New molecules reverse memory loss linked to depression, aging

Etienne Sibille
Etienne Sibille

New therapeutic molecules developed at Toronto’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) show promise in reversing the memory loss linked to depression and aging.

These molecules not only rapidly improve symptoms, but remarkably, also appear to renew the underlying brain impairments causing memory loss in preclinical models. These findings were presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Annual Meeting in Washington DC.

“Currently there are no medications to treat cognitive symptoms such as memory loss that occur in depression, other mental illnesses and aging,” says Dr. Etienne Sibille, Deputy Director of the Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute at CAMH and lead scientist on the study. Continue reading

Postdoctoral Researcher in Neurobiology – Xia lab, University of Rochester, NY

Postdoctoral Fellow/Researcher, Research Scientist or Research Assistant Professor

Department of Pharmacology and Physiology
Department of Neuroscience
University of Rochester Medical Center
Rochester, NY

Two neurobiology postdoctoral researcher positions funded by NIH and foundation grants are available to study synaptic plasticity as well as myelination mechanisms underlying intellectual disability, anxiety, depression and many other brain functions/dysfunctions. We have created many transgenic mouse models, including lines mimicking human de novo mutation, for these studies. We also use viral injection (AAV or lenti), in combination with (flox/+) mice or shRNA knockdown to study the effect of many human de novo mutations on synaptic functions. More information on our research can be found on our website: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/labs/Xia-Lab.aspx.

One position is for patch clamp electrophysiologist and second position is for cell biologist.

Required Qualifications: • PhD in Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology or other related field or MD: 0-2 years of relevant experience in research environment is required• Expertise in neurochemistry, cell biology, two-photon/confocal imaging or electrophysiology is required. Candidates with more than 5 years of experience will be eligible for Research Scientist position or Research Assistant Professor.

Applicant Instructions: Interested candidates should send the CV and names of three references to Dr. Hugh Xia, email: Houhui_Xia@URMC.Rochester.edu. We could meet at Canadian Neuroscience meeting. Position will remain open until filled.

University of Rochester Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer for females, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans

Contact information

Houhui_xia@urmc.rochester.edu

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Post-doctoral position – Khoutorsky laboratory at McGill University.

A postdoctoral position is available in the Khoutorsky laboratory at McGill University. We are interested in studying cell-type-specific gene expression in mouse models of chronic pain and neuropsychiatric disorders (Fragile X syndrome and autism) at both transcriptional and translational levels and linking changes in gene expression to structural plasticity, alterations in neuronal circuitry and animal behaviour. We use advanced approaches to profile gene expression (ribosome footprinting, translating ribosome affinity purification), as well as biochemical, imaging, electrophysiological and behavioural analyses. Several exciting projects are available in the lab and are funded by recently awarded CIHR grants. More details can be found here: http://arkady-khoutorsky.lab.mcgill.ca/

McGill University provides numerous opportunities to collaborate with leading researchers in the field of pain and neuropsychiatric disorders. Montreal is a vibrant, cosmopolitan, and affordable city with one of the strongest neuroscience communities in North America.

Highly motivated and independent individuals with a solid publication record are encouraged to apply. Experience in patch-clamp electrophysiology is an advantage.

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

 

Assistant/Associate Professor Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences – University of Manitoba

Department of Pathology

Position #: 25772

The Department of Pathology in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level, commencing on July 1, 2019, or on a date mutually agreed upon. The Department seeks an emerging scholar with a commitment to excellence in research and teaching. Outstanding candidates with expertise in the disciplines of neurobiology / neuropathology will be preferred, to complement or extend the department’s strengths in perinatal and forensic neuropathology. A competitive start-up package will be provided. Salary and rank will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. The new recruit is expected to develop and maintain a rigorous and independently funded research program. Other duties will include undergraduate teaching, graduate teaching and supervision, and service-related activities.

The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. and at least 2 years relevant post-doctoral research experience;
a track record of high quality scholarly research leading to peer reviewed publications; will have, or demonstrate the potential to establish an independent, innovative, scholarly, externally fundable research program and will have demonstrated strength in or strong potential for teaching contributions. Experience working with human tissue is particularly desirable. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated evidence of the ability to work in a collaborative environment.

