Category: Trainee opportunities

Post-doctoral position in comparative study of reward learning, stress and psychedelics- McGill University

Posted on | by Julie

Do you want to know what mice think about on mushrooms? Are you interested in making inferences in mice and humans?

The Behavioural Neurogenomics Lab (https://www.bagotlab.org) at McGill University is looking for a highly motivated computational neuroscience postdoc to lead a newly funded collaboration examining the neural bases of effects of stress and psychedelics on reward processing in mice and humans. This is a fully funded position intersecting computational modeling, neural circuit interrogation and robust behavioural paradigms. Based in Montreal, the candidate will work closely with the Noise Lab at Université de Montreal (https://ebitzlab.com/) and the Mayo Lab (https://profiles.ucalgary.ca/leah-mayo) at University of Calgary to develop new approaches for the comparative study of the neural processing of reward.

The candidate must have a PhD in computational neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science or a quantitative discipline as well as fluency in Matlab or Python and experience in statistical data analysis and an interest in translational or comparative research. Ideally, the candidate would have some background in cognitive and/or reinforcement learning models, generalized linear models, hidden Markov models or probabilistic graphical models.

Anticipated start date April 1, 2024 for an initial term of 1 year with the possibility of renewal.

Come join an exciting, diverse team in a unique city with a supportive, and highly collaborative environment.

To apply, please send a PDF of your CV to rosemary.bagot@mcgill.ca with a list of three potential references to contact. In your email, please describe 1) why you are interested in the position and 2) how your prior experience relates to this research opportunity.

Posting end date: 2024-03-30

Postdoctoral Position Available in the Breton-Provencher lab at U. Laval: Noradrenaline, acetylcholine and learning

Posted on | by Julie

Join our dynamic and innovative research team at the CERVO Brain Research Centre of Université Laval in Québec City, Canada. Established in 2021, our team is dedicated to unraveling the intricate mechanisms underlying learning and memory. We are excited to announce a funded postdoctoral position focused on exploring the role of neuromodulation in learning consolidation.

Project Overview:
The successful candidate will engage in a stimulating project investigating the impact of neuromodulators, such as acetylcholine and noradrenaline, on learning consolidation. Utilizing advanced methods like in vivo electrophysiology, two-photon imaging, and animal behavior analysis, the project aims to elucidate the neural mechanisms governing the consolidation of motor learning. This project aligns with our general research focus, which centers on understanding the influence of neuromodulatory systems on learning. For further insights into our work, please refer to Breton-Provencher and Sur’s publication in Nature Neuroscience (2019) and Breton-Provencher et al.’s recent article in Nature (2022).

Requirements:

  • Ph.D. in Neuroscience or a related field.
  • Proficiency in one or more of the following: in vivo electrophysiology, two-photon imaging, animal surgery, programming languages (Python/MATLAB), and data analysis.
  • Expertise and productivity in neuroscience research.
  • Independence in research, creative problem-solving skills, and a collaborative mindset.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team.

Lab Environment:
Our lab fosters a collaborative, supportive, and intellectually stimulating environment where creativity, scientific rigor, and innovative thinking are valued. As a young lab, we provide ample opportunities for professional growth and encourage independence in research pursuits. We offer support for various career paths, whether in academia or industry. The lab is located in Québec City, known for its safety, affordability, and family-friendly environment.

Funding:
The project is funded by a 3-year grant from the US Department of Defense. Additionally, candidates can apply for several other funding opportunities for international post-docs available through the Québec (e.g., FRQS) and Canadian (e.g., CIHR, NSERC) funding systems. The lab is supported by NSERC, Brain Canada, CFI, FNFR, and the CERVO Research Centre.

Interested candidates of ALL BACKGROUNDS should submit a cover letter describing research interests and relevant experience, along with a curriculum vitae.

Join us in unraveling the mysteries of neuromodulator systems in the brain!

Visit the vbplab.com for more info!

Watt Lab at McGill University seeking postdoctoral research fellow

Posted on | by Julie

We are currently seeking an outstanding candidate to study cerebellar circuits in health and in disease, in particular in models of motor coordination diseases like ataxia. The applicant should be experienced in either in vivo recording techniques and/or in vivo imaging techniques. Candidates should have doctoral experience in neuroscience, biology, or a related field. Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in in-vivo electrophysiology and/or 2-photon imaging, and the ideal candidate will have authored high-profile publications using these techniques. Duties will include performing experiments, analyzing and presenting data at local, national and international conferences, writing manuscripts as well as occasionally providing training to other lab members. Collaborative work with other members of the neuroscience community is also welcome.
The Watt lab is located at McGill University 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.

The initial appointment would be for 2 years, with the possibility of extension. This position is fully funded with a competitive salary. In addition, applicants would be encouraged to apply for independent funding, which is available for both Canadian and international applicants.

