Postdoctoral Researcher in Translational Rodent to Human Pain Models

About the position:

Position: Postdoctoral researcher for a two year term, with the possibility of extension

Field of Specialization: Spinal cord nociceptive processing; translational pain models

Academic Group: Hildebrand Pain Lab, Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University

Sources of Funds: 2023-2028 CIHR Project Grant, potential future industrial R&D fellowship

Start Date: May 1, 2023 (or earlier/later depending on applicant’s availability)

Closing Date: March 30, 2023

The Hildebrand Pain Lab (HildebrandPainLab.com) at Carleton University (and affiliated with the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute) invites applications for a postdoctoral research position investigating spinal mechanisms of nociceptive processing in rodent and human tissue models. This translational project involves combining cutting-edge high density multi-electrode array (MEA) recordings with the Hildebrand lab’s unique ability to collect highly viable tissue from human organ donors. Using this powerful combination, the applicant will investigate how molecular and cellular mechanisms of spinal excitability and pain processing are conserved and/or diverge across sex and species. Beyond these physiological questions, the applicant will test how targeting specific molecular players with current and potential future therapeutic compounds impacts excitability in spinal nociceptive circuits of both rodents and humans.

The skills, networks, and mentorship gained through this translational pain project will equip the candidate for potential careers in academic, industrial, and/or healthcare-related fields. Along with direct supervision and mentorship by Dr. Hildebrand, the applicant will be working alongside a neurosurgeon/clinical research scientist collaborator at the Ottawa Hospital, Dr. Eve Tsai (https://www.ohri.ca/profile/etsai), with the opportunity to participate in the surgical collection of spinal cord tissue from neurologic determination of death organ donors. Because of the high translational value of these rodent-to-human spinal cord physiology and pharmacology experiments, the applicant will also have the opportunity to work with and be mentored by pharmaceutical researchers that have ongoing collaborative research partnerships with the Hildebrand Pain Lab.

Qualifications:

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in a relevant field, with neuroscience-related research experience including performing electrophysiological, pharmacological, and/or biochemical experiments on ex vivo nervous system tissue. Expertise in analysis of large datasets and coding is also an asset. The position is full time, and salary will be commensurate with experience. The postdoc will be considered unionized, as a member of PSAC Local 77000. Information on this bargaining unit can be found here: https://psac77000.ca/. Optional extended health and dental benefit plans are available with this position.

The Hildebrand Pain Lab and Carleton University are strongly committed to fostering diversity within their communities as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our team, including, but not limited to: women; visible minorities; First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples; persons with disabilities; and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expressions. We understand that career paths vary. Legitimate career interruptions will in no way prejudice the assessment process and their impact will be taken into careful consideration.

Application instructions:

Completed applications should be sent as one single PDF document to Dr. Hildebrand (mike.hildebrand@carleton.ca) and should include a cover letter highlighting relevant research experiences and how this position fits with your career goals, as well as a curriculum vitae that includes the names and contact information of three referees familiar with your past work and experiences. Please indicate in your application if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

About Carleton University:

The Neuroscience department (https://carleton.ca/neuroscience/) is a dynamic and growing academic/research unit at Carleton University that includes a diverse range of research interests, outreach activities, and networking/mentorship opportunities. To learn more about our University and the City of Ottawa, please visit https://carleton.ca/provost/reports/.

Contact information

Michael Hildebrand, mike.hildebrand@carleton.ca
Associate Professor and Graduate Chair, Carleton University
Affiliate Investigator, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
1125 Colonel By Drive
6310 Health Sciences Building
Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6 CANADA

 

Posting end date

2023/06/01

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Post-doctoral fellow positions – Vulnerable Brain Lab at Western University

The Vulnerable Brain Laboratory (www.vulnerablebrain.com), in the Dept. Anatomy and Cell Biology at Western University is a cross-disciplinary, translational lab interested in interrogating the role of microglia activation in aging and disease/injury. We are currently recruiting 1-2 post-doctoral fellows with interests developing assays aimed at using circulating brain extracellular vesicles as a diagnostic tool for measuring brain inflammation and cognitive impairment in cell, experimental animal, and human samples. Additionally, we are searching for candidates with interests in extracellular vesicle trafficking and release, and proteomic/lipidomic analysis of extracellular vesicles and their cargo.

