Author: Julie

Two year funded Postdoctoral position, University of Victoria – Kerry Delaney lab

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Electrophysiology of mutant versus wildtype neurons in a mouse model of Rett Syndrome.

Researcher with experience in whole cell patch clamp recording from neurons in acute brain slices is required to undertake recording from neurons in neocortex and thalamus of mice lacking functional MeCP2. Mecp2 is an X-linked transcription factor controlling various aspects of neuronal and synapse maturation. Studies will be performed primarily on female heterozygous mice utilizing a GFP-based nuclear marker to differentiate neurons expressing wild-type Mecp2 from those expressing a non-functional (mutated) allele. Optogenetic stimulation of virally-expressed channel rhodopsin will be used to investigate the relative strength of thalamo-cortical connections and cortico-thalamic feedback pathways to wild-type versus mutant neurons. Funded by the International Rett Syndrome Foundation.

Contact Dr. Kerry Delaney, kdelaney@uvic.ca

More information about UVic Neuroscience can be found at https://www.uvic.ca/medsci/neuroscience/

The Delaney lab: https://web.uvic.ca/~neurolab

Publications:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=delaney+rett

Contact information

Dr. Kerry Delaney.
Professor, Biology Department, University of Victoria
email: kdelaney@uvic.ca
Phone: 250-472-5657
The Delaney lab: https://web.uvic.ca/~neurolab

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Posting end date: 2020-08-31

Post-Doctoral Fellow – SOAR Project (UBCO)

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A Postdoctoral Fellow position is available to work on the SOAR (Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Brain Injury through Research) Project in the School of Health and Exercise Sciences at UBC-Okanagan

Research Program Overview A post-doctoral position is available in the Brain Injury Lab led by Dr. Paul van Donkelaar in the School of Health and Exercise Sciences at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus. The successful candidate will be a key member of the SOAR project team investigating the cerebrovascular, neurocognitive, and sensorimotor effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in women who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV). Our well-funded multidisciplinary program integrates researchers in clinical neuroscience, cerebrovascular physiology, psychopathology, social work, sociology, knowledge translation, and implementation science, with the goal of better understanding IPV-related TBI. As part of this, we are working with the Kelowna Women’s Shelter and other community partners to co-create, implement, and evaluate tools and resources to better support the women they serve. The incumbent would be expected to take a leadership role in the lab-based assessment of brain function in IPV-caused TBI and contribute to broader project goals in collaboration with other team members.

Qualifications PhD required. Experience with, or the capacity to acquire the necessary skills to undertake, the assessment of cerebrovascular, neurocognitive, and/or sensorimotor function following TBI. An understanding and/or knowledge of gender-based violence and its effects would be an asset. Seeking a creative individual who can integrate cerebrovascular, neurocognitive and sensorimotor measures of brain dysfunction following IPV-related TBI. The ability to further contribute to related projects in the lab on sports concussion and post-concussion syndrome is desirable.

Individuals must also:

  • Work well in a goal-oriented team environment
  • Have a proven track record of research accomplishments (i.e. publication record)
  • Possess excellent communication skills – both verbal and written
  • Have the ability to work independently and organize own workload
  • Have the ability to design and analyze experiments, keep meticulous records of experiments and data, report on research progress and outcomes openly, and review methodologies in response to feedback &
  • Have the ability to update knowledge in their specialized area and implement relevant technologies to advance the project.

Other considerations

This position is available from September 1st, 2020 and will be a based on a one-year renewable contract, extendable depending on funding availability. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for competitive fellowship awards.

A letter of application, accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae including a list of publications, and contact details for 3 references, should be sent by email to:

Professor Paul van Donkelaar paul.vandonkelaar@ubc.ca

Please include “SOAR Project PDF search” in the e-mail subject line. Applications will remain open until the position is filled. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. We will contact you only if invited for an interview.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Contact information

Dr. Paul van Donkelaar
School of Health and Exercise Sciences
University of British Columbia – Okanagan Campus
Kelowna, B.C.
phone: 250-863-3230
email: paul.vandonkelaar@ubc.ca

Posting end date

2020/11/01

CAN Submission to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finances

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We have made the following recommendations

Recommendation 1: That the government of Canada provide a one-time 25% increase in investment in the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) for research restart and recovery from the setback of the COVID-19 pandemic to research laboratories in Canada.

Recommendation 2: The government should commit to providing robust and reliable funding for basic discovery research to sustain and grow Canada’s scientific community. Funding to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) should be increased by at least 10% yearly, until commensurate with other G7 countries. This recommendation is in accordance with the Fundamental Science Review and will ensure Canada’s research ecosystem is healthy and resilient to face any future challenge. Continue reading →

COVID impact survey results

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Thank you to all our members and colleagues who responsed to our survey on the impact of COVID-19 on researchers and laboratories in Canada. The full results of the survey are available here:

CAN-ACN survey on impact of COVID-19 on researchers and laboratories in Canada

This data will be used to support our recommendations to the House of Commons Standing committee on Finances, for their consultations in advance of the next federal budget.

