includes participants being asked to participate in a poll regarding their career interests and to draw or write a description of a scientist (not for sharing with the group just for their own reference). This is followed by a number of self and pair/small group reflection-type questions and then leads into 3 optional modules, titled:
- Getting inspired by role models: “If you can see it, you can be it!”
- Leveraging support from mentors
- Advocating for equity, diversity, and inclusion
Target audience / Outreach potential
The target audience is high school age students, but could be adapted to broaden the scope. We expect to reach between 50 and 200 high school age students in this first year.
Main objective of event
To promote the awareness and importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in science.
Organizer(s)
The idea for the workshop was sparked by a discussion about equity, diversity and inclusion amongst members of the Swayne lab at the University of Victoria. Over the past year, the workshop has been developed by a collaborative group including members the Swayne lab, University of Victoria faculty members, and students at the University of Victoria together with the local chapter of Let’s Talk Science, with input and feedback from the University of Victoria Office of Equity and Human Rights.
Developers & Organizers:
Leigh Anne Swayne
Rebecca Candlish
Juan Sanchez-Arias
Emma van der Slagt
Afnan Juma
Dzifa Dordunoo
Jane Gair
Moussa Magassa
Elisa Gonçalves de Andrade
Simone St. Louis Anderson
Melissa Mills
Hannah Richards
Crystal Washington
U of T research linking music to brain function could lead to promising therapies: CNN
A University of Toronto and Unity Health Toronto study found that listening to songs with special meaning for the listener improves brain function in patients with early Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment, CNN reported.
Senior author Michael Thaut, director of U of T’s Music and Health Science Research Collaboratory and a professor in the Faculty of Music and Temerty Faculty of Medicine, told the U.S. news outlet that “listening to music with special meaning stimulated neural pathways in the brain that helped them maintain higher levels of functioning.”
“Whether you’re a lifelong musician or have never even played an instrument, music is an access key to your memory, your pre-frontal cortex,” said Thaut in a statement to CNN. “It’s simple — keep listening to the music that you’ve loved all your life. Your all-time favourite songs, those pieces that are especially meaningful to you – make that your brain gym.”
The research – published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease in November 2021 – could lead to promising music therapies for patients with early Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment.
Read more at CNN
Read more at U of T News
Dean, Faculty of Science, Carleton University
Ready for a New Challenge?
Carleton University invites applications, nominations and expressions of interest for the position of Dean, Faculty of Science, with the appointment to be effective July 1, 2022. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a Faculty that prides itself on being a discovery and innovation leader. Carleton’s Faculty of Science is committed to student success and encourages a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity. The Faculty of Science is actively developing new programs and initiatives as part of its ongoing commitment to increasing the awareness and appreciation of science in society and to build connections between the fields of science and policy.
Located in Ottawa, Carleton University is a dynamic research and teaching institution with a tradition of leading change. Its internationally recognized faculty, staff and researchers provide over 30,000 full- and part-time students from every province in Canada and more than 100 countries around the world with academic opportunities in numerous academic programs. Additional information about the university and its Strategic Integrated Plan is available at carleton.ca.
About Carleton’s Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science offers more than 50 areas of discovery-based learning at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels and encompasses 11 departments, institutes and schools. Research-intensive, diverse and collegial, the Faculty of Science is committed to encouraging a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity. This active community is comprised of almost 6,500 students (including more than 600 graduate students), 206 faculty and 108 staff. The Faculty of Science is committed to maintaining a strong faculty and staff complement. More than 35% of the faculty were hired in the last 10 years and student enrolment has nearly doubled.
The Faculty of Science has generated more than $85 million in research funding over the last five years. Faculty members are engaged in exciting fundamental and applied research that ranges from depression treatments to data science to dark matter, and collaborate with federal government research laboratories, museums, libraries, and high-technology industries in the Ottawa area, nationally and internationally. Researchers in physics are leading efforts on large-scale projects to search for dark matter at SNOLAB and to upgrade detectors at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN in Geneva. These initiatives are funded by the CFI innovation fund and the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF). A 34,500 square foot addition to the Life Sciences Research Building is home for the new Institute for Advanced Research and Innovation in Smart Environments (ARISE), which fosters interdisciplinary research with all five of Carleton’s Faculties.
Carleton recently boosted its innovation outreach by becoming a founding academic partner in Hub350, a new state-of-the-art global technology centre in Canada’s largest tech park in Kanata North. This fall, the university also launched the Innovation Hub, a cross-Faculty venture to foster creativity and entrepreneurship and encourage students to collaborate on multidisciplinary solutions to societal challenges. Additional information about the Faculty of Science is available at science.carleton.ca
About the Position
Reporting to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), the Dean of the Faculty of Science is a member of Carleton’s senior administration who provides visionary leadership, strategic direction and administrative oversight. The new Dean will lead the Faculty of Science to promote excellence in teaching and research and advance academic innovation and cross-disciplinary initiatives.
