Author: Julie

The Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy and Clinical Neurosciences in partnership with the Hotchkiss Brain Institute in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary invite applications for a Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier II in Computational Neuroscience. The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor (tenure-track) and will be nominated for a CRC Tier II Chair.

The successful candidate will establish an active research program that focuses on developing and applying theoretical, computational and/or statistical methods to the modeling of neural systems at multiple levels including the synapse and single neuron, as well as brain-wide networks. Individuals that use computational approaches to analyze “omics”, cellular imaging, electrophysiology and/or neuroimaging data in the context of behaviour, development and other measures are encouraged to apply. The ability to interact with existing neuromodulation / neurostimulation research groups (TDCS, TMS, DBS or MR-guided focus ultrasound) is an asset.

Qualifications include a PhD and at least two years of relevant postdoctoral experience. The successful candidate must demonstrate evidence of a track record of publications in high quality journals, evidence of an ability to collaborate, lead a research team, and effectiveness in teaching at the University level. Candidates must show evidence of ability to develop a productive, externally funded research program, and fit with one or more of the ten Brain and Mental Health Teams of the HBI (http://www.hbi.ucalgary.ca/our-research). For applicants without a demonstrated record of peer reviewed external grants, this criterion is accomplished by means of a structured “chalk-talk” interview in which the candidate is asked to present a fundable research project to the search committee. The ideal candidate will have interests in the fundamentals of brain and neural dynamics.

The position provides 75% protected time for research, and will include expectations to contribute to undergraduate and graduate level teaching as well as service to the department, faculty, Institute or University, particularly as this relates to advancing computational neuroscience.

The Chair will have the opportunity to be part of a prolific and diverse research environment in the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy and Clinical Neurosciences, with access to state of the art core infrastructure. Outstanding opportunities for collaboration are available with established research programs in diverse areas of neuroscience, imaging and informatics.

Inspired by the vision “Healthy Brains for Better Lives”, the strategic goals of the HBI are to make key, internationally recognized discoveries and transform clinical research in the neurosciences and mental health. To achieve this goal the HBI has created a “NeuroDiscovery Framework”, which aligns research within three themes of Brain & Behaviour, Neural Injury & Repair and Healthy Brain Aging. Each theme is composed of Brain and Mental Health Teams, each organized in a translational continuum, which includes basic, clinical, population and public health researchers. The teams take advantage of key technology platforms, core facilities (such as neuroimaging, neurophotonics and advanced microscopy) and support programs that allow them to pursue their research goals. This highly enriched environment is ideally suited to foster research excellence.

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

Calgary is one of the world’s cleanest cities and has been named one of the world’s most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders – in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour’s drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.

The Cumming School of Medicine seeks to recruit and retain a diverse and inclusive workforce that will contribute to creating the future of health. We are committed to fostering diversity through cultivating an environment where people with a variety of backgrounds, genders, interests, and talents feel welcome and supported. This includes the provision of a formal mentoring program, internal grant review programs that enhance success in research grant applications, pilot funding programs and other support programs.

Tier II Chairs are intended for exceptional emerging scholars (i.e., candidates must have been an active researcher in their field for fewer than 10 years at the time of nomination). Candidates who are more than 10 years from having earned their highest degree and who have had career breaks, such as maternity, parental, or extended sick leave, clinical training, etc., may have their eligibility for a Tier II Chair assessed through the program’s Tier II justification process. Please contact UCalgary’s Office of Research Services for more information: ipd@ucalgary.ca. Further information about the Canada Research Chairs Program can be found on the Government of Canada’s CRC website, including eligibility criteria.

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit an application online via the ‘Apply Now’ link. Please be aware the application process allows for only four attachments. Your four attachments should be organized to contain the following (which may require you to merge documents such as publications):

• Cover letter and curriculum vitae, including the name and contact information of three referees
• Statement of research interests and a description of a proposed 5-year research plan for the Chair
• Statement of teaching philosophy/teaching dossier

Questions about this position may be directed to:

Dr. Benedikt Hallgrimsson,
Professor and Head, Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy
Email: bhallgri@ucalgary.ca

Application deadline: August 31, 2018

To learn more about academic opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Academic Careers website (http://careers.ucalgary.ca/). For more information about the Cumming School of Medicine visit Careers in the Cumming School of Medicine (http://medicine.careers.ucalgary.ca/)

The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here; in particular, we encourage members of the four designated groups (women, Aboriginal People, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities) to apply. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding diversity or requests for accommodation can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

Applications are invited for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor or Associate Professor for a Clinical Neuropsychologist/Clinical Psychologist in the Department of Medicine (Royal University Hospital) at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada.