Previous experience some of the following is preferred: rodent based stroke models, cell culture, rodent behaviour, molecular biology, microscopy, histology, and mass spectrometry, including mass spectrometry imaging.

Western University is strongly committed to principles related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization (EDID). We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including women, members of visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, members of sexual minorities and persons with disabilities.

Contact information

Please send a cover letter, CV, and a list of 3 references to Dr. Shawn Whitehead (shawn.whitehead@schulich.uwo.ca). We will notify applicants prior to contacting references.

 

Dr. Oksana Suchowersky and Dr. Chris Eagle Clinical Fellowship – University of Alberta

The Dr. Oksana Suchowersky and Dr. Chris Eagle Clinical Fellowship was created through a generous donation with the intention of building capacity and expertise in the areas of neurogenetics, neurology or genetics. The fellowship is tenable at the University of Alberta with preference given to neurogenetics.

Candidates must have or currently be enrolled in specialty training in neurology or genetics, and be an MD or PhD/MD and eligible for licensure in the province of Alberta.

Fellowship value and duration: Fellow will be paid at the PGY6 level for 1 year.

Application deadline: October 1, 2022

Please visit the University of Alberta’s Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (NMHI) website to learn more about this opportunity and how to apply. https://www.ualberta.ca/neuroscience-and-mental-health-institute/membership/funding-opportunities/dr.-oksana-suchowersky-and-dr.-chris-eagle-clinical-fellowship.html

Contact information

nmhicoms@ualberta.ca

General Neurologists & Stroke Neurologists – Windsor General Hospital

Our client, Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH), is a multi-faceted health services organization operating from two main sites, the Metropolitan Campus and the Ouellette Campus. With 500 beds and an operating budget of over half a billion dollars, WRH is the regional provider of advanced care in areas that include complex trauma, renal dialysis, cardiac care, stroke and neurosurgery, intensive care, acute mental health, family birthing centre, neonatal intensive care, paediatric services, and regional cancer services. WRH provides a broad range of medical and surgical services required to support these specialized areas for more than 400,000 people in Windsor and Essex County. Windsor Regional Hospital is seeking: General Neurologists & Stroke Neurologists.

With increasing volumes, program development, and growing demands for service, WRH is seeking top tier General Neurologists and Stroke Neurologists to join their team. This is an exceptional opportunity to join an innovative, collegial, and mutually respectful team to contribute to neurology service delivery excellence.

Full time, part time, and locum opportunities are available. WRH is also interested in recruiting subspecialty neurologists to bring unique skills to the group and community.

As a designated Enhanced District Stroke Centre, Windsor Regional Hospital provides specialized services for stroke and TIA patients offering timely hyper-acute treatments like tPA and endovascular therapy (Thrombectomy and Coiling), as well as neurosurgical services. The hospital has neurologists, neurosurgeons, and interventional radiologists on staff providing expert care for stroke patients. Following intervention and post procedure recovery and stabilization in the ICU, patients are transferred to the Acute Stroke Unit, a designated 16-bed unit dedicated to the care of Stroke patients. Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services for Windsor-Essex are offered locally through Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare. Outpatient Rehab options direct from hospital also includes the Intensive Hospital to Home Rehab program and E-Rehab services provided through the Erie St. Clair LHIN.

Physicians at WRH have the opportunity to educate and mentor residents from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, with professional staff members eligible to hold a University appointment.

Candidates must be certified, or eligible for certification, by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Neurology and hold, or be eligible for, licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Offering great flexibility and work/life balance, these positions include an attractive compensation and relocation incentive package.