The successful candidate will be an accomplished researcher with demonstrated success in post-secondary education and administration. The new Dean will be able to promote excellence, equity, diversity and inclusion amongst all faculty, staff and students, while maintaining and enhancing collaborative ties with a range of internal and external partners. Having proven academic leadership experience and a record of building strong teams and promoting interdisciplinary activities, the new Dean will possess an open and collegial style, a creative approach to problem solving, the ability to identify new sources of funding, and outstanding management, communication and interpersonal skills.
Carleton University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our University including, but not limited to, women; visible minorities; First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples; persons with disabilities; and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expressions. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
Contact information
The search committee will begin consideration of candidates immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications should include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae and the names of three references (who will not be contacted without the consent of the candidate) and be submitted electronically, in confidence, to:
Laverne Smith & Associates Inc.
CarletonScience@lavernesmith.com
Lecturer in Neurobiology – University of Otago, New Zealand
DIVISION of SCIENCES – TE ROHE A AHIKAROA
DEPARTMENT of ZOOLOGY – TE TARI MĀTAI KARAREHE
Who we are/Mō te tīma
The Department of Zoology has a strong international reputation in whole-organism biology, with research strengths in areas including conservation biology, genetics, evolutionary parasitology, environmental physiology, wildlife management, neurobiology and statistical modeling, as well as in molecular, functional, population, community, freshwater and behavioural ecology.
We have well-established links to the Departments of Botany and Marine Science, to the cross-disciplinary Ecology, Genetics and Neuroscience Programmes, and to other centres at the University of Otago, providing a collaborative environment and resources for innovative interdisciplinary research.
Our staff have international reputations in their areas of expertise and make major contributions to answering fundamental questions in basic and applied research.
The role/Te mahi
Applications are invited for the position of Lecturer in Neurobiology. We are seeking a person with a relevant doctorate and demonstrated potential to develop as an outstanding researcher and teacher in an aspect of neurobiology, especially (but not limited to) computational neuroscience and/or comparative and evolutionary neuroscience.
Applicants are encouraged to identify the manner in which they will complement existing strengths in the Department and develop new and innovative directions in research and teaching.
Applications from candidates with a background in any aspect of neurobiology and a focus on animals, especially non-mammalian species, are strongly encouraged; Xenopus, zebrafish and Drosophila are readily accessible, as are an array of non-model animal species in Dunedin’s immediate environs. The ability to apply skills and expertise to other disciplines taught within the Department would be an advantage.
The Department of Zoology is committed to affording students the opportunity to engage with knowledge of animals from a Māori world view, and to strengthening its curriculum and research in relation to kaupapa Māori and mātaurangaMāori, the University of Otago Māori Strategic Framework and Pacific Strategic Framework, and the Treaty of Waitangi. As such, the ability to research and teach from a kaupapa Māori perspective would be an advantage but is not a prerequisite.
Your skills and experience/Kā pūkeka me kā wheako
- A PhD with an established research focus in an area of neurobiology.
- Demonstrated experience and ability in delivering high-quality teaching and research in an aspect of neurobiology.
- An ability to contribute to teaching and learning environments that support engagement of students and staff with neuroscience and research.
- Be committed to and/or have established connections or track record of working with international and/or national researchers.
- Be committed to being a productive collaborator with a track record of working collegially.
Further details/Pūroko
This is a confirmation-path (tenure track) position at the level of Lecturer (equivalent to Assistant Professor in the North American system).
The successful candidate is expected to take up duties by 1 July 2022.
Application/Tono
To submit your application, view all current vacancies and to apply online go to: https://otago.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=2101968.
Applications quoting reference number 2101968 will close on Monday, 1 November 2021.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Equal opportunity in employment is University policy.
E tautoko ana Te Whare Wananga o Otago i te kaupapa whakaorite whiwhinga mahi.
Posting end date: 2021/11/01
Assistant Professor in Neuroscience – University of Guelph – Molecular and Cellular Biology
Position Title/Rank: Assistant Professor in Neuroscience
College: College of Biological Science
Department: Molecular and Cellular Biology
Date Posted: August 30, 2021
Deadline: November 30, 2021
Please reference: AD #21-39
Position Description:
The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph invites applications for two tenure-track positions, at the rank of Assistant Professor, in the area of Neuroscience.
