Research Assistant – Quandt lab – University of British Columbia

We have a position in our laboratory for a research assistant with funding for up to three years. The UBC posting can be found at: www.staffcareers.ubc.ca/31013

Interested applicants are invited to review our website for more information.

www.quandtlab.com

Training & expectations: Major areas of focus will include inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress, environmental stressors, immune populations, neurodegeneration and repair. The successful candidate will have a solid understanding and demonstrated proficiency in several of the following and others will be provided on the job:

  • Cell culture and aseptic technique, preferably involving both isolation and maintenance of rodent primary cultures as well as cell lines.
  • Aseptic technique and experience with human blood handling for the isolation of PBMC and subsequent culture/assay
  • Ability to perform and troubleshoot a wide variety of molecular and cellular biology techniques, including many of the following:
    RNA/DNA isolation, quantitative PCR, transfection, siRNA knockdown and cDNA construct knockin, flow cytometry, immunohisto- and cytochemistry on cells as well as frozen and formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tissues, fluorescence and light microscopy – conventional and/or confocal; ELISA, protein isolation and western blotting;
  • Willingness to work with small rodents is essential. Able to carry out and oversee procedures involving small rodents including immunization/injections, necropsy, blood sampling, and minor surgical procedures involved in animal surgery; applicants with experience in pre-clinical models of neurodegenerative diseases including MS are especially encouraged to apply.
  • Maintenance/monitoring of colonies of transgenic animals, including colony breeding, screening and management.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication
  • Understanding of experimental design and assay optimization is important along with ability to work well with others and to work independently.

Field Scientist: Neuroscience Specialist – Mightex Systems – Toronto

Overview

Mightex Systems, is a market leader in developing and producing photonic systems for life science research. Our most recent innovation, the OASIS Implant, is an all-optical system for cellular resolution optogenetics and calcium imaging in freely-behaving animals, a ground-breaking tool that will enable neuroscientists to make new discoveries about how the brain works.

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing post-sales support to our customers using the OASIS Implant. The type of support provided will include biological and surgical guidance, overall experimental design, technical training and troubleshooting, as well as data analysis. The candidate will be required to provide support both remotely and in person by periodically travelling to customer sites. They will also be required to contribute their expertise during the pre-sales stages to help customers determine how to apply Mightex solutions to their research goals. If you are a self-motivated neuroscientist who is interested in cutting-edge technology and in contributing to the advancement of neuroscience and brain research, this is an exciting opportunity for you.

Responsibilities

  • Provide hands-on scientific and technical support for neuroscience labs with Mightex equipment from experimental preparation to implementation
  • Organize and conduct training sessions
  • Assist with drafting new scientific and technical support resources that are provided to customers
  • Track progress of assigned customer cases
  • Report customer challenges and new experimental requirements to the Product Development team
  • Support sales team members when scientific expertise is required for a customer case.
  • Flexibility to be able to handle some new incoming sales inquiries when required.
  • Participate in international trade shows, seminars, and roadshows.

Qualifications & Skills:

  • Ph.D. in Neuroscience
  • Previous experience with in vivo calcium imaging and optogenetics in rodents. Expertise with viral transfections (e.g., GCaMP) and GRIN lens implantation is a must
  • Previous experience with head-mounted miniature microscopes is an asset
  • Strong analytical and hands-on skills are essential to provide accurate and quality customer training and guidance
  • Excellent teamwork skills and able to collaborate effectively across multiple departments
  • Delivers a positive customer experience; listens to and understands the customer’s needs and recommends solutions
  • Demonstrates sound professional judgment in analysing, responding to, and resolving enquiries
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to travel domestically or internationally to customer sites
  • Legally able and cleared to work in Canada

How to Apply

Please send your resume to hr1@mightex.com.

Research Associate/ Scientist Position in Neuroscience, University Of British Columbia

Prof. Shernaz Bamji’s laboratory in the Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences at the University of British Columbia is now accepting applications for a Research Associate beginning fall 2018.

Prof. Bamji’s research program focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal connectivity. Specifically, the lab aims to address: the molecular and cellular mechanisms of how we learn and remember; how disrupting proper synaptic communication in the brain can lead to brain disorders; and whether improving synaptic function later in life might be a therapeutic target for restoring cognitive and functional abilities. This is done using a multi-disciplinary approach, including confocal microscopy, electron microscopy, proteomics, and behavioral analysis, together with standard molecular biology and biochemical approaches in both primary neuron cultures and transgenic mouse models. Prof. Bamji’s research program is supported by the Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR).

 

Qualifications (Education/Experience)

  • M.Sc. or Ph.D. with a specialization in a related area (Ph.D. preferred).
  • Experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, imaging and rodent handling essential.
  • Experience in bioinformatics, neuron cultures, stereotactic surgery, and rodent behavior preferred.
  • The ideal candidate will be hard working, independent, organized and passionate about research, with motivation to help build and sustain a high-impact research program.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, effectively manage overlapping duties and meet deadlines.
  • Must have excellent oral and written communication skills, problem solving skills as well as the ability to work in a team environment.

 

Work performed

  • Actively participate in project design and protocol development
  • Oversee the daily operation of the lab
  • Train and supervise graduate and undergraduate trainees
  • Participate in the preparation of research grants
  • Present research at national and international conferences
  • Purchase and maintain equipment and supplies
  • Create and manage inventory records

 

Interested individuals should submit a CV and names and complete addresses of three referees by September 30, 2018 with the subject heading “Application for Research Associate” to: shernaz.bamji@ubc.ca

 

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

 

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Posting end date: September 30, 2018.