The Windsor-Essex area is ecologically rich with extensive parkland combined with a southwest location that extends warm weather activities such a golfing, gardening, and water sports. Windsor offers the unique opportunities of a larger metropolitan area and the benefits of a smaller community. Living directly across the border from Detroit, Michigan places you on a cosmopolitan stage where arts, culture, big league sports, and entertainment are just moments away. Best of all, you can enjoy access to all of these big-city advantages while living in the tranquility and beauty of the Windsor region.

Please forward a CV in confidence to:
Robb Callaghan,
E-mail: rcallaghan@medfall.com
Tel: 289-238-9079

View a PDF version of this advertisement

Neurologists & Locum Neurologists – Windsor Regional Hospital

Our client, Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH), is a multi-faceted health services organization operating from two main sites, the Metropolitan Campus and the Ouellette Campus. With 500 beds and an operating budget of over half a billion dollars, WRH is the regional provider of advanced care in areas that include complex trauma, renal dialysis, cardiac care, stroke and neurosurgery, intensive care, acute mental health, family birthing centre, neonatal intensive care, paediatric services, and regional cancer services. WRH provides a broad range of medical and surgical services required to support these specialized areas for more than 400,000 people in Windsor and Essex County. Windsor Regional Hospital is seeking: Neurologists & Locum Neurologists

With increasing volumes, program development, and growing demands for service, WRH is seeking top tier Neurologists to join their team to contribute to service delivery excellence in the Neuro-Interventional Program. This is an exceptional opportunity to join an innovative, collegial, and mutually respectful team to contribute to neurology service delivery excellence.

There is a need to expand the group of neurologists which would include general neurologists who have interest in supporting inpatient endeavors. Full time, part time, and locum opportunities are available. WRH is also interested in recruiting subspecialty neurologists to bring unique skills to the group and community.

As a designated Enhanced District Stroke Centre, Windsor Regional Hospital provides specialized services for stroke and TIA patients offering timely hyper-acute treatments like tPA and endovascular therapy (Thrombectomy and Coiling), as well as neurosurgical services. The hospital has neurologists, neurosurgeons, and interventional radiologists on staff providing expert care for stroke patients. Following intervention and post procedure recovery and stabilization in the ICU, patients are transferred to the Acute Stroke Unit, a designated 16-bed unit dedicated to the care of Stroke patients. Inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services for Windsor-Essex are offered locally through Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare. Outpatient Rehab options direct from hospital also includes the Intensive Hospital to Home Rehab program and E-Rehab services provided through the Erie St. Clair LHIN.

Physicians at WRH have the opportunity to educate and mentor residents from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, with professional staff members eligible to hold a University appointment.

Candidates must be certified, or eligible for certification, by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Neurology and hold, or be eligible for, licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Offering great flexibility and work/life balance, these positions include an attractive compensation and relocation incentive package.

The Windsor-Essex area is ecologically rich with extensive parkland combined with a southwest location that extends warm weather activities such a golfing, gardening, and water sports. Windsor offers the unique opportunities of a larger metropolitan area and the benefits of a smaller community. Living directly across the border from Detroit, Michigan places you on a cosmopolitan stage where arts, culture, big league sports, and entertainment are just moments away. Best of all, you can enjoy access to all of these big-city advantages while living in the tranquility and beauty of the Windsor region.

Please forward a CV in confidence to:

Robb Callaghan, E-mail: rcallaghan@medfall.com Tel: 289-238-9079

Download a PDF version of this advertisement

Post-doctoral fellowship – Understanding the impact of chronic stress on the activity of the mPFC excitatory/inhibitory microcircuitry – Université Laval

Understanding the impact of chronic stress on the activity of the mPFC excitatory/inhibitory microcircuitry

The Labonté lab is opening a postdoctoral position for a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow interested in studying the impact of chronic stress on the activity of the medial prefrontal cortical (mPFC) excitatory/inhibitory circuitry in males and females. This project builds on results from our group showing that chronic stress interferes with the inhibitory control of principal cells differently in the mPFC of chronically stressed males and females. The aim of this project is to define how stress impacts the transcriptional programs controlling the activity of the different inhibitory interneuron subclasses in the mPFC and dissect their individual contribution on the disruption of the mPFC excitatory/inhibitory balance required for proper emotional responses to chronic stress in males and females.

