Category: Trainee opportunities

Canadian Postdoc Seminar Series – Call for Organizers (2024-2025)

Posted on | by Julie

Dear CAN members,

With the growing success of the Canadian Neuroscience Seminars – Postdoctoral Series (CNS-PDS), we are delighted to announce a “Call for Organizers” for the third round of CNS-PDS (2024-2025). 

CNS - PDS logo

The CNS-PDS initiative, organized by postdocs for postdocs, promotes research accomplishments of postdocs throughout Canada and Canadian postdocs abroad. Our speakers have a unique opportunity to increase their scientific visibility and network within the CAN community. These seminars also give a room for the CAN community to interact with the next generation of neuroscientists.

The series takes place monthly in the format of virtual presentations, and features scientific talks from talented postdocs in any field of fundamental or clinical neuroscience.

Currently we are inviting CAN postdocs to join the committee for the upcoming year (2024-2025) to help organize the seminars. Being part of this committee is not only an excellent way of expanding your network, but it is also a great opportunity to gain leadership and outreach experiences along with making an impact in the scientific community. 

Ideally, the organizing committee will be representative of multiple institutions across Canada. To promote better representation, people who identify as belonging to under-represented groups in neuroscience research are strongly encouraged to apply.

Duties of the committee will include reviewing submissions, speaker selection, organizing the 2025 schedule and hosting seminars. Please note that while serving on the committee, members are prohibited from presenting their work at the seminars due to conflict of interest.

If you are interested in being part of next year’s committee, please fill out the following Google form: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/195KIEUMr9beb4nTCdkqEYv8u64DGwBrThO85CGlUSPQ

Application deadline: SEPTEMBER 6, 2024, by 11:59 pm (Pacific Time)

Questions? Contact seminars@can-acn.org

Sincerely,

CNS-PDS Committee

Twitter: @CNS_PDS

Graduate student and post-doctoral positions: Neural basis of motor learning and performance, McGill University

Posted on | by Julie

The Sakata lab at McGill University is looking for motivated graduate (PhD) students and postdoctoral fellows to investigate the contribution of perineuronal nets (PNNs) and parvalbumin (PV) neurons in motor circuitry to motor performance and learning (see PDF). This CIHR-funded research program is comparative, involving experiments in songbirds (zebra finches) and mice, and conducted in collaboration with the labs of Profs. Alanna Watt and Sarah Woolley (McGill). Because songbirds learn their vocalizations (in ways similar to how humans learn to speak) and possess discrete neural circuits for vocal learning and performance, songbirds are powerful animal models to reveal the neural mechanisms underlying vocal motor learning and control, including the contribution of PNNs and PV neurons to vocal performance and plasticity. Mice are an established model system to reveal locomotor plasticity and control and allow for genetic approaches to understanding PNN function. Experiments will involve behavioral analyses as well as pharmacological, viral, and genetic manipulations of PNN expression in focal brain areas. Collectively, these experiments will provide foundational and novel insights into mechanisms of skill acquisition, sensorimotor integration, neural plasticity, and movement and speech disorders.
PhD students and postdoctoral fellows will be part of an expansive neuroscience community at McGill and can take advantage of resources in the Department of Biology, Integrated Program in Neuroscience, Advanced Bioimaging Facility, and Centre for Research on Brain, Language, and Music. Outside the lab, trainees will be immersed in a diverse and exciting culture and able to live in the vibrant and affordable city of Montreal.

Contact information

Those interested in applying should contact Prof. Jon Sakata (jon.sakata@mcgill.ca) and include a description of their research history and research interests and a copy of their CV. Prospective graduate students should include their university transcripts.

Application deadline: Dec 31, 2024

View PDF version

Ad-for-positions-Sakata-Lab-2024Download

Post-doctoral or PhD Position for the development of a neuroprosthesis that supports the production of complex movements – Université de Montréal

Posted on | by Julie

A PhD position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Numa Dancause at the Université de Montréal, Department of Neurosciences. Our group investigates the mechanisms underlying movement control, neural plasticity involved in motor recovery post-brain injury, and the effects of neuromodulation techniques such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the brain. We employ rodent and macaque monkey models, and benefit from collaborations with human-focused research groups through our Canadian platform Can-Stim. Here is a full list of our published work.