The Rady Faculty of Health Sciences is located at the Bannatyne campus of the University of Manitoba, in connection with the Health Sciences Centre, which is the largest health care facility in the province. The Department currently has over 50 full-time pathologists (most affiliated with Shared Health Manitoba), including 3 neuropathologists (one of whom is a past Tier 1 Canada Research Chair), and 1 other full-time tenured faculty member. The Department offers an MSc program. Cross appointment with a suitable basic science department allows the candidate to host PhD students. The Department has a well-equipped research facility including: Zeiss PALM MicroBeam laser microdissection system, Zeiss Apotome structured illumination fluorescence microscope, Typhoon FLA9500 variable mode laser scanner and imaging system, whole slide scanning systems, cell culture equipment, qRT-PCR, cryostat, freezers, and considerable bench space. A complete range of histology and conventional electron microscopy services is available through the affiliated hospital pathology department. The Central Animal Care Services provide a broad spectrum of support for small and large animals including housing, transgenic, surgical, and behavior testing (http://umanitoba.ca/healthsciences/medicine/units/cacs/). Animal imaging services include: Optical imaging, Micro-CT, Micro-PET, 7 Tesla MRI, PET-MRI, and Ultrasound (http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/health_sciences/medicine/units/imaging_transgenic/index.html). Strong research collaborations in neuroscience and developmental biology are possible through other University of Manitoba departments (http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/health_sciences/medicine/research/index.html). The Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (http://chrim.ca) offers core facilities and grant opportunities for relevant research. Numerous local granting agencies provide support for early career researchers. Further information about the Department can be obtained from (http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/health_sciences/medicine/units/pathology/).

Winnipeg is the largest city in the Province of Manitoba. The city has a rich cultural environment, including symphony, opera, dance, theatre, professional sports, and ethnic festivals. The region provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation in all seasons (https://www.tourismwinnipeg.com).

The University of Manitoba is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from women, racialized persons, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of all sexual orientations and genders, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact U of M’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Facilitator, Valerie Williams at Valerie.williams@umanitoba.ca or 204-474-8371. All
qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
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 (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae may be provided to participating members of the search process.

Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2019 or until the position has been filled.

Applications must include: a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a summary of research interests, a three page research plan (covering the first year and the subsequent 3-5 years), a description of teaching philosophy, and the names and contact information of three referees for letters of reference. All of the information should be assembled into a single PDF file. Please ensure to specify position number 25772 in the application. Applications should be addressed to the chair of the search committee:

Dr. Gabor Fischer, Department Head
Department of Pathology
Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
University of Manitoba
401 Brodie Centre – 727 McDermot Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 3P5
c/o Amanda.Wardekker@umanitoba.ca

Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in the Neurobiology of Aging and Cognition at the University of Victoria

Canada Research Chair, Tier II
Neurobiology of Aging and Cognition
Division of Medical Sciences

The University of Victoria is consistently ranked in the top tier of Canada’s research-intensive universities. Vital impact drives the UVic sense of purpose. As an internationally renowned teaching and research hub, we tackle essential issues that matter to people, places and the planet. Situated in the Pacific Rim, our location breeds a profound passion for exploration. Defined by its edges, this extraordinary environment inspires us to defy boundaries, discover, and innovate in exciting ways. It’s different here, naturally and by design. We live, learn, work and explore on the edge of what’s next—for our planet and its peoples. Our commitment to research-inspired dynamic learning and vital impact make this Canada’s most extraordinary environment for discovery and innovation. Experience the edge of possibilities for yourself.

We acknowledge with respect the Lkwungen-speaking peoples on whose traditional territory the university stands and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

The Division of Medical Sciences invites applications for a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in the Neurobiology of Aging and Cognition to complement and broaden the research interests of our core group of Neuroscience researchers. We welcome applications from basic scientists who have a primary focus on the molecular mechanisms of aging in the nervous system, with a strong indication of translational potential for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer disease, Vascular dementia, Parkinson disease, Huntington disease, Frontotemporal dementia and related diseases. Experience in the use (and/or development) of animal models of cognitive disorders affecting the elderly and studies that range in scope from molecular to behavioural will be especially valued (including a broad range of approaches, like microscopy, bioinformatics, computational neuroscience, and/or combinations thereof). The successful applicant will be nominated by the University for a Tier 2 CRC and, upon approval by the CRC Secretariat, will then be offered a tenure-track or tenured appointment at the appropriate rank, commensurate with qualifications and experience. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2020.