The successful candidate should possess a PhD degree in either behavioral or computational neuroscience with an established record of productivity in these fields of research. The lab models complex emotional responses to chronic stress through different paradigms including social defeat stress, chronic variable stress and prolonged social isolation. The project involves combining different trans-sectional viral approaches with single-cell RNAseq, patch clamp electrophysiology and single-cell Ca2+ imaging in freely behaving animals during stressful and operant tasks to ultimately dissect and confirm the contribution of cell-type specific gene programs on the maintenance/alteration of the excitatory/inhibitory balance in the mPFC of stressed males and females. Of particular interest, our lab owns unique human molecular profiles which provide highly translational findings relevant to clinical populations. This project is fully funded.

The candidate should have proven expertise with the assessment of mouse behavior and stereotaxic delivery of viral vectors. The candidate should also have a have a strong background with either patch clamp electrophysiology and/or Ca2+ imaging. Previous molecular expertise is a plus and proficiency with Matlab, R and Python coding would be ideal. The successful candidate will be responsible to coordinate and perform the experiments, collaborate with MSc and PhD students in the lab, write manuscripts and present its work at national and international scientific meetings. The candidate will integrate a multidisciplinary team of experts in molecular, cellular and integrative neuroscience located at the CERVO Brain Research Center affiliated with Laval University in Quebec City, Canada.

The CERVO Brain Research Center is a leading multi-disciplinary research and training environment with >40 laboratories and over 250 trainees and staff pursuing basic and clinical neuroscience research. It offers transdisciplinary environment with state-of-the-art facilities aiming to understand the central nervous system at the molecular, cellular, systems, and clinical levels in normal and pathological states. The CERVO is located in Quebec City, one of the oldest cities in North America and a UNESCO World Heritage travel destination. As a cultural center of North America, Quebec City is also a truly affordable city with a European flair. The city is embedded in a region rich in nature that offers an abundance of outdoor summer and winter activities. The CERVO is a fully bilingual environment and, while several options to learn French are available, the English language is prioritized in the lab.

Applicants are required to send a motivation letter and their scientific CV with three reference contacts at the following email address: benoit.labonte@fmed.ulaval.ca.

Contact information

benoit.labonte@fmed.ulaval.ca

Post-doctoral fellowship – Deciphering the epigenetics code underlying the expression of major depressive disorder in men and women.

The Labonté lab is opening a postdoctoral position for a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow interested in studying the epigenetic regulation of sex-specific gene networks across brain regions from men and women suffering from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). This project relies on solid findings published from our lab showing that the transcriptional organization of gene networks across brain regions from men and women with MDD is highly sexually dimorphic and that these sex-specific gene networks control different aspects of emotional stress responses in males and females. The aim of this project is to reveal the epigenetic landscape across brain regions from men and women with MDD and confirm the impact of epigenetic changes on the activity of sex-specific gene networks and their control over emotional responses to chronic stress in males and females.

The successful candidate should possess a PhD degree in either molecular or cellular biology, genetics, neuroscience or any other relevant disciplines with an established record of productivity in the respective fields of research. The project implies combining approaches to screen histone modifications, chromatin confirmation/occupancy and DNA base modifications in post-mortem tissue from men and women with MDD. The relationship between the layers of epigenetic complexity and the transcriptional organization of gene networks in men and women with MDD will be assessed by bioinformatically. In the lab, this will be first performed by delivering epigenetic modulators at regions of interest in human NPS cell lines and ultimately in mouse models using conditional viral approaches in transgenic mouse lines. This is a truly translational project with direct clinical implications in human populations. This project is fully funded and in-house bioinformatics expertise is already established.