The project: The PhD candidate will develop a flexible neuroprosthesis for the motor cortex capable of supporting the production of complex movements. This project is part of a multidisciplinary collaborative effort with the labs of Dr Benoit Gosselin (Université Laval), Guillaume Lajoie (UdeM) and Marco Bonizzato (Polytechnique). It integrates the use of machine-learning approaches to optimize neurostimulation, automation of behavioral data collection and wireless stimulation and electrophysiological data recording technologies. The project will involve:

  • Help design the neuromodulation platform, integrate the different components and improve performance
  • Conducting neural recordings and stimulation in behaving monkeys.
  • Programming in MATLAB or Python for data analyse
  • Adapt and improve the machine-learning algorithm to the new platform
  • Collaborating with interdisciplinary neuroscience, engineering, applied maths and data science, computational and clinical rehabilitation teams.
    Your profile:
  • Training in neuroscience, electrical or biomedical engineering or a related field.
  • Strong programming skills, particularly in MATLAB or Python for analyses of neural signals are strong assets
  • Previous experience with animal models using electrophysiological techniques AND/OR neuromodulation techniques
  • Background knowledge in electronics and experience in signal processing.
  • Background knowledge of machine-learning, AI, and computational neuroscience.
  • Motivation to pursue innovative research in biomedical engineering and motor rehabilitation.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a research team.
  • Different roles in the project, with varying degrees of experimental versus theoretical/algorithmic focus are possible. Candidates with diverse skills and career objectives will be considered.

Why UdeM?: The Université de Montréal offers a stimulating research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and international collaborations. Montréal is renowned for its vibrant neuroscience community. The lab is part of multiple research groups with research interest in fundamental biomedical research (Centre d’innovation biomédicale; CIB), bridging neurosciences and artificial intelligence (Union Neurosciences et Intelligence Artificielle – Québec; UNIQUE), and brain function and learning (Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche sur le Cerveau et l’Apprentissage; CIRCA).

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter outlining their research interests and career goals, a detailed CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references to Numa.Dancause@umontreal.ca.

Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

PDF version of this advertisement

Post-doctoral or PhD Position on Neurophysiological Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in Preclinical Models of Stroke – Université de Montréal

Posted on | by Julie

A postdoctoral or PhD position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Numa Dancause at the Université de Montréal, Department of Neurosciences. Our group investigates the mechanisms underlying movement control, neural plasticity involved in motor recovery post-brain injury, and the effects of neuromodulation techniques such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the brain. We employ rodent and macaque monkey models, and benefit from collaborations with human-focused research groups through our Canadian platform Can-Stim. Here is a full list of our published work.

The project: The PhD candidate will investigate the effects of rTMS in macaque stroke models, integrating neural and electromyographic recordings while employing an exoskeleton interface, the KINARM. The project will involve:

  • Conducting neural recordings in behaving monkeys.
  • Implementing and analyzing lesion models and neuro-recovery processes.
  • Programming in MATLAB or Python for data analysis.
  • Collaborating with interdisciplinary neuroscience, engineering, computational and clinical rehabilitation teams.
    Your profile:
  • Training in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, behavioral sciences, or a related field.
  • Strong programming and electrophysiological data analysis skills, particularly in MATLAB or Python.
  • Experience with electrophysiological techniques in vivo AND/OR behavioral shaping in non-human primates or other animals AND/OR neuromodulation techniques.
  • Motivation to pursue innovative research in neurobiology and motor rehabilitation.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a research team.

Why UdeM?: The Université de Montréal offers a stimulating research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and international collaborations. Montréal is renowned for its vibrant neuroscience community. The lab is part of multiple research groups with research interest in fundamental biomedical research (Centre d’innovation biomédicale; CIB), bridging neurosciences and artificial intelligence (Union Neurosciences et Intelligence Artificielle – Québec; UNIQUE), and brain function and learning (Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche sur le Cerveau et l’Apprentissage; CIRCA).

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter outlining their research interests and career goals, a detailed CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references to Numa.Dancause@umontreal.ca.

Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

View a PDF version of this advertisement

Postdoctoral Associate, Neuroscience – Joy lab at Jackson Laboratory

Posted on | by Julie
Jackson Laboratory logo

The Joy lab is looking for a motivated postdoctoral candidate interested in studying circuit repair and motor behavior after stroke with the goal of identifying translatable therapies for stroke recovery.

The focus of the lab is to determine how brain circuits reorganize after a stroke, contributions of these reorganizational process to motor function, molecular signatures that drive recovery and therapeutic targets for stroke. We use a host of techniques including but not limited to large-scale mesoscopic calcium imaging, optogenetics, gene targeting with viral vectors or transgenics, transcriptomics and ethological measurements of behavior.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Biological Sciences or nearing completion, experience in one or more of the above techniques, a strong background in neuroscience and optionally molecular biology and data science. We are looking for a candidate that is driven, can leverage the lab’s existing expertise and build upon this and does not shy away from new ideas/approaches and challenges. Additionally, the candidate will have access to JAX’s unique postdoctoral training program that offers support and substantial guidance for building an independent career in science through applications to postdoctoral and transition awards.

This is also a unique opportunity to explore the beautiful outdoors and the coastline of Bar Harbor, ME , be it a day at the Acadia National park, a walk through the carriage roads, sailing in the Atlantic , snow sports or being part of the exuberant festivities over the Summer.

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a 1-page cover letter briefing your training, current and future interests, CV and contact information for 2-3 references.

The Joy lab supports postdocs that have either academic or non-academic long-term career goals, international candidates, women and candidates from all backgrounds. We truly believe in equal opportunity for all.

JAX Salary
Year 0 – 1 $65,589
Year 1 – 2 $67,318
Year 2 – 3 $69,095
Year 3 – 4 $70,521
Year 4 – 5 $72,877
Year 5 – 6 $75,569

#CA-NF7

About JAX:

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org​​​​​​​.

EEO Statement:

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.

Contact information:

Nicole Fraser, Talent Acquisition Partner
Nicole.Fraser@jax.org

Please apply here: https://thejacksonlaboratory.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/External_JAX/job/Bar-Harbor-Maine/Postdoctoral-Associate—Neuroscience—Joy-Lab_JR004213

Postdoctoral Fellow in Focused Ultrasound (FUS) Neuromodulation Imaging/Electrophysiology and Modeling – University of Calgary

Posted on | by Julie

A motivated Postdoctoral Fellow is sought to join a unique multidisciplinary team of imaging and ultrasound engineers (Bruce Pike, Sam Pichardo, Kartik Murari) and neuroscientists (Zelma Kiss, Darren Clark, Patrick Whelan, Andrea Protzner). The project is NSERC-funded and involves focused ultrasound (FUS) neuromodulation imaging/electrophysiology and modeling. Focused ultrasound is emerging as an important neuromodulatory tool, allowing for non-invasive or minimally invasive alteration of brain network function. The mechanisms of FUS action are not well-understood. The candidate would use in vitro and in vivo animal models to interrogate how FUS alters neural function, with access to cutting edge equipment from InSightec, BrainSonics, as well as custom-built focused ultrasound systems and software. The post-doc will present at local and international conferences (e.g. International Symposium on Therapeutic Ultrasound will be in neighbouring Banff in 2025), have opportunities for teaching or industry relationships, and expand the project into new directions. Taking ownership of the work will allow them to apply for their own fellowship funding from local and national/international organizations, with the support of their network of mentors.
Responsibilities:

  • Responsibilities include participating in planning and intellectual development of projects, taking leadership roles in experiments, papers, presentations, applications, and mentoring graduate and undergrad students.
    Candidate Requirements:
  • Must have a PhD with a strong background in electrophysiology, modellingand/or intravital imaging.
  • Be within 5 years of PhD completion and have a publication record in respected scientific journals.

Benefits and Training Environment:

  • A competitive salary and benefits will be provided through the University of Calgary post-doctoral training stream, including health spending account.
  • Contracts are offered yearly with potential for longer-term training due to the project’s 5-year duration.
  • The training environment within the Hotchkiss Brain Institute offers access to state-of-the-art translational research facilities, a weekly seminar series, and clinical rounds featuring leading international neuroscientists.

Contact information Please send CV and contact information for 3 references to Drs. Zelma Kiss and Bruce Pike at zkiss@ucalgary.ca or bruce.pike@ucalgary.ca

View a PDF of this advertisement:

UofCalgary PDF_FUS_jun24Download

Position for a postdoctoral fellowship in neurorehabilitation – Université de Montréal

Posted on | by Julie

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to work in the areas of electrophysiology and neurorehabilitation with healthy participants and individuals who sustained a lesion to the spinal cord (spinal cord injury) or brain (stroke).

Current projects examine mechanisms of locomotion, balance control and upper limb motor control. Using electrophysiological (TMS, EEG, electrical stimulation) and biomechanical techniques (3D motion captures, force plates, EMG), we aim at assessing different supraspinal and spinal pathways after an injury or following therapeutic intervention.

The NeuromobilityLab is part of the CRIR research center and is located in the Cote-des-Neiges neighborhood at the Institut Universitaire sur la réadaptation en déficience physique de Montréal – Site Gingras (6300 Darlington, Montreal). For more information about past and ongoing projects, please visit our website: www.neuromobilitylab.com.