Full applications, including a cover letter, a full CV, a brief outline of current research, and the names and contact details of three academic referees should be sent to Dr. Alanna Watt at alanna.watt@mcgill.ca. In the subject line, please enter Postdoc Research Fellow and your name.

Closing date: 15 January 2024 Start date is flexible.

Both the Watt lab and McGill University are committed to diversity and equity in employment. We welcome applications from: women, Indigenous 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, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Contact information

alanna.watt@mcgill.ca

Posting end date

2024/01/15

Download a PDF version of this advertisement

Neuroscience Postdoctoral Positions – University of Toronto – Woodin lab

Posted on | by Julie

The Woodin lab, in the Department of Cell & Systems Biology at the University of Toronto, is seeking talented postdoctoral fellows with experience in patch-clamp electrophysiology, or molecular biology and biochemistry. Our lab is actively identifying mechanisms regulating inhibition and determining the contribution of excitation/inhibition imbalances to neurological disorders. We use a combinatorial approach that includes electrophysiology, opto- and chemo-genetics, biochemistry, proteomics, imaging, and behavioural testing. The postdoctoral fellow will join the lab of Professor Melanie Woodin, which is co-led with Professor Jessica Pressey. Positions are fully funded (including benefits); applicants are encouraged to apply for external funding. More information on Postdoctoral Fellows at the University of Toronto can be found here: https://postdoc.sgs.utoronto.ca/.

Anticipated Start: Summer 2024

Duration: 2+ years

Application Process:

Interested applicants should email their CV and cover letter to jessicapressey@utoronto.ca. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

 

Visit the Woodin lab website to learn more: https://woodin.artsci.utoronto.ca/

Post-doc positions in neuromodulation – University of Calgary, Kiss lab

Posted on | by Julie

The Kiss lab has several opportunities for post-doctoral training. One project involves focused ultrasound (FUS) neuromodulation imaging/electrophysiology and modeling, participating in a recently funded NSERC grant. The aim of the project is to learn how FUS applied in animal models alters neural function, using in vitro and in vivo techniques. Another project involves electrophysiology in humans undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) for movement disorders. The goal of this project is to learn how DBS works using neuroimaging and EEG in various conditions. We will investigate new brain targets as well as how it alters brain-wide connectivity in patients who have DBS implants.
The candidate will join a dynamic team that uses imaging and electrophysiology. The candidate will perform experiments, analyze data, write and present her/his research findings. She/he is expected to participate in planning and intellectual development of projects, and will use multidisciplinary approaches to satisfy research objectives. While the positions are fully funded, all trainees will be expected to apply for external fellowships.

Contact information

Zelma HT Kiss, MD, PhD
Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Cumming School of Medicine
University of Calgary
Room 1AC58 Health Research Innovation Centre
3280 Hospital Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta T2N4N1
Email: zkiss@ucalgary.ca

Post-doctoral researcher(s) in cellular and molecular neuroscience – University of Victoria

Posted on | by Julie
Swayne lab

The Swayne Lab in the Division of Medical Sciences at the University of Victoria is recruiting post-doctoral researchers, or research associates, in cellular and molecular neuroscience.

The research projects 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. Successful applicants 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.

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.

Interested applicants are invited to send their CV, list of references, and brief statement of research interests to Dr. Leigh Anne Swayne: lswayne@uvic.ca.

Posting end date: 2023/10/15

Neuroscience Postdoctoral Scholar positions – University of Calgary

Posted on | by Julie

Duration: Minimum 2 years

Start date: Jan 2024 (negotiable)

Salary: TBD, plus medical benefits

 

The projects:

The Kurrasch Lab currently has three open postdoctoral positions (fully funded):

Project 1: Maternal microbiome and mechanistic impacts on the developing brain. This goal of this project is to define the mechanistic events that link adverse changes in the maternal gut to neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring, using mice as a model system.

Project 2: Embryonic neural sex differentiation. The goal of this project is to determine the programs driving sex dimorphic development of the hypothalamus in mice.

Project 3: Comparative study of adult hypothalamic plasticity. The goal of this project is to determine the role of immature neurons in the adult hypothalamic parenchyma across small and large-brained species.

All projects employ a variety of cutting-edge techniques: single cell ‘omics, advanced microscopy (including iDISCO), in utero electroporation, live cell imaging, behavioral monitoring, human brain organoids (where relevant). Responsibilities include generating, analyzing, graphing, and presenting results, as well as writing and submitting manuscripts. The postdoctoral fellow will be expected to generate new ideas in collaboration with the Principal Investigator. Daily the scholar will interact with other laboratory personnel, including helping to train graduate and undergraduates.

The postdoctoral fellow will join Dr Deborah Kurrasch’s laboratory in the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary. Each position is fully funded.

Interested applicants please provide:

  • a cover letter with statement of research experience and interests,
  • curriculum vitae,
  • the names and contact information for three persons who have agreed to provide references.

Deadline for application is October 31, 2023.

Submit applications via email directly to Deborah Kurrasch, kurrasch@ucalