Author: Julie

Swayne Lab – post-doctoral researcher in cellular and molecular neuroscience

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Project: The post-doctoral researcher will investigate cross-cellular mechanisms regulating dendritic spine stability. Experiments will involve transgenic models both in situ and in vitro, a variety of imaging techniques (confocal, super-resolution, two-photon microscopy), cell biological and biochemical tools as well as electrophysiology, and behavioural studies.

Opportunity: The post-doctoral researcher will have the opportunity to apply and expand their expertise in neuron and astrocyte biology across these approaches in a dynamic and collaborative research environment that values integrity, teamwork, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Qualifications and Skills: We encourage researchers who have obtained or will soon obtain their PhD with a demonstrated track record in cellular signaling and imaging research to apply. Previous experience with fluorescence imaging, transgenic models, and primary cell culture is especially valued.

  • Applications will be accepted until May 31, 2024
  • Start date will be January 1, 2025
  • Yearly salary will range from $60,000 to $65,000 annually (benefits included)

Interested applicants are invited to email a CV, list of references, and brief statement of research interests to swaynelab@uvic.ca. Applications will be reviewed by Dr. Swayne together with team of senior lab members. A short list of applicants will be invited to a virtual interview, following which there will be an additional final selection and interview process. Please note that only applicants who make the short list will be contacted. For more information about the lab, please visit https://www.uvic.ca/swaynelab.

Contact information Questions and applications should be addressed to the Swayne Lab, University of Victoria, swaynelab@uvic.ca

Posting end date: 2024/05/31

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Neuroscience McGill University, Canada

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We are currently seeking outstanding candidates with an interest in neocortical circuits, including topics and methods such as synaptic plasticity, unconventional NMDA receptor signalling, 2-photon optogenetics, and 2-photon imaging. Applicants should be experienced with whole-cell recordings and/or advanced imaging techniques. Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in whole-cell electrophysiology and/or 2-photon imaging, as well as a related track record of publications. Duties include performing experimental recordings, together with the analysis and presentation of data, at local, national, and international conferences, writing manuscripts as well as occasionally training other members of the team. For examples of directions the lab is currently taking, please see:
• Chou et al bioRxiv 2023 https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.12.30.573666
• Wong et al Neuron 2023 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2023.10.011

The Sjöström lab is located at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre in beautiful Montreal, Canada. Montreal is a vibrant, multicultural city that provides an excellent quality of life. McGill and its neighbouring universities provide an exceptionally rich neuroscience community.

We provide fully funded salary that is competitive. Applicants are also expected to apply for independent funding, which we provide guidance with. Such independent funding is available for both Canadian and international applicants.

Full applications, including Letter of Intent, a full CV, a brief outline of current research, and the names and contact details of three academic referees should be sent to Dr. Jesper Sjöström at jesper.sjostrom@mcgill.ca (http://plasticity.muhc.mcgill.ca). In the subject line, please enter “Postdoc” followed by your name.

The application deadline is July 31, 2024.

McGill University is committed to diversity and equity in employment. It welcomes applications from: women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, visible minorities, and others who may contribute to diversification. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Contact information:

jesper.sjostrom@mcgill.ca

View a PDF version of this advertisement: Postdoc-2024

Postdoc position in the Neural Dynamics of Emotional Memory lab – University of Toronto

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The Neural Dynamics of Emotional Memory lab at the University of Toronto Scarborough is recruiting postdocs. We are a systems neuroscience lab that uses in vivo electrophysiology, fiber photometry, miniscope imaging, and optogenetic manipulations during innovative behavioural tasks to investigate the neural dynamics of emotional memory. We are particularly interested in how the threat-level of a context alters prefrontal and hippocampal representations to modulate fear and anxiety behaviours.

We are looking for candidates that are interested in how environmental and experiential factors alter neural representations to direct emotional behaviour. Research experience with rodents is required. Experience with in vivo recording methods and data analysis are highly encouraged.

Please send your CV and cover letter describing why you are interested in joining our team to robert.rozeske@utoronto.ca. For details visit rozeskelab.org Salary is commensurate with experience and start date is flexible.

Contact information

robert.rozeske@utoronto.ca

Postdoctoral fellowship in the genetic basis of natural variation in sociability

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The Choe and Dukas labs, McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

The Choe and Dukas labs at the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University are looking for a postdoc for a collaborative ongoing project deciphering the genetic basis of natural variation in sociability.

The Dukas and Dworkin labs have artificially selected low and high sociability fruit fly lineages  (https://academic.oup.com/evolut/article/76/3/541/6728481) and identified promising candidate sociability genes. We have begun the process of quantifying the effects of these genes on sociability in fruit flies and wish to expand our work to examining the role of the verified genes in mammalian sociability using mice as a model system.

The Choe Lab (http://choelab.ca) investigates neurobiological mechanisms underlying social behaviour using a multi-scale approach with a wide array of techniques including in vitro electrophysiology, molecular biology, confocal and lightsheet imaging, optogenetic and chemogenetics, in vivo fiber photometry recordings, mouse fMRI and behaviour assays.

The prospective postdoc would combine functional genetic analysis (using RNAi interference, CRISPR, or Cre-conditional knockout strategies among other genetic approaches) to examine variation in sociability and its neurobiological basis using fruit flies and mice as model systems. Qualified candidates will possess a PhD in biology, neuroscience or another relevant field.

Please send a cover letter, current CV, and a list of 3 references to Drs Katrina Choe or Reuven Dukas at choek@mcmaster.ca or dukas@mcmaster.ca. We will notify applicants before contacting any references.

Contact information

Katrina Choe: choek@mcmaster.ca
Reuven Dukas: dukas@mcmaster.ca

View a PDF version of this advertisement: Choe-Dukas-McMaster-postdoctoral-fellow-job-ad

Research is the key to better brain health

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One in two people will suffer from a mental illness across their lifetime. It is estimated that 1.7 million Canadians will suffer from dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, by the year 2030. The burden of brain disorders and diseases has substantially increased over the last 25 years with the aging of the population and the negative impact of the pandemic. This is having a detrimental impact on the economy, healthcare systems, and Canadian livelihood. Neurodegenerative diseases are the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide, and mental health disorders are the leading cause of days off work.

Canada is fortunate to have a rich and diverse community of brain scientists who tackle this challenge from many different angles. In addition to neurologists and brain surgeons, who treat patients directly, we must remember that the development of innovative treatment avenues relies on new basic research. Continue reading →

Read our latest newsletter: CAN Connection – March 2024

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Assistant Professor – Synthetic Biologist, University of Manitoba

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University of Manitoba
Department of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Science

Assistant Professor – Synthetic Biologist
Position number 34650

The Department of Biological Sciences invites applications for a Probationary (Tenure-track) position at the rank of Assistant Professor beginning as early as January 1, 2025, or on a date mutually agreed upon. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The Department seeks an outstanding and visionary early career scholar committed to the study of Synthetic Biology with novel applications to eukaryotic systems including but not limited to regulatory networks and circuit design, metabolic engineering, molecular pharming, or RNA biology and applications. The candidate will demonstrate research excellence, hold a PhD or equivalent, and have relevant postdoctoral experience or equivalent. Expertise in experimental approaches in gene/genome editing, DNA assembly and design, modelling gene expression or eukaryotic genetic circuits is a major asset. Duties will include meaningful contributions to the research, teaching, and service activities of the Department. The successful candidate will have a track record of high-quality scholarly research leading to peer-assessed publications; will either have, or demonstrate the potential to, establish an independent and innovative externally funded research program; will have demonstrable strength in, or strong potential for, outstanding teaching contributions; and will exhibit evidence of the ability to work in a collaborative environment.

The Department is committed to creating a diverse and welcoming working environment. We particularly invite applications from diverse gender and sexual identities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized persons, underrepresented groups such as 2SLGBTQIA+ and those committed to cultivating an inclusive research and teaching environment.

The Department currently has 29 full-time tenured and tenure-track faculty members and, 10 Instructors, and offers a full range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The Faculty of Science has a strong tradition in undergraduate education in Synthetic Biology with the International Gene Engineering Machine (iGEM), RNA Salon and Manitoba group for protein structure and function. The Department of Biological Sciences and Faculty of Science are well- equipped with research facilities including: microscopy (cryoTEM and cryoEM), CCAC approved animal holding facilities, and; modern tissue culture and plant growth facilities. The Department is supported by strong research links with other departments and facilities including: Manitoba Centre for Proteomics and Systems Biology, Manitoba Institute of Materials Science, Data Science Nexus, and off-campus agencies such as the National Microbiology Laboratory and Agriculture and Agri-foods Canada.

Application materials should include: a cover letter; a curriculum vitae; two-page teaching statement outlining experience, interest and philosophy; three-page research statement outlining accomplishments and research plan; and one-page description of how you would integrate a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion into your research, teaching and service. Include contact information for three references. The entire application package should be sent in PDF format to: BIOSCIBR@umanitoba.ca. Please ensure to specify position number 34650 in the application. For further information, contact the search committee Chair Dr. W. Gary Anderson (gary.anderson@umanitoba.ca).

The closing date for receipt of applications is April 22 2024.

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities). All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact UM.Accommodation@umanitoba.ca or +1-204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provision of The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae may be provided to participating members of the search process.

The University of Manitoba is a driving force of innovation, discovery and advancement. Our momentum is propelled by our campus community – UM faculty, staff and students whose determination and curiosity shape our world for the better. Our teaching, learning and work environment is uniquely strengthened and enriched by Indigenous perspectives. With two main campuses in Winnipeg, satellite campuses throughout Manitoba, and world-wide research, UM’s impact is global.

Discover outstanding employee benefits, experience world-class facilities and join a dynamic community that values reconciliation, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. We are one of Manitoba’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. At the University of Manitoba, what inspires you can change everything.

The City of Winnipeg (www.tourismwinnipeg.com), located where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet, is recognized for its vibrant, multicultural community and diverse culture. The city, with a growing population of more than 766,000, is home to internationally renowned festivals, galleries and museums, the historic Exchange District and The Forks, and ever-expanding research, education, and business sectors. From the Hudson Bay waters, across the farmland fields, to the pulse of the cities and towns, The Province of Manitoba’s (www.travelmanitoba.com) people and places – its 100,000 lakes, 92 provincial parks, winding river valleys and storied prairie skies – inspire.