Candidates should have graduate training in Neuroscience, Neurorehabilitation, Kinesiology or any related discipline. The applicant should be fluent in English and French, demonstrate excellent analysis and writing skills in English, have an academic record of scientific excellence, and have a strong interest in an interdisciplinary approach to human motor control. Experience in statistics and programming is an important asset (e.g. Matlab).

The position is funded for one year and could be renewed. Applicants should submit a CV, including a list of publications, the contact of one person of reference, and a letter of motivation briefly indicating research interest and experience to dorothy.barthelemy@umontreal.ca. The position is open immediately and recruitment will continue until the position is filled.

Contact information

Dorothy Barthélemy
Professor
Université de Montréal
Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire en réadaptation dorothy.barthelemy@umontreal.ca

View a French version of this advertisement (PDF)

Seeking a Postdoctoral Associate for a recently funded project entitled: Phase Locked Auditory Stimulation During Sleep

Posted on | by Julie

We are seeking a postdoctoral associate to contribute to a recently funded 3-year project
examining the impact of phase-locked auditory stimulation during sleep on sleep physiology,
memory consolidation, and cognition in older adults with and without amnestic mild cognitive
impairment. The candidate will join an interdisciplinary team of scientists and clinicians with
combined expertise in cognitive neuroscience, computational neuroscience, neurology,
neurodegenerative diseases, and geriatrics.

The candidate will work closely with study investigators, particularly Drs. Laura Batterink & Lyle
Muller, to develop analysis pipelines for all EEG sleep, cognitive and behavioral data, and to
analyze and characterize sleep architecture, sleep spindles, and slow waves, addressing our
major study hypotheses. The candidate will also analyze the interconnected relationships
between all brain and behavioral measures. In addition to contributing to the project, the
candidate will have the opportunity to investigate additional research questions within the fields
of cognitive, computational and/or clinical neuroscience. The candidate will have access to
state-of-the-art neuroscience facilities at Western, including fMRI, EEG suites and sleep labs,
OPM-MEG, fNIRS, and TMS.

As part of their role in the project, the candidate will be involved in helping manage projects,
interacting with collaborators, liaising with community and partner organizations, supervising
and mentoring research assistants, leading and improving data collection and management
activities, conducting analyses, writing/collaborating on academic journal articles, and preparing
reports and presentations for funders and knowledge users, including non-academic audiences.
The salary for this position is $65,000 per year, plus benefits. Information about benefits for
postdoctoral associates at Western University is available at:
https://www.uwo.ca/hr/benefits/your_benefits/pda/index.html

The successful candidate will report to Dr. Laura Batterink, Department of Psychology.
This appointment will begin September 1, 2024, with an expected appointment duration of 3
years.

Review of applications will begin June 15, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience, psychology or a related field. The ideal
applicant will have experience in one or more of the following: EEG and/or related neuroimaging
methods, sleep, memory, and/or aging and cognition. The ideal applicant will also have
excellent written and oral communication in English, an emerging publication record, and
excellent personal time management, project management and organizational skills.
Applicants should submit curriculum vitae, a brief statement of research interests, a
representative publication, and names and contact details (email and telephone) of two referees
we may contact. Informal inquiries are welcome.

Please direct application and any inquiries to:
Dr. Laura Batterink
Department of Psychology
Western University
Email: lbatter@uwo.ca

For further details on Dr. Batterink’s research, see www.batterinklab.com
For further details on Dr. Muller’s research, see https://mullerlab.ca/

About Western

Western ranks as one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities. From fundamental to
applied discovery and other scholarly activities, its scholars advance knowledge that provides
tangible benefits for the economic, social, health and cultural development of citizens in London,
in Canada and around the world. Western Research supports scholars through collaboration,
communication, and service. Western University and its affiliate colleges received more than
$267 million in research funding over the past year.<

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to
employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women,
members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities,
persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment
process

Contact information

Please direct application and any inquiries to:
Dr. Laura Batterink
Department of Psychology
Western University
Email: lbatter@uwo.ca

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Descalzi Lab – University of Guelph

Posted on | by Julie

Job Title: Postdoctoral Fellow
Position Location: University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, onsite

About Us: Our research bridges behavioural neuroscience with molecular biology and systems neuroscience to investigate gene expression networks the molecular and cellular mechanisms within the brain that promote the development of chronic pain and comorbid anxiodepressive states. Areas of research include:
o The intersection of pain and emotion
o Pain induced dysregulation of brain circuits and gene function
o Astrocyte-neuronal coupling in chronic pain
o The effects of chronic pain and stress on overall health and quality of life

About The Role: Dr. Giannina Descalzi is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow who will contribute to research aiming to improve the lives of Canadians living with chronic pain. In this role, you will have the opportunity to participate in and lead studies using a variety of techniques including: in-vivo calcium imaging and optogenetics; behavioural paradigms; molecular biology, including recombinant DNA to engineer constructs for viral mediated gene transfer, and chemo-genetics.

