Category: Trainee opportunities

We are excited to announce an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Takehara Lab in the Department of Psychology at the University of Toronto (https://www.takeharalab.com/). This position is pivotal to our CIHR-funded research on hippocampal-neocortical interactions essential for memory processes. The selected candidate will spearhead a project employing cutting-edge calcium imaging techniques, including miniaturized microscope and fiber photometry, alongside targeted chemogenetic interventions in murine models. This research aims to uncover the contribution of the lateral entorhinal cortex to modulating hippocampal and prefrontal ensemble dynamics supporting memory encoding and retrieval.

The ideal candidate will be a motivated scientist with excellent organization and communication skills. They must have acquired a Ph.D. within the last five years and have experience in neuroscience, neurobiology, or neurophysiology. The role demands exceptional proficiency in stereotaxic surgeries, viral vector gene delivery optimization, and histological analysis. Experience with fiber photometry, optogenetics, or data analysis with Matlab/Python will be an advantage. The candidate should also bring a solid motivation to mentor graduate and undergraduate students. We foster a collaborative environment where each member’s contribution is vital to our collective success.

Salary will be commensurate with experience. The position will initially be for one year with the possibility of renewal. Applicants should submit a) a curriculum vitae including a publication list, b) a one-page summary of research interests, and c) names and contact details of three referees to Dr. Kaori Takehara-Nishiuchi by email (kaori.nishiuchi@utoronto.ca).

Contact information

Dr. Kaori Takehara-Nishiuchi
Professor
Department of Psychology, University of Toronto
https://www.takeharalab.com/
kaori.nishiuchi@utoronto.ca

Dr. Soheila Karimi is seeking for two to three Post-Doctoral Fellows to join her neuroscience research team in the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Science at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada. Dr. Karimi directs a renowned and well-funded program on Neural Regeneration and Stem Cell Research. Her program offers a collaborative research environment with a focus on regenerative medicine, preclinical models for development of novel stem cell and pharmacological therapeutics, the opportunity to learn and apply technical/theoretical skillsets, professional growth and a competitive salary. Thus, this position offers a unique opportunity for the successful applicants to gain leading-edge training and to drive impactful research projects for establishing a successful career. Position is fully-funded through CIHR funding and it is initially for two years with the potential to extend for an additional 2-3 years upon satisfactory performance. Funding is already secured for 5 years.

Research Areas: The Karimi’s Lab has received two new CIHR grants that will develop and evaluate new stem-cell mediated regeneration strategies for multiple sclerosis (MS) and spinal cord injury (SCI). Karimi’s program is internationally recognized for its contribution to cellular and pharmacological therapeutic approaches in preclinical models. Moreover, genetic mouse models and primary in vitro systems are employed to uncover cellular and molecular mechanisms of repair and regeneration. A major focus is on application of endogenous and transplanted neural stem cells for neuron replacement, neuroprotection, remyelination and regeneration. Human derived stem cells, tissues and organoids models are also used to understand the relevance of preclinical discoveries to human disease and for disease modeling. Karimi’s lab employs an array of advanced approaches that include various preclinical models of MS and SCI, micro-surgical techniques, stem cell transplantation, transgenic models, neural stem cell/neural tissue culture, pharmacological drug delivery, cellular, biochemical and molecular techniques, genetic manipulations, cell tracing, fluorescence/confocal imaging, high throughput transcriptomics (bulk and spatial) and proteomics, bioengineering approaches, live imaging and functional/neurological studies (sensorimotor, pain and cognition).

Current projects:

• Uncovering the endogenous mechanisms of neural stem cells differentiation in MS and spinal cord injury.
• Development of stem cell and pharmacological therapies for enhancing neuronal and oligodendrocytes replacement in progressive MS.
• Neural stem transplantation in spinal cord injury
• Investigating the modulatory roles of reactive astrocytes, microglia and matrix remodeling in spinal cord injury and MS.
• Uncovering immune mechanisms and developing immunomodulatory therapies in MS.

Training & expectations: Major areas of focus for the PDF candidates will include studying neurodegeneration, neuroprotection, neural repair, neural stem cells, glial cells, and neuroinflammation in MS and/or SCI. The candidate should have a solid understanding and demonstrated proficiency in some of the following:

• Cell culture methods involving both isolation and maintenance of rodent neuronal and primary cultures as well as human cell lines.
• Ability to perform and troubleshoot a wide variety of molecular and cellular biology techniques: Western blotting, qPCR, , immunohisto/cytochemistry, experience with siRNA knockdown, RNA seq and associated data analyses/mining are a strong asset
• A comprehensive understanding of experimental design and assay optimization is important.
• Mastery of fluorescence and light microscopy; conventional and/or confocal
• Applicants with experience in pre-clinical models of neurodegenerative diseases including MS (particularly autoimmune and chemical demyelinating) and spinal cord injury are especially encouraged to apply.
• Behavioural analysis
• Evidence of adequate writing skills
• The expectation is high quality research and a minimum of two publications in peer reviewed international journals.

