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Author: Julie
CAN at the 2024 Canadian Science Policy Conference
The Canadian Association for Neuroscience was happy to participate in the Canadian Science Policy Conference last month in Ottawa, and in the symposium organized by the Canadian Brain Research Strategy: “Scaling Research for Impact: From Local Insights to Global Solutions“ on November 20, 2025.
Read more about the symposium here: https://canadianbrain.ca/canadian-science-policy-conference-brain-health-and-research-summit-2024/
CAN submits a brief to the House of Commons Science and Research committee study on the Capstone Research Funding Organization Announced in Budget 2024
Read our submission to the House of Commons Science and Research Committee study on “The Mission, Mandate, Role, Structure and Financing of the New Capstone Research Funding Organization Announced in Budget 2024”
Continue readingCAN Hill Day 2024
The Canadian Association for Neuroscience was proud to host its annual CAN Parliament Hill Day in Ottawa on November 5, 2024.
It was a full day of meetings with elected officials and representatives of the main federal funding agencies to discuss how to better support scientific research in Canada.
Continue readingM.Sc. & Ph.D. Positions in NeuroAI with a focus on System & Behavioral Neuroscience – Douglas Research Centre / McGill University
Position Overview:
The Mohajerani Lab (https://douglas.research.mcgill.ca/majid-mohajerani/) at Douglas Research Centre/McGill University is seeking prospective M.Sc. or Ph.D. students to join our lab for the Fall 2025 semester. Our research focuses on analyzing animal behavior and brain dynamics through advanced AI-driven methodologies, particularly deep learning tools. The student’s project will involve studying the neural mechanisms underlying memory formation, social behavior, and societal structures in mice. By integrating brain activity data and behavioral analysis, we aim to uncover how neural circuits influence both individual and group behaviors.
Successful candidates will explore the intersection of brain dynamics and behavior, leveraging tools like computer vision and machine learning to decode how brain states are tied to cognitive and social interactions in mice. Applicants should be passionate about exploring how brain activity shapes memory, learning, and social structures, and will work on projects designed to provide insights into how neural plasticity and network connectivity contribute to these behaviors.
As part of this role, students will complete coursework for McGill’s neuroscience program (www.mcgill.ca/ipn/), a world-renowned research hub offering an intellectually stimulating and inspiring academic and career growth environment. Collaboration is at the heart of our lab, and successful candidates will work with a diverse team of researchers and institutions to advance the frontier of neurobehavioral research.
Qualifications:
- Degree in computer science, neuroscience, psychology, or related fields
- Strong background in coding (Python, MATLAB, etc.)
- Experience with AI, deep learning, and machine learning tools (especially for behavioral analysis)
- Solid understanding of neuroscience concepts related to brain activity and memory
- Previous research experience in neuroscience, computer vision, or behavior studies
- Proven ability to work in a collaborative team environment
- Excellent problem-solving skills and motivation to tackle complex scientific challenges
- High academic achievement (GPA)
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
Deadline: Oct 31, 2024
What we offer:
A Focus on System & Behavioural Neuroscience: Dive deep into research that aims to unravel the complexities of behaviour and brain dynamics through AI. Our projects span various aspects of the field, offering a rich academic and personal growth environment.
Collaborative Environment: Work alongside leading scientists in a supportive, interdisciplinary team where your ideas and contributions are valued.
Resources: Access to cutting-edge technology and resources to facilitate your research, experimentation, and learning.
Academic Excellence: As part of McGill University, you’ll be immersed in an environment known for its high standards of research and education.
How to Apply:
If you’re passionate about this position and want to work in a dynamic and exciting environment, please apply with your resume and a cover letter describing your relevant experience and why you’re the right fit for this role. We strive to ensure that our team is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. All qualified applicants, including women and members of visible minority groups, are welcome to apply. If you meet all the requirements, please fill out this form.
Note: Your responses should follow the instructions (file names, etc.) We will only review applications submitted using the following link.
Mouse functional neurogenetics of rare diseases – Université de Montréal
Project Overview
Since 2020, we have collaborated with a patient association with whom we have discovered new genetic variations in a gene that had never before been implicated in neurological diseases. We have access to patient cells and have generated numerous lossof- function models in this gene: KO mouse model, humanized mouse model, conditional KO mouse model, KO zebrafish models, KO cell lines, iPSC-KO… Our recent work has validated the pathogenicity of patient variants and, more broadly, the loss of function of this gene in neurodevelopmental diseases. Over the next few years, we aim to decipher the yet unknown function of this gene during neurodevelopment and central nervous system function. The project will focus on the analysis of neurodevelopment in different conditional KO mouse models. The project will also investigate how perturbations in this gene can affect the function of the central nervous system, particularly causing seizures.
Expertise
We are looking to recruit a passionate post-doctoral fellow with extensive expertise in the study of neurodevelopment in mice and in-depth knowledge of neurogenesis. Expertise in molecular biology analytical techniques applied to mice is required. Expertise in behavioural analysis and EEG recording in mice is a plus. Expertise in bioinformatics data
Why joining?
- All models are already generated
- Working on an entirely new subject with a gene whose function is totally unknown
- Project funded for 3 years
- Participation in one international congress per year to present research data
- A young, dynamic lab autonomy to thrive
- A vast network of collaborators (clinicians, geneticists, researchers)
- Modern premises in the heart of downtown Montreal
Our Lab
Our laboratory is interested in dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying rare neurological diseases. We take advantage of the ease of use of the zebrafish model, but also combine it with mouse models and human cells.