Tenure-track Assistant Professor in Neurobiology of Aging and Dementia – Queen’s University

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Tenure-track Assistant Professor in Neurobiology of Aging and Dementia

Department of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences and Department of Psychiatry

Centre for Neuroscience Studies

Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario CANADA

The Departments of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences and Psychiatry in the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Centre for Neuroscience Studies at Queen’s University are seeking an outstanding early to mid-career scientist and educator with passion, energy, and a strong vision for innovative research in the area of neurobiology of aging and dementia. The research strengths of the preferred candidate need to complement at least one of the existing fields of neuroscience specialization within the faculty, which include: (i) cellular/molecular neuroscience, (ii) systems neuroscience, (iii) cognitive/behavioural neuroscience, and (iv) clinical neuroscience. More specifically, areas of particular interest include conditions associated with aging and neurological disease progression, such as but not limited to Alzheimer’s disease/dementia, Parkinson’s disease, mood disorders/depression, and autism spectrum disorders. The preferred candidate will need to demonstrate that they are an emerging leader in innovative, translational research approaches and methodologies, including proven experience with pre-clinical rodent or non-human primate research models in neuroscience (including aging-related conditions) that could foster collaborations locally, nationally and internationally.

Thus, the preferred candidate must have a distinguished track record of discovery and innovative research, and an ability to collaborate with colleagues in the Departments of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, the Department of Psychiatry, Providence Care Hospital, the Centre for Neuroscience Studies, as well as with other scientists and clinical researchers at Queen’s University. Evidence that the candidate has the capacity to develop and deliver educational content in the area of neuropharmacology to both undergraduate and graduate programs will be an important selection criterion as well.

This search is oriented toward a tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor with a preferred starting date of July 1, 2020. A tenured position at the rank of Associate Professor may be considered in the case of an exceptional candidate. Candidates must have a PhD or equivalent degree completed at the start date of the appointment. As part of the submitted application, the successful candidate will: (i) provide evidence of high-quality scholarly output that demonstrates potential for independent research leading to peer-assessed publications and an externally-funded world-class research program; and (ii) demonstrate strong potential to make outstanding teaching contributions at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and an ongoing commitment to academic and pedagogical excellence in support of the Departments’ programs. Applicants will be expected to provide evidence of an ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary and student-centred environment. The successful candidate will make contributions through service to the Departments, the Faculty, the University, and/or the broader community. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

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

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

Queen’s University is host to numerous research centres and research groups, housing scientists with research interests that will complement the successful applicant. These include the Centre for Neuroscience Studies (CNS); the Human Mobility Research Centre (HMRC Queen’s Chronic Pain Clinic at Hotel-Dieu Hospital); the Cardiac, Circulatory and Respiratory Research Group and Queen’s Cardiopulmonary Unit (QCPU); the Group for Research in Reproductive and Developmental Origins of Health, Disability and Disease; the Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research Group; and the Queen’s Cancer Research Institute (QCRI). These groups and units maintain extensive collaborations with researchers locally, nationally, and internationally. They deploy an array of platforms to support transdisciplinary research teams interested in developing clinical tools for early diagnosis of disease, assessing prognosis and progression, and for predicting therapeutic response. Additionally, the Centre for Advanced Computing at Queen’s delivers a world-class high-performance computing environment and storage resources.

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen’s is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, visible minorities, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ persons. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. To comply with Federal laws, the University is obliged to gather statistical information about how many applicants for each job vacancy are Canadian citizens / permanent residents of Canada. Applicants need not identify their country of origin or citizenship, however, all applications must include one of the following statements: “I am a Canadian citizen / permanent resident of Canada”; OR, “I am not a Canadian citizen / permanent resident of Canada”. Applications that do not include this information will be deemed incomplete.

In addition, the impact of certain circumstances that may legitimately affect a nominee’s record of research achievement will be given careful consideration when assessing the nominee’s research productivity. Candidates are encouraged to provide any relevant information about their experience and/or career interruptions.

A complete application consists of:

  • a cover letter (including one of the two statements regarding Canadian citizenship / permanent resident status specified in the previous paragraph);
  • a current curriculum vitae (including a comprehensive list of publications, awards, and grants received);
  • a statement of current and prospective research interests and experience;
  • a statement of teaching experience and interests together with a teaching portfolio (including teaching outlines and evaluations if available);
  • the names and contact information of a minimum of three referees, one of whom must be at arm’s length.

The deadline for applications is August 13, 2020. Applications will continue to be reviewed until a suitable candidate is found. Applicants are asked to send all documents in their application packages electronically as PDFs to the attention of Dr. Lynne-Marie Postovit, Professor and Head, Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6. Please email to the attention of Ms. Jackie Moore in the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences at dbmsrecruit@queensu.ca.

The University will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation during the interview process, please contact: Jackie Moore in the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences at dbmsrecruit@queensu.ca.

Academic staff at Queen’s University are governed by a Collective Agreement between the University and the Queen’s University Faculty Association (QUFA), which is posted at http://queensu.ca/facultyrelations/faculty-librarians-and-archivists/collective-agreement and at http://qufa.ca.

Contact information

Ms. Jackie Moore

Administrative Assistant

Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences

Queen’s University

dbmsrecruit@queensu.ca

 

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Posting end date

2020/09/01

Postdoctoral Position on Astrocyte-Inhibitory Interneuron Interactions – Robitaille & Lacaille laboratories, Université de Montréal

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Postdoctoral position
Dept Neurosciences
Université de Montréal
Montreal, Canada

A postdoctoral position is immediately available in the laboratory of Dr Richard Robitaille at Université de Montréal to study the role of astrocytes in the regulation of inhibitory synaptic circuits and hippocampal function. The project is funded by a NSERC Discovery grant and involves a collaboration with the laboratory of Dr Jean-Claude Lacaille.

The research focuses on the mechanisms of astrocyte regulation of inhibitory interneurons and their impact on hippocampus-dependent learning and memory. Our multidisciplinary approach uses brain slices and in vivo transgenic mice, and combines state-of-the-art molecular biology, synaptic physiology, 2-photon imaging, opto- and chemogenetics and behavioral assays.

Requirements are PhD in Neuroscience or related discipline, with expertise in single cell electrophysiology. Experience is also desirable with any of the following techniques: patch-clamp, optogenetics and calcium imaging. Successful candidates will be highly motivated, have strong work ethics, and ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

Interested applicants should submit a statement of research experience and career goals, a current CV and the names of three references to:

Contact information

Dr Richard Robitaille
richard.robitaille@umontreal.ca

Postdoctoral Researcher in the laboratory of Dr. Beverley Orser, University of Toronto

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A Postdoctoral Researcher position funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research is available in the laboratory of Dr. Beverley Orser (www.orserlab.com). The lab is located in the Department of Physiology at the downtown campus of the University of Toronto.

The goal of the research is to understand physiologic and pathological processes underlying learning and memory, and to identify the mechanisms that contribute to a decline in brain function after anesthesia and surgery. Studies will focus on neurons and glia in the hippocampus and cortex. The long-term goal is to develop novel treatments that target subtypes of inhibitory receptors for cognitive disorders after anesthesia and surgery, as well as for inflammation-induced cognitive dysfunction and mood disorders.

Qualifications:
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following skills and experience:

  • Ph.D. in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Biophysics/Molecular Cell Biology.
  • Strong background in molecular biology, protein chemistry, and biochemistry.
  • Highly experienced in DNA, RNA and protein handling and analysis techniques.
  • Technical proficiency in the areas of protein biochemistry, including: protein expression, purification and characterization using SDS-PAGE, HPLC/FPLC; characterizing protein-ligand and protein-protein interactions using affinity chromatography.
  • Ability to work independently with strong problem-solving skills.
  • Must demonstrate a good understanding of scientific principles, experimental design, and proper laboratory techniques.

Desirable experience and skills:

  • Carry out assays such as Bradford, ELISA’s and cell-based assays.
  • Knowledge in protein biophysical analysis.
  • Basic knowledge in structural biology (X-ray crystallography/Cryo-EM/NMR spectroscopy).
  • Basic knowledge of bioinformatics tools and site-directed mutagenesis.
  • Knowledge in basic tissues culture techniques is a plus.
  • Prior experiences with animal behavioral assays, electrophysiology, and optogenetics are assets.
  • Design and execute experiments to support research activities and projects in the lab.

The laboratory provides an excellent training environment and we are strongly committed to training high-quality researchers who are interested in advancing translational neuroscience. The laboratory is also strongly committed to diversity within the communities and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of color, women, indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Contact information

Please send your application (a Cover Letter, a CV and the names of three references) to Dr. Dianshi Wang (dianshi.wang@utoronto.ca).

Sodium found to regulate the biological clock of mice

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Charles BourqueNew study published in Nature by Claire Gizowski and Charles Bourque is first to establish physiological signals influence circadian rhythms

A new study from McGill University shows that increases in the concentrations of blood sodium can have an influence on the biological clock of mice, opening new research avenues for potentially treating the negative effects associated with long distance travel or shift work. Continue reading →

Hugh Green Foundation Chair in Translational Neuroscience

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  • Lead the development of a collaborative Translational Neuroscience research programme in the Centre for Brain Research to improve the health of all people in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific region
  • Teach exceptional students and collaborate with world leading colleagues across the top-ranked university in New Zealand
  • If a practicing clinician, undertake clinical duties up to 0.5 FTE with local District Health Board(s) or in private practice

The Centre for Brain Research (CBR) – under the guidance of Distinguished Professor Sir Richard Faull – is one of the leading brain research institutes in the world, acknowledged locally and internationally for its ground-breaking work in advancing neuroscience and healthcare. The CBR is a large and diverse university research centre spanning multiple faculties, which is engaged with over 400 staff and students encompassing disciplines and academic activities that focus on the prevention and treatment of brain health and wellbeing through research ranging from basic and laboratory science to clinical care and disorders and the promotion of population health and through engagement with communities.

The Chair in Translational Neuroscience will provide leadership in neuroscience research, clinical translation, education and knowledge exchange in order to improve patient outcomes in New Zealand and around the world. This new role will build upon the existing clinical and research strengths of the CBR to develop a vibrant academic research programme harnessing existing research excellence within the CBR and contributing to further research development across the neuroscience community.

The Professor would develop and lead a programme of internationally recognised study, which results in the discovery, integration, and application of new and existing knowledge, and facilitate the translation of latest innovations made in the laboratory into effective and sustainable clinical interventions and improved preventative measures in the community. The position would bridge the gap between basic and clinical research oriented towards translational opportunities, by creating stronger ties among scientists, engineers, clinicians, and the community, and by training the next generation of leaders in the field.

The opportunities afforded by a Chair are many and varied and include the development of new and innovative areas of research in the CBR and the University of Auckland and the development of linkages across New Zealand and in particular with the Brain Research New Zealand-Centre of Research Excellence and the Ageing Well-National Science Challenge. The role will also take advantage of existing linkages between the CBR’s world-class research and other research centres and universities in Australia, North America, Asia and Europe.

This appointment will be for a fixed term (renewable) of five years. The substantive academic appointment will be made according to the successful candidate’s research profile and academic experience, ideally at Full Professor level.

The candidate will demonstrate a collaborative, inclusive, leadership style, role-modelling cultural sensitivity and commitment to equity. Those not already familiar with our cultural context will demonstrate their commitment to developing their understanding of Māori and Pacific development, te Tiriti o Waitangi and our place in the Pacific. Interpersonal strengths including excellent communication, an ability to lead strategically, advocate and influence will be appreciated.

Candidates will be internationally leading senior academics or clinical academics with significant records of peer-reviewed (preferably translational) neuroscience research and research income generation; commitment to innovative teaching, curriculum development, digital pedagogies and postgraduate supervision. She/he will also be experienced in developing and mentoring junior academics, able to create a positive and supportive collaborative environment in which they will thrive.

The University of Auckland is Aotearoa New Zealand’s pre-eminent research-led University, and an international centre of learning and academic excellence. Based in the largest city, CBR is located in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences (Ranked in the top 100 universities in the world in the medical disciplines) located on the Grafton Campus adjacent to Auckland City Hospital, but the chair could be held in any suitable faculty of the university.

The Hugh Green Foundation (HGF) is a charitable trust set up in 1998, with the aim of improving the health and wealth of local communities, inspired by Hugh’s own experiences of poverty during his childhood in Ireland. The HGF is a longstanding funder to the University and is committed to its continuing support to the CBR. The Chair of Translational Neuroscience is a new position funded by the Hugh Green Foundation in addition to their generous support of the Hugh Green Foundation Chair in Addiction Research and the endowed Hugh Green Biobank.

The University of Auckland is Aotearoa New Zealand’s pre-eminent research-led University. Established in 1883, it is an international centre of learning and academic excellence. The university has an academic presence in seven other sites across the upper North Island. FMHS is adjacent to Auckland City Hospital, New Zealand’s largest public hospital and clinical research facility serving a central Auckland population of about 550,000, as well as regional services for Northland and Greater Auckland and specialist national services for the whole of New Zealand (more than 1 million patient contacts per year).

For a confidential discussion or further information about the role, including the position description please contact the University of Auckland as below:

Applications should be submitted via the University website www.jobs.auckland.ac.nz by Sunday, 2 August 2020.

Position Reference: REF4112F

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive and equitable environment. For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQITakatāpui+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other equity issues go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz

Contact information

Clare Litten, Email: c.litten@auckland.ac.nz

Dr Kathrin Soehnel, Email: k.soehnel@auckland.ac.nz

Posting end date

2020/08/02