The candidate should have proven expertise in basic and advanced molecular techniques related to the study of epigenetic, chromatin or DNA base modifications. The candidate should also have a strong experience with cell line maintenance and manipulation. Experience with animal work and stereotaxic viral delivery would be important assets. Proficiency with R or Python coding is a plus. The successful candidate will be responsible to coordinate and perform the experiments, collaborate with MSc and PhD students in the lab, write manuscripts and present its work at national and international scientific meetings. By joining the group, the candidate will integrate a multidisciplinary team of experts in molecular, cellular and integrative neuroscience located at the CERVO Brain Research Center affiliated with Laval University in Quebec City, Canada.

The CERVO Brain Research Center is a leading multi-disciplinary research and training environment with >40 laboratories and over 250 trainees and staff pursuing basic and clinical neuroscience research. It offers a transdisciplinary environment with state-of-the-art facilities aiming to understand the central nervous system at the molecular, cellular, systems, and clinical levels in normal and pathological states. The CERVO is located in Quebec City, one of the oldest cities in North America and a UNESCO World Heritage travel destination. As a cultural center of North America, Quebec City is also a truly affordable city with a European flair. The city is embedded in a region rich in nature that offers an abundance of outdoor summer and winter activities. The CERVO is a fully bilingual environment and, while several options to learn French are available, the English language is prioritized in the lab.

Applicants are required to send a motivation letter and their scientific CV with three reference contacts at the following email address: benoit.labonte@fmed.ulaval.ca.

Contact information

benoit.labonte@fmed.ulaval.ca

IBRO – MBL and CSHL Fellowships

The IBRO (International Brain Research Organization) US-Canada Regional Committee (USCRC) is pleased to announce our 2021 fellowships program that will cover the cost for PhD students and postdoctoral fellows training in neuroscience in Canada to attend advanced neuroscience courses or meetings at the Marine Biological Laboratories (MBL) at Woods Hole, MA., and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL), NY.

For MBL, all trainees are welcomed to apply but preference will be given to trainees belonging to minority groups (Indigenous communities in Canada, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, women, and other minorities) as
well as those in non-U15 Universities (http://u15.ca/). The MBL awards will cover the cost of tuition, room, and board. Fellowships are worth up to $11,000 per trainee depending on the course taken.

For CSHL, reduced registration fees for virtual meetings are available for trainees from non-U15 Universities (http://u15.ca/). If in-person courses resume in the second half of 2021, partial tuition support of up to $8,000 per trainee will be available.

The aim of this program is to increase diversity in neuroscience in Canada, by providing such trainees with access to cutting-edge research training in contemporary neuroscience.

Interested trainees should submit applications directly to the course of interest (see link below). Evaluation of applications and offers of admission to courses are made by the course leaders. Accepted candidates with the backgrounds mentioned above will be automatically considered for IBRO fellowship.

Eligible MBL courses: Neural Systems and Behavior, Neurobiology: Mechanisms & Advanced Approaches, Methods in Computational Neuroscience, Biology of the Inner Ear: Experimental and Analytical Approaches, Brains, Minds and Mechanisms, Physiology: Modern Cell Biology Using Microscopic, Biochemical and Computational Approaches, and Frontiers in Stem Cells and Regeneration.

Eligible CSHL courses: see link below.

MBL: http://www.mbl.edu/education/courses/
CSHL: https://meetings.cshl.edu/meetingshome.aspx

Please inform us when applying or if you have questions about eligibility.

Contact: sam.david@mcgill.ca

Post-doctoral Research Fellow position in clinical neurophysiology at The Hospital for Sick Children

Post-doctoral Research Fellow position in clinical neurophysiology

Neurological Outcome of Glycemia in Neonatal Encephalopathy

The Neurosciences & Mental Health Program at the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute is seeking an enthusiastic postdoc researcher to work in close collaboration with neurologists, neurophysiologists, and neuroradiologists in analysing pre-existing continuous glucose, EEG, and clinical data.

With the direction of principal supervisors Drs. Emily Tam and Cecil Hahn, you will work closely with affiliated staff and students who form a group that use neuroimaging and neurophysiology to study newborn brain disorders.

