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).