Contact information

The entire application package should be sent in PDF format to: BIOSCIBR@umanitoba.ca. Please ensure to specify position number 34650 in the application. For further information, contact the search committee Chair Dr. W. Gary Anderson (gary.anderson@umanitoba.ca).

Download this advertisement as a PDF

Posting end date:

2024/04/22

 

Assistant/Associate Professor (Research), Single Cell Genomics – McGill University Department of Psychiatry

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Reference # C3-231215

Assistant/Associate Professor (Research), Single Cell Genomics – Department of Psychiatry (C3-231215)

________________________________________

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences – Department of Psychiatry and the Douglas Research Centre

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Position description

The Department of Psychiatry at McGill University and the Douglas Research Centre are currently inviting applications for two full-time contract academic staff positions at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor in the field of Single Cell Genomics applied to the brain and mental disorders.

Applicants with expertise and relevant experience developing new methodologies or applying established single cell approaches to animal or cell models of mental disorders or in the postmortem brain study of psychiatric disorders are encouraged to apply. This will be a three-year, renewable academic appointment at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor and does not confer eligibility for tenure.

McGill is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities with students from over 140 countries. The university is located in Montreal, a cosmopolitan city with great cultural and linguistic diversity. It has long been considered a leader in neuroscience and a strong innovator in methods that support a wide spectrum of basic and clinical research endeavours. The university’s strong training programs in Biological and Biomedical Engineering, Psychiatry, and Quantitative Life Sciences as well as the Integrated Program in Neuroscience favour the development of strong multidisciplinary research teams.

With over 55 researchers spanning a full range of mental health research (i.e., neuroscience, clinical services, policy, and epidemiology/population health), the Douglas Research Centre (DRC) has been an international leader in mental health research for more than 30 years. The DRC has been at the forefront of pioneering innovative methods in the field of psychiatry, including single-cell neurobiology and has recently secured significant funding for a research program focused on using single-cell approaches to gain insights into the brain and its related disorders.

Job Duties

The successful candidate will conduct rigorous cutting-edge research augmenting the existing efforts of the DRC. They will develop a fundamental, disease-relevant research program in their own areas of expertise, aligned with the strategic priorities of the Research Centre and the Department of Psychiatry. They are further expected to independently acquire funds to support the training of graduate students at the MSc and Ph.D. level. They must disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and other knowledge translation and exchange activities, participate actively in all aspects of the Research Centre and McGill’s academic mission and demonstrate a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all areas (i.e., research, teaching, supervision of graduate students, and involvement in academic and administrative committees).

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to formal classroom teaching at McGill.

McGill faculty members are expected to contribute to teaching and service activities within their units, the University, and the wider scholarly community. A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is also expected.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

Candidates must:

  • have a PhD and have completed advanced postdoctoral training in a related field;
  • demonstrate excellent research productivity and the ability to attract competitive funding;
  • have a track record in the field of single-cell genomics;
  • demonstrate a commitment to and, in accordance with circumstances, a track record in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI);
  • working knowledge of French, or a commitment to acquiring it within a few years of appointment, is essential.

Faculty/Department/Unit: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry

Employee Type: Contract Academic Staff (‘Academic Contractual’)

Rank: Assistant/Associate Professor

Salary: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience

Job Status: Full-time

Posting Period: 30 Days from date of posting

The following supporting documents are required:

  • Cover letter and curriculum vitae
  • Statement of research
  • Names and contact information of three referees

Use a personal email address when creating an account in Workday to submit your application.

Do not use @mail.mcgill.ca or @mcgill.ca email accounts to apply.

McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing.

Applications must be submitted on-line at: https://mcgill.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/McGill_Careers/job/Douglas-Hosp-Burland/Assistant-Associate-Professor–Research—Single-Cell-Genomics–Department-of-Psychiatry–2-positions—C3-231215-_JR0000050127-1

McGill University is committed to equity and diversity within its community and values academic rigour and excellence. We welcome and encourage applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities.

At McGill, research that reflects diverse intellectual traditions, methodologies, and modes of dissemination and translation is valued and encouraged. Candidates are invited to demonstrate their research impact both within and across academic disciplines and in other sectors, such as government, communities, or industry.

McGill further recognizes and fairly considers the impact of leaves (e.g., family care or health-related) that may contribute to career interruptions or slowdowns. Candidates are encouraged to signal any leave that affected productivity, or that may have had an effect on their career path. This information will be considered to ensure the equitable assessment of the candidate’s record.

McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated equity groups to self-identify. It further seeks to ensure the equitable treatment and full inclusion of persons with disabilities by striving for the implementation of universal design principles transversally, across all facets of the University community, and through accommodation policies and procedures. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Download a PDF version of this advertisement: C3-231215 Assistant or Associate Professor (Research)_ Single Cell Genomics_Department of Psychiatry_DRC_EN