Find out more about our lab: https://www.samlab.ca/
- Provincial tax exemption with post-doc status at Université de Montréal
- Technical support from more than 19 platforms at the CRCHUM
Contact information Send a cover letter, CV and at least two letters of recommendation to eric.samarut@umontreal.ca
There are no closing dates for applications, and analysis of the files may stop as soon as a candidate has been selected.
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Neuroimmunology and Neurodevelopment – Dong and Howland Laboratories, University of Saskatchewan
Applications are being considered for a new postdoctoral fellow who will work in the laboratories of Drs. Jeff Dong and John Howland at the University of Saskatchewan. The successful applicant will lead two collaborative projects with funding secured from CIHR and the US Department of Defense: 1) the roles of oxidized phosphatidylcholines in brain aging and multiple sclerosis, and 2) the long-term effects of gestational cannabis exposure on offspring brain and behavioural development. The ideal applicant will have experience with single cell and/or spatial transcriptomic analysis as well as proficiency in molecular biology and/or behavioural neuroscience techniques. Applicants are expected to have strong written and oral communication skills, as evidenced by their academic record or previous research experience. We encourage applications from individuals that have been traditionally under-represented in the life sciences. Salary will be commensurate with past experience and external scholarships/awards.
Please contact Jeff Dong (jeff.dong@usask.ca) and John Howland (john.howland@usask.ca) with:
1) a brief statement of research interests, and
2) a CV with the names of at least two references.
The review of applications will begin in early fall, 2024.
Read CAN Connection – September 2024
- Message from CAN President Melanie Woodin
- CAN Trainee survey
- Advocacy
- CAN Meeting updates
- Opportunities
- Neurojobs
- Upcoming Events
- Connect with CAN at SfN
- Renew your membership or become a member today!
Scientist in Neuroimmunology – Assistant/Associate Professor, Krembil Research Institute & University of Toronto
Held jointly between Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network and Department of Immunology, University of Toronto
The Krembil Research Institute at University Health Network (UHN) and the Department of Immunology at the University of Toronto (UofT) are accepting applications for a full–time permanent Scientist position, with non‐tenured faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, in the specialty area of neuroimmunology. The position is available immediately. The Search Committee is seeking an outstanding individual with a proven international track record in neuroscience and immunology. Individuals with expertise in developing new cutting‐edge technologies and strengths in the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply: neural‐ and glial‐immune interactions, preclinical models of neuroinflammation and/or human cohorts/samples and systems‐biology approaches to neuroimmunology.
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline, as well as significant postdoctoral research experience and an established record of research excellence. Candidates are expected to demonstrate evidence of: successful research funding (peer‐reviewed grants, fellowships, etc.), publications in leading journals, presentations at significant conferences, and increasing leadership experience in directing a research team. The successful applicant will initiate and maintain an original, competitive, and independently funded research program of international caliber, and will be expected to teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. A competitive benefits package is being offered along with support for relocation expenses.
The successful applicant will be appointed as a Scientist at the Krembil Research Institute, and is expected to qualify for an academic cross‐appointment as an Assistant or Associate Professor (status only) in the Department of Immunology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, at the University of Toronto, depending on career stage.
The successful applicant’s research program will be housed at the Krembil Research Institute in the state‐ of‐the‐art Krembil Discovery Tower (60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, Canada), located near the Discovery District in the heart of downtown Toronto. The position offers a unique environment to conduct research, teach, and live in one of the most vibrant, safe and diverse cities of the world. UHN is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto – Canada’s largest and top‐ranked university – and our researchers benefit from the extensive research facilities of the UofT and other affiliated institutions.
For more information on this opportunity and to apply, please visit: https://smrtr.io/mZwTB
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Scientist in Brain Circuits – Assistant/Associate Professor, Krembil Research Institute & University of Toronto
The Krembil Research Institute at University Health Network (UHN) and the Department of Physiology at the University of Toronto (UofT) are accepting applications for a full–time permanent Scientist position, with non‐tenured faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, in the specialty area of neuroscience. The position is available immediately. The Search Committee is seeking an outstanding individual with a proven international track record in neuroscience. Applicants with expertise in developing cutting‐edge technologies and strengths in the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply: neural circuits, systems neuroscience, and plasticity.
Candidates must have a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline, as well as significant postdoctoral research experience and an established record of research excellence. Candidates are expected to demonstrate evidence of: successful research funding (peer‐reviewed grants, fellowships, etc.), publications in leading journals, presentations at significant conferences, and increasing leadership experience in directing a research team. The successful applicant will initiate and maintain an original, competitive, and independently funded research program of international caliber, and will be expected to teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. A competitive benefits package is being offered along with support for relocation expenses.
The successful applicant will be appointed as a Scientist at the Krembil Research Institute, and is expected to qualify for an academic cross‐appointment as an Assistant or Associate Professor (status only) in the Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, at the University of Toronto, depending on career stage.
The successful applicant’s research program will be housed at the Krembil Research Institute in the state‐ of‐the‐art Krembil Discovery Tower (60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, Canada), located near the Discovery District in the heart of downtown Toronto. The position offers a unique environment to conduct research, teach, and live in one of the most vibrant, safe and diverse cities of the world. UHN is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto – Canada’s largest and top‐ranked university – and our researchers benefit from the extensive research facilities of the UofT and other affiliated institutions.
For more information on this opportunity and to apply, please visit: https://smrtr.io/mZx2t
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.