The successful candidate should be comfortable performing psychological assessments including neuropsychological assessments, psychological assessments, and non-motor assessments used for research on dementia and non-motor functions of persons with movement disorders; be willing and able to supervise student research projects at the undergraduate and graduate levels; initiate, lead and participate in research activities relevant to the Saskatchewan Movement Disorders program; successfully compete for external funding to support the research endeavor. The applicant will be expected to work closely with members of the Saskatchewan Movement Disorders Program.

The successful candidate will be expected to establish a competitive research program that would align closely with the mandate and vision of the Saskatchewan Movement Disorders Program. There will be protected time for research, but the position would also provide opportunities for teaching of undergraduates, graduate students and resident physicians. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to collaborate with others with overlapping research interests in the Division of Neurology. The successful candidate will be invited to join the Neuroscience Research Cluster, comprised of more than 20 basic science and clinical faculty with broad research interests in neuroscience (see www.neuroscience.usask.ca). The cluster is housed within state-of-the-art research space in the new Academic Health Sciences building on campus. Full access to a rodent vivarium with space for behavioral testing will be made available, as well as tissue culture, molecular biology, histology, and imaging equipment. Finally, there is a potential for collaboration and mentorship from a clinical neuropsychologist in the Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology in Arts and Science.

Movement Disorders Clinic Saskatchewan, established in 1968, is the longest continuous running movement disorders program in Canada. Longitudinal clinical observations have been followed by autopsy studies of the brains from those cases for many years. Brain material, including frozen brain tissue on more than 250 movement disorder cases, are available for research studies. Seminal work on Parkinson’s disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, dystonia and essential tremor has been done using this unique resource (Rajput AH, Rajput A. Saskatchewan Movement Disorders Program. Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences 2015 Mar;42(2):74-87. doi: 10.1017/cjn.2015.13. PMID: 25804247 Free PMC Article). While the program has many outside collaborators, the well-documented clinical course of these patients makes this resource uniquely valuable. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to this initiative.

The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. The University of Saskatchewan is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, a city with a diverse and thriving economic base, a vibrant arts community and a full range of leisure opportunities. The University has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and scholarly activities and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to a student population of over 24,000.

Requirements for the position include:

1. Completed Ph.D. or Psy.D. with specialization in clinical psychology, which includes completion of an accredited (or equivalent) predoctoral residency. Preference will be given to applicants with training in clinical neuropsychology.
2. Eligibility to readily obtain doctoral level registration with the Saskatchewan College of Psychologists (R.D. Psych) which includes the Authorized Practice Endorsement (APE) to provide mental health diagnoses
3. Evidence of effectiveness in clinical practice and applied research

We are seeking candidates who have an interest and ability to engage in scholarly activities. The candidate must have demonstrated ability or strong potential to compete for external funding and establish an independent program of research. The successful candidate must be proficient in performing and interpreting clinically relevant psychometric testing, including neuropsychological tests of cognitive function and assessment of mood. The candidate should also be familiar with other tests to assess non-motor functions (e.g. sleep). A proven track record of research relevant to neurology and of movement disorders (e.g. Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, etc.) is desired. Evidence of independent funding and supervision of students are also assets but not an absolute requirement.

Current salary bands for this post are as follows: Assistant Professor – $93,293 – $112,109; Associate Professor – $112,109 – $130,925 and Professor – $130,925 – $152,877). This position comes with a comprehensive benefits package which includes pension plan, life insurance (compulsory and voluntary), academic long term disability, sick leave, travel insurance, death benefit, dental plan, extended health and vision care plan, employee assistance program and flexible health and wellness spending program.

Interested candidates must submit, via email: a cover letter; detailed curriculum vitae; three letters of reference; and any supporting documents to:
Dr. Alex Rajput
Head, Division of Neurology
Director, Movement Disorders Program
Department of Medicine
Royal University Hospital
103 Hospital Drive
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8
Tel: (306) 844-1411
Email: alex.rajput@usask.ca