A competitive salary will be provided based on the candidate’s experience plus all eligible University of Manitoba benefits.

All applicants are thanked in advance; but only those selected for further consideration will receive a response. Review of applications will begin on May 1, 2024. The expected start date for this position will be based on the applicant’s needs, but no later than September 2024.

University of Manitoba

As a post-doctoral fellow in Winnipeg, you will have the chance to collaborate with renowned scholars and scientists at the Manitoba MS Research Centre, the Spinal Cord Research Centre, the Prairie Neuro and the Manitoba Neuroscience Network, and University of Manitoba and beyond at the national and international levels. The University of Manitoba are committed to fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment for researchers, providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The University of Manitoba is a driving force of innovation, discovery and advancement. Our momentum is propelled by our campus community – UM faculty, staff and students whose determination and curiosity shape our world for the better. Our teaching, learning and work environment is uniquely strengthened and enriched by Indigenous perspectives. With two main campuses in Winnipeg, satellite campuses throughout Manitoba, and world-wide research, UM’s impact is global.

Discover outstanding employee benefits, experience world-class facilities and join a dynamic community that values reconciliation, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. We are one of Manitoba’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. At the University of Manitoba, what inspires you can change everything.

The City of Winnipeg (www.tourismwinnipeg.com), located where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet, is recognized for its vibrant, multicultural community and diverse culture. The city, with a growing population of more than 766,000, is home to internationally renowned festivals, galleries and museums, the historic Exchange District and The Forks, and ever-expanding research, education, and business sectors. From the Hudson Bay waters, across the farmland fields, to the pulse of the cities and towns, The Province of Manitoba’s (www.travelmanitoba.com) people and places – its 100,000 lakes, 92 provincial parks, winding river valleys and storied prairie skies – inspire.

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities). All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

An inclusive, open and diverse community is essential to excellence and fosters voices that have been ignored or discouraged. To address the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and in recognition of the underrepresentation of members of historically and currently excluded groups, we take proactive measures including implicit bias training for all hiring panels. We strive for diversity and cultural safety throughout the hiring process (hiring panels, short-list of candidates, interviews). We encourage you to self-identify any aspect of diversity in your cover letter.

If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact UM.Accommodation@umanitoba.ca or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

To apply, send a cover letter summarizing your qualifications and research interests, a CV in PDF format, grade transcript, an English reprint of your most significant publication of research paper, proof of proficiency in English for candidates whose native language is not English (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL scores), and contact information for three references to:

Dr. Soheila Karimi, PhD
Professor, Physiology & Pathophysiology
Director, Manitoba Multiple Sclerosis Research Centre
Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
University of Manitoba
Email: Soheila.Karimi@umanitoba.ca

For more information, visit our website at https://umanitoba.ca/medicine/faculty-staff/soheila-karimi and The Karimi Lab

Contact information

Dr. Soheila Karimi, PhD
Professor, Physiology & Pathophysiology
Director, Manitoba Multiple Sclerosis Research Centre
Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
University of Manitoba
Email: Soheila.Karimi@umanitoba.ca

Download a PDF of this advertisement

Dr Anne-Noel Samaha’s laboratory at the Université de Montréal has an open position for a post-doctoral fellow. The research work involves characterizing the role of the amygdala in the behavioural response to reward cues in rats.

As an example, see https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31953370/

Dr Samaha will hire someone whose primary research interest is in the behavioural neuroscience of reward. Research experience in this or a relevant field is required.

Training in techniques such as Pavlovian/Instrumental conditioning, in vivo optogenetics, chemogenetics, electrophysiology, and in molecular biology assays is desirable. Speaking French is not mandatory.

The salary is fully funded, though applicants will be expected to also apply for nominal funding. Our lab is dynamic and very collaborative. We are part of several research groups and networks, with many opportunities for collaborations.

See also https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=samaha+AN+montreal&sort=date

To apply, send a letter of intent, a CV with publications listed, a paragraph summarizing current research, and the contact details of 2-3 academic referees to Dr Samaha: anna.samaha@umontreal.ca

Contact information

Dr Samaha: anna.samaha@umontreal.ca

 

Project: The post-doctoral researcher will investigate cross-cellular mechanisms regulating dendritic spine stability. Experiments will involve transgenic models both in situ and in vitro, a variety of imaging techniques (confocal, super-resolution, two-photon microscopy), cell biological and biochemical tools as well as electrophysiology, and behavioural studies.

Opportunity: The post-doctoral researcher will have the opportunity to apply and expand their expertise in neuron and astrocyte biology across these approaches in a dynamic and collaborative research environment that values integrity, teamwork, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Qualifications and Skills: We encourage researchers who have obtained or will soon obtain their PhD with a demonstrated track record in cellular signaling and imaging research to apply. Previous experience with fluorescence imaging, transgenic models, and primary cell culture is especially valued.

• Applications will be accepted until May 31, 2024
• Start date will be January 1, 2025
• Yearly salary will range from $60,000 to $65,000 annually (benefits included)

Interested applicants are invited to email a CV, list of references, and brief statement of research interests to swaynelab@uvic.ca. Applications will be reviewed by Dr. Swayne together with team of senior lab members. A short list of applicants will be invited to a virtual interview, following which there will be an additional final selection and interview process. Please note that only applicants who make the short list will be contacted. For more information about the lab, please visit https://www.uvic.ca/swaynelab.

Contact information Questions and applications should be addressed to the Swayne Lab, University of Victoria, swaynelab@uvic.ca

Posting end date: 2024/05/31

We are currently seeking outstanding candidates with an interest in neocortical circuits, including topics and methods such as synaptic plasticity, unconventional NMDA receptor signalling, 2-photon optogenetics, and 2-photon imaging. Applicants should be experienced with whole-cell recordings and/or advanced imaging techniques. Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in whole-cell electrophysiology and/or 2-photon imaging, as well as a related track record of publications. Duties include performing experimental recordings, together with the analysis and presentation of data, at local, national, and international conferences, writing manuscripts as well as occasionally training other members of the team. For examples of directions the lab is currently taking, please see:
• Chou et al bioRxiv 2023 https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.12.30.573666
• Wong et al Neuron 2023 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2023.10.011

The Sjöström lab is located at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre in beautiful Montreal, Canada. Montreal is a vibrant, multicultural city that provides an excellent quality of life. McGill and its neighbouring universities provide an exceptionally rich neuroscience community.

We provide fully funded salary that is competitive. Applicants are also expected to apply for independent funding, which we provide guidance with. Such independent funding is available for both Canadian and international applicants.

Full applications, including Letter of Intent, a full CV, a brief outline of current research, and the names and contact details of three academic referees should be sent to Dr. Jesper Sjöström at jesper.sjostrom@mcgill.ca (http://plasticity.muhc.mcgill.ca). In the subject line, please enter “Postdoc” followed by your name.

The application deadline is July 31, 2024.

McGill University is committed to diversity and equity in employment. It welcomes applications from: women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, visible minorities, and others who may contribute to diversification. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Contact information:

jesper.sjostrom@mcgill.ca

View a PDF version of this advertisement: Postdoc-2024

PROJECT: Salamanders can swim underwater and walk on ground. Their spinal cord regenerates after a full transection and the animal recovers voluntary locomotion after a few weeks. How this occurs is largely unknown. Genetic dissection of salamander neural circuits is now feasible with methods for manipulation, elimination, and visualization of genetically-defined cells. Such approaches can be combined with patch-clamp electrophysiology, calcium imaging, optogenetics, tracing and movement analysis (Ryczko et al. 2020 Trends in Neurosciences). The candidate will use genetic tools, calcium imaging, electrophysiology and movement analysis based on deep learning and neuroanatomy to study salamander locomotor circuits. The work will be carried out in collaboration with a team of modelers and roboticists (Pr. Ijspeert, EPFL, Switzerland) and experts in genomics (Pr. Simon, Karolinska Institute, Sweden).

REQUIREMENTS: The candidate should have completed a PhD in neuroscience or a related field. The ideal candidate would have experience in electrophysiology (patch-clamp), calcium imaging, optogenetics, virus injections, deep learning-based movement analysis, matlab scripting, and a keen interest in motor control.

HOST LABORATORY: The lab of Pr. Ryczko (Sherbrooke, QC, Canada) has expertise in the neural control of locomotion and publishes in excellent journals (PNAS, Science Robotics, Journal of Neuroscience, Trends in Neuroscience). The lab receives grant support by the CIHR, NSERC, FRQS, CFI. This project is funded by a synergy grant of the ERC. We are equipped for patch-clamp recordings, confocal and two photon calcium imaging, optogenetics, viral injections, deep learning-based movement analysis, and microscopy (confocal, light-sheet, two-photon, STED).

START: the position is available immediately.

APPLY: Candidates should send a letter of interest explaining how they would fit, a CV, a complete record of their academic results and an international scale to interpret these, and three references at: dimitri.ryczko@gmail.com. Please specify where you have found the job post.

Contact:

dimitri.ryczko@gmail.com