We are seeking outstanding candidates whose research interests will complement existing strengths in the Department, including research in neurodevelopment, the molecular basis of brain disorders, protein biochemistry, signal transduction, and vesicular signalling. Candidates may have expertise in a wide range of experimental approaches, including electrophysiological, biochemical, imaging, pharmacological, immunological, integrative omics, and other relevant strategies. The successful applicant is expected to establish an innovative and sustainable research program that will integrate with, and expand, the research strengths of the Department, and offer new avenues for collaboration.
Qualifications include a Ph.D., a preferred minimum of three years of relevant post-doctoral experience, a proven record of research excellence evident in high-quality publications and demonstrated potential to establish a competitive independent research program and secure research funding. The successful candidate must also demonstrate the potential to provide effective and innovative teaching to a diverse population of undergraduate and graduate students, and will be committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and multicultural competence in an educational and work environment.
A culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative at the University of Guelph as this is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating a modern academic community. Willingness to work collaboratively with faculty and to mentor students from a wide range of disciplines, cultures, and academic backgrounds is essential. Therefore, we invite and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, especially from groups that are underrepresented in higher education. The Department is a collegial, inclusive, and welcoming environment that values diversity, and wellness among our members as key ingredients in our collective success.
Review all neuroscience research and teaching activities across the University of Guelph. 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 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 about 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
Interested candidates should submit the following materials as a single PDF file: (1) a cover letter indicating area(s) of research focus; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) an overview of proposed research program (max. 1500 words; see below for additional details); (4) a teaching statement (max. 500 words); (5) a separate statement describing the strategies you will use to promote inclusion and support a diverse community in your research lab and classrooms (max. 500 words); and (6) contact information of three references. Assessment of applications will begin on November 30, 2021 and will continue until the position is filled.
Dr. Marc Coppolino
Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology
College of Biological Science
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON N1G 2W1
Email: mcbchair@uoguelph.ca
The overview of proposed research statement should be a maximum length of 1500 words (~3 pages) of 12pt font. This statement should:
- Detail the candidate’s specific area of expertise, with a description of their contributions to the field.
- Provide a detailed plan of their future independent research program, and how this program might be leveraged to obtain extramural funding.
- Indicate how the candidate’s research program will synergize with the Department’s research environment.
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.
Contact information
Dr. Marc Coppolino
Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology
College of Biological Science
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON N1G 2W1
Email: mcbchair@uoguelph.ca
View a PDF version of this advertisement
Posting end date
2021/11/30
Canadian Brain Research Strategy – Indigenous Initiatives Strategic Partnership Associate
Job Type: Part-time, Contract
Salary: $25,000 – $35,000 per year (Salary commensurate with experience)
Location: Position can be located anywhere in Canada with full remote flexibility; Travel (once it is safe to do so)
Hours: Flexible; May attend after-hours Indigenous and community events on personal and business time throughout the year.
About Us
The Canadian Brain Research Strategy (CBRS) is a pan-Canadian community-led initiative uniting over 30 world-leading neuroscience and mental health institutes to advance Canada as a world leader in collaborative, transdisciplinary, open, and ethical brain research. The CRBS aims to bring together the diverse neuroscience ecosystem – brain research initiatives and projects, public and private funders, health charities, as well as communities and patient organizations across the country – in a uniquely collaborative effort that will push the frontiers of brain science, for the benefit of all Canadians.
Position Summary
Including the voices of Indigenous Peoples is of paramount importance as we work to forge a unified strategy for Canadian brain research over the next decade and beyond. This position will lead CRBS Indigenous Initiatives and play a key role in Indigenous and Stakeholder engagement, building and maintaining relationships in our projects and operations. This position is funded by a grant jointly administered through Laval University and the University of British Columbia.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
- Reports to the Executive Director of CBRS and serves as a key organizational and analytical partner to help develop key partnerships and execute on special projects in Indigenous Initiatives.
- Own relationships and lead stakeholder engagement with university researchers, trainees, individuals, communities, Indigenous groups, local governments and organizations in support of CBRS’ mission.
- Work with partners within and outside CBRS to develop engagement strategies, approaches to community and Indigenous engagement.
- Lead in the development and implementation of specific engagement plans, including project-specific engagement plans and strategies.
- Research and draft briefings, talking points, presentations, and other communications materials relating to CBRS Indigenous Initiatives with rigorous attention to detail.
Education, Experience and Skills
- 5 or more years of directly related work experience in Indigenous and/or stakeholder engagement
- Knowledge and direct experience in engaging with Indigenous communities, including on Indigenous history and rights, on cultural protocols and norms, on Indigenous politics and the ability to successfully engage with Indigenous peoples.
- Demonstrated recognition, allyship, and acknowledgement of the lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples; Lived Indigenous experience is an asset.
- Strong writing skills with rigorous attention to detail in written and verbal communications.
- Agile, creative problem solver and team player with a can-do attitude.
- Proven written and verbal communication, presentation and organizational abilities.
- Strong social skills, including consultation, negotiation, facilitation, risk communication and conflict resolution.
- Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Ability to communicate fluently and are bilingual in English and French is an asset.
Qualifications and Competencies
- Partnership and Relationship Building: Professional representation and communication on behalf of the team, the Executive Director, and CBRS to internal and external stakeholders.
- Communication: Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communications ability; You are an attentive and thoughtful listener and contributor, confidence in presenting ideas. Rigorous attention to detail and nuance required.
- Strategic Ability: Strong research and analytical abilities; anticipates future opportunities and consequences, demonstrates an innovative and flexible approach to work, and can organize chaos into a coherent plan and implement it well.
- Decision-Making: Able to evaluate risk and opportunities, proactive problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities, and ability to demonstrate and exercise mature judgement in decision-making and communications.
- Execution: Strong project management experience and execution and organization skills, and demonstrated experience in managing, prioritizing, communicating, and executing across multiple priorities under tight deadlines and evolving landscapes.
- Accountability and Leadership: Demonstrates follow-through and accountability for all tasks and projects.
- Collaboration: Works inclusively and collaboratively across the organization and with external partners to advance CBRS key priorities and programmatic goals.
- Passion and Optimism: Deep enthusiasm for the mission and vision of CBRS.
Contact: info@canadianbrain.ca
Closing Date: Posting remains open until filled.
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Read the latest edition of CAN Connection – Fall 2021
Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Position in Molecular Neuroscience – University of Windsor
The University of Windsor’s Department of Biomedical Sciences invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in the area of Molecular Neuroscience at the Assistant Professor level, commencing July 1, 2022. We are looking for candidates whose research addresses cellular and molecular processes related to the function or development of the nervous system. Preference will be given to candidates that complement and strengthen current research programs in our department in the areas of Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Biology and/or Clinical Aspects of Human Health. This position is subject to final budgetary approval.
The Faculty of Science and the Department has strong research facilities including genomics, flow cytometry, cell imaging, proteomics, neuroanatomical and neurophysiological facilities. The Department of Biomedical Sciences also has access to animal care facilities. For further information about the Department of Biomedical Sciences, visit our website at: https://www.uwindsor.ca/science/biomedical-sciences/. Research collaborations with local clinicians associated with the We-Spark Health Institute are available and encouraged. Further information can be found at: https://www.wesparkhealth.com/.
The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Biology or a related field with research expertise in Neuroscience. Candidates with demonstrated success in addressing important and fundamental research questions in neuroscience, and/or as it relates to human health and disease are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be expected to mount a productive and integrative research program, obtain external funding, and participate actively in graduate training and undergraduate teaching.
Application Requirements
- a letter of application, including a statement of citizenship/immigration status;
- a detailed and current curriculum vitae;
- a 1-2 page statement of research interests, and plans for future research activity;
- a 1 page statement of teaching experience and interests;
- three (3) current letters of reference forwarded directly by the referees (not by the candidate) to the Department Head, at the address or email listed below. References will only be required if the candidate is shortlisted.
Only those applicants selected for interview will be contacted. The short-listed candidates may be invited to provide further information in support of their applications. To ensure full consideration, complete an online application (http://www.uwindsor.ca/facultypositions) found on the job advertisement and ensure letters of reference are submitted by the deadline date of November 1, 2021. Although applications may be considered after the deadline date, acceptance of late submissions is at the discretion of the Appointments Committee.
The University of Windsor is a comprehensive research and teaching institution with more than 16,000 students. We are a welcoming community committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in our teaching, learning, and work environments. In pursuit of the University’s Employment Equity Plan, members from the designated groups (women, Indigenous/Aboriginal (First Nations, Metis, Inuit) persons, racialized persons/visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and persons of a minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity) are encouraged to apply and to self-identify. If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Faculty Recruitment Coordinator (recruit@uwindsor.ca). Should you require further information on accommodation, please visit the website of the Office of Human Rights, Equity & Accessibility (http://www.uwindsor.ca/ohrea). All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
Contact information
Questions and Reference Letters to be sent to:
Dr. Andrew Hubberstey, Head
Department of Biomedical Sciences
401 Sunset, University of Windsor, Windsor Ontario N9B 3P4
Phone: 519-253-3000 ext. 2708; E-mail: biomedsci@uwindsor.ca