This CRC recruitment is part of a broad strategy to expand and raise the profile of research in aging and health at the University of Victoria. Three other Tier 2 CRCs in related areas of aging research are being recruited in addition to this position. The four new CRCs will be expected to engage with the UVic Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health (https://www.uvic.ca/research/centres/aging/), which has a 25-year history of high-quality research, community outreach, and trainee support. Research strengths in the Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health are currently organized around cognitive health, lifelong health, and vulnerability and frailty. The new recruits will benefit from administrative support and collaborative opportunities provided within the Institute.

Tier 2 CRCs are one of Canada’s premier early career recognition and recruitment programs, and are intended for exceptional emerging scholars (i.e., candidate must have been an active researcher in their field for fewer than 10 years at the time of nomination). However, applicants who are more than 10 years from having earned their highest degree (and where career breaks exist) may have their eligibility for a Tier 2 Chair assessed through the program’s Tier 2 justification process. For more information on the CRC program generally and on eligibility specifically, please consult the Canada Research Chairs website.

The Division of Medical Sciences (DMS) was established to promote scholarship and innovation in medical education at the University of Victoria and to support the University of Victoria’s ongoing commitment to an integrated and multidisciplinary approach to health research. The successful nominee will complement and expand the current expertise of neuroscientists in the DMS. With its intimate and collaborative research environment and as host of the Neuroscience Graduate Program, the DMS allows for direct and frequent interaction among PIs, thereby facilitating an interchange of ideas between postdocs and students across labs. We are also a group with a commitment to diversification across our ranks, particularly, although not limited to: racialization, marginalized sexualities, gender identity, Indigeneity and disability.

Requirements
The successful nominee will have a PhD in Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Biology or related field, as well as postdoctoral training. They will have demonstrated potential to develop an externally funded, independent, original and innovative research program that focuses on important questions in the Neurobiology of Aging and Cognition with relevance to human health. The successful nominee will have also demonstrated the potential to achieve international recognition in their field within the next five to ten years. The candidate will offer evidence of high-quality teaching and supervision, having the potential to attract, develop and retain excellent trainees, students and future researchers. The successful nominee will be supportive of diversity and inclusivity.

In accordance with the University’s Equity Plan and pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, the selection will be limited to women. Candidates from this group must self-identify.

Additional information
Faculty and Librarians at the University of Victoria are governed by the provisions of the Collective Agreement. Members are represented by the University of Victoria Faculty Association.

Contact information

To be considered, please submit your application via email to: impadmin@uvic.ca with the subject heading “Aging and Cognition position” by Friday, April 12, 2019. Applications submitted after this date may be considered until a suitable candidate is identified. The successful candidate will be nominated to the CRC before the end of October 2019. Applications must include the following components compiled into a single PDF document:

A cover letter providing an overview of the candidate’s qualifications, how they fulfill the criteria defined above, and how their research capacity would complement the existing research strengths of the DMS;
A detailed curriculum vitae;
A teaching dossier (including teaching skills statements, example syllabi, evaluation data);
A one-page statement identifying their strengths and experiences in promoting diversity;
Contact information for three references.
Applications should be addressed to:
Dr. Bruce Wright, MD, CCFP, FCFP
Head, Division of Medical Sciences
University of Victoria
c/o impadmin@uvic.ca

Application deadline

Friday, April 12, 2019. Applications submitted after this date may be considered until a suitable candidate is identified.

Equity statement

UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who will work respectfully and constructively with differences and across levels of power. We actively encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity. Read our full equity statement here: www.uvic.ca/equitystatement.

The University acknowledges the potential impact that career interruptions can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. We encourage applicants to explain in their application the impact that career interruptions have had on their record.

Persons with disabilities, who anticipate needing accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, may contact Faculty Relations and Academic Administration in the Office of the VP Academic and Provost at FRrecruit@uvic.ca. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

Faculty and Librarians at the University of Victoria are governed by the provisions of the Collective Agreement. Members are represented by the University of Victoria Faculty Association (www.uvicfa.ca).

Contact information:
Dr. Bruce Wright, MD, CCFP, FCFP
Head, Division of Medical Sciences
University of Victoria
c/o impadmin@uvic.ca

Congratulations to Brain Prize winners Marie-Germaine Bousser, Hugues Chabriat, Anne Joutel and Elisabeth Tournier-Lasserve

Brain Prize winnersThe Brain Prize 2019: French neuroscientists honoured for outstanding research into small vessel strokes in the brain

Aiming for treatment they have spent more than 30 years describing, understanding and diagnosing the most common hereditary form of stroke, CADASIL. For this, the four French neuroscientists are now receiving the world’s most valuable prize for brain research – the Lundbeck Foundation Brain Prize, worth 1 million euros. Continue reading

Post-Doctoral Position Available in Protein misfolding and chaperones – Prado and Duennwald laboratories, Robarts research institute

A postdoctoral position is available immediately under the supervision of Drs. Marco Prado and Martin Duennwald at the Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario to work on molecular chaperones regulating protein misfolding. The work spans from yeast to mouse models of disease and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to take advantage of the exceptional research core facilities at Western. This CIHR-funded project will provide training for an early-stage investigator on advanced biochemical, genetics, behavioral and imaging methods, by using next-generation transgenic mice, high-throughput touchscreen cognitive testing, fiber photometry and Magnetic Resonance imaging. The candidate will also have excellent opportunities to interact with researchers and core facilities funded by Western’s BrainsCAN, the Canada First Research Excellence Fund recently awarded to Western.

Robarts is one of the premier research institutes in Canada with a vibrant research community and many opportunities for collaborations. The University of Western Ontario (www.uwo.ca) is a major educational and research center in Ontario with over 25,000 undergraduate and 5,000 graduate students. Cognitive neuroscience in health and disease is a major research focus at Western. London, also known as the Forest City, is an affordable and lively community close to the Great Lakes and two hours from Toronto. The city offers many options for outdoor and cultural activities.

Qualified applicants should have a PhD degree in Biochemistry, Neuroscience or related disciplines with significant expertise in studying mouse models of neurodegenerative diseases. Prior experience in mouse surgery, fiber photometry, analysis of prion-like transmission of protein misfolding or cellular protein quality control in animal models, documented in peer-reviewed publications will be an asset. We are looking for a highly-motivated individual within 2 years of receiving a PhD. Salary will be paid commensurate with experience.

Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Please send a statement of interest, Curriculum Vitae, and the names of at least two references to:
Dr. Marco A. M. Prado,
Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario
Email: mprado@robarts.ca
Contact information mprado@robarts.ca

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A new experimental therapy for ALS and fronto-temporal dementia

Jean-Pierre Julien’s team recently published an article in the high impact journal, the Journal of Clinical Investigations, about a new experimental therapy for ALS and frontotemporal dementia based on the use of antibodies that target the abnormal accumulation of a protein called TDP-43 in degenerating neurons. The formation of TDP-43 aggregates is associated with ALS development. Continue reading

Spinal cords contribute to complex hand function

Andrew Pruszynski

We often think of our brains as the centre of complex motor function and control, but how ‘smart’ is your spinal cord? Turns out, it is smarter than we think.

Circuits which travel down the length of our spine control things like the pain reflex in humans and some motor-control functions in animals. Now, new research from Western has shown that the spinal cord is also able to process and control more complex functions, like the positioning of your hand in external space. Continue reading

Brain scan series aid concussed rugby players

Ravi Menon
Ravi Menon

Researchers at Western have developed an objective way to monitor female athletes’ concussion injury, by using brain scans to study their brains over time.

By using a technique that combines both structural and functional MRI information, Western University researchers were able to identify three unique signatures – one that shows acute brain changes after an athlete has suffered a concussion, another that can identify persistent brain changes six months after the concussion and a third that shows evidence of concussion history. Continue reading