As a Postdoctoral Fellow, Your Key Responsibilities Will Include:

  • Working independently as well as with interdisciplinary teams
  • Designing your project with the support of Dr. Descalzi and their multi-disciplinary team of collaborators
  • Establishing yourself as an innovator through impactful publications
  • Instruction and support for graduate-level students in the lab

What You’ll Bring To The Role:

  • PhD or MD/PhD in neuroscience or related field obtained in the last 5 years. PhD students in the last year of their thesis work, are eligible to apply.
  • A strong independent thinker with a focus on discovery and problem-solving, and a passion for fundamental exploratory research and boundless curiosity.
  • Hands-on experience in one or more of the following:
  • rodent stereotaxic surgery; RTqPCR, ELISAs, Western Blots, IHC; rodent behavioural testing
  • previous experience with calcium imaging is a major plus, but not necessary
  • Strong publication record or other scientific achievements (i.e. awards, patents, grants).
  • Excellent analytical, communication, presentation, and organizational skills for conducting research of the highest quality and a keen learner’s attitude.

How To Apply: Assessment of applications will begin on August 1, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should submit the following materials (preferably as a single PDF file): (1) a cover letter; (2) a curriculum vitae; and the names of 3 referees . Applications should be sent to the attention of:

Giannina Descalzi
Assistant Professor
Department of Biomedical Sciences
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON N1G 2W1
gdescalz@uoguelph.ca

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

The University of Guelph resides on the ancestral lands of the Attawandaron people, and the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit and we offer our respect to our Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Métis neighbours as we strive to strengthen our relationships with them.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion (https://uoguel.ph/ox2p9) is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Contact information

Giannina Descalzi
Assistant Professor
Department of Biomedical Sciences
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON N1G 2W1
gdescalz@uoguelph.ca

View a PDF version of this advertisement

Posting end date: 2024/12/01

MSc, PhD and Postdoc Positions – Sensorimotor circuits for motor control and learning in mice, UQTR

Posted on | by Julie

Project:

The main interest of the lab (PI: Sandrine Côté) is to investigate the anatomical and functional logic of neural circuits linking sensory and motor regions of the brain to reveal how they help orchestrate the production and learning of dexterous movements. By gaining a better understanding of these fundamental mechanisms, our ultimate goal is to develop new therapeutic treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders and acquired brain injuries linked to sensorimotor deficits.

This posting is related to a newly funded NSERC research program (5-year grant) that will investigate the role of the circuitry linking sensory thalamus to motor cortex in the context of dexterous forelimb movements using viral tools, in vivo electrophysiology, chemogenetics, calcium imaging and movement analysis using deep learning in mice.

Scholarships will be offered for all positions, but candidates will be expected to apply to provincial (e.g. FQRNT, FRQS) and federal (e.g. NSERC, CIHR) funding programs.

Requirements:

We seek highly motivated students and postdocs with research experience in areas ranging from neurosciences, biomedical sciences, psychology, biomedical engineering, rehabilitation or other related disciplines, with strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team.

Candidates with diverse skills and career objectives will be considered.

Prior experience in one or more of the following is highly desirable: animal surgery, microscopy, in vivo electrophysiology, calcium imaging, chemogenetics, behavioral experimentation, programming languages (Python/Matlab), and data analysis.

Lab Environment:

We are a newly established lab at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR). Trois-Rivières is well regarded by students for its affordability, friendly atmosphere, and safety. The city is surrounded by nature with outdoor activities that can be enjoyed year-round. The lab provides a dynamic, collaborative and supportive research environment that values innovative thinking, scientific rigor, teamwork and diversity. MSc and PhD students will be enrolled in the Graduate Biomedical Sciences program at UQTR. Basic knowledge of French is recommended but not required as assignments and exams can be written in French or English.

To apply:

Interested candidates should submit the following documents to sandrine.cote@uqtr.ca

  • A short cover letter describing research background and interests
  • University transcripts
  • CV

Join us in unraveling the mysteries of sensorimotor circuits!

Contact information

sandrine.cote@uqtr.ca