Despite therapeutic hypothermia for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), rates of death and major disability continue to be high. Using continuous glucose monitoring, we have found that hyperglycemia occurs in more than 50% of HIE, associated with brain injury and possibly long-term outcomes. This study uses continuous glucose data paired with continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) and detailed clinical data to determine the temporal relationships between abnormal glycemia and brain function.

This is part of an ongoing project that is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

A substantial amount of data already exists for this project and the motivated researcher will be able to jump straight into analysis.

Requirements

  • PhD in a relevant area (engineering or computer sciences) required.
  • Must have experience with EEG analyses
  • Well developed skills in data science is required.
  • Computer programming (Matlab, Python, or R) and/or signal processing/time series analyses.
  • Proven experience in research commensurate with your level of experience post-PhD.
  • Experience in analysis of neurophysiological data is preferred.
  • Experience in clinical research would be an asset.
  • Excellent communication skills (oral and written).
  • Be able to work independently and meet deadlines.

We offer

  • Initial contract will be for a period of 1 year, with the possibility of extension for a second year.
  • We offer a competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.
  • In addition, we offer an attractive benefits package, that includes extended health and dental coverage.
  • Toronto is a world-class rated in the top ten cities worldwide for livability that has a large and rich neuroscience community.
  • The Research Institute offers many opportunities for career development and additional training as part of the Research Training Centre.

Additional information

The post is available from 4th January 2021.

Contact Dr. Emily Tam via emily.tam@sickkids.ca for more information.
If you wish to apply directly, please send a CV, a cover letter with research statement/interests, and the names of two references.

Please use the following direct link to the job posting to apply to the position via the SickKids website:

https://career.sickkids.ca:8001/psc/CRPRD/CAREER/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=13321&PostingSeq=1&

BrainsCAN Graduate Studentship Program at Western University

We are pleased to announce the “Call for Applications” for the BrainsCAN Graduate Studentship Program. This program is part of Western’s $66M BrainsCAN initiative, supported by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF). The CFREF investment is intended to enable researchers at the University, along with their national and international academic and commercial partners, to seek answers to fundamental questions regarding how we learn, think, move and communicate.

Recruiting the next generation of neuroscience researchers is a key aim of BrainsCAN. The BrainsCAN Graduate Studentship Program has been developed to attract the world’s most promising prospective master’s and doctoral students in cognitive neuroscience to Western University.

Up to five BrainsCAN Graduate Studentships will be awarded in this competition to highly qualified individuals pursuing a collaborative research project in cognitive neuroscience. This Studentship is open to any prospective graduate student not currently, or recently, enrolled in a graduate program at Western, and will provide a minimum salary of $25,000 for 2 years for master’s students, and $35,000 for 3 years for doctoral students.

Already ranked amongst the best in the world in cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging, Western researchers employ cognitive, computational, clinical, and translational approaches to understand and intervene in brain function. Our graduate students will have access to BrainsCAN-supported core facilities for neuroimaging; for studying human cognition, behaviour and sensorimotor control; for development and use of computational methods; and for establishing and exploring rodent and nonhuman primate models of cognition and behaviour. Skilled staff within these cores support state-of-the-art technical equipment including research-only MRI systems (3T, 7T, and 9.4T), laboratories for cognitive, behavioural, and electrophysiological testing in humans and animal models, advanced molecular techniques, a sleep laboratory, and access to a variety of neurological patient populations in affiliated teaching hospitals.

Applicants must identify and contact potential advisors at Western before applying. An interdisciplinary, collaborative approach, involving more than one lab is a requirement for application. Lastly, it is strongly recommended that all potential applicants review Western’s Graduate School Admission procedures and academic calendar prior to preparing their application.

The application deadline is January 4th, 2021.

Contact information For more information, please see: https://brainscan.uwo.ca/programs/graduate_studentship_program/index.html

Contact: brainscan@uwo.ca
Posting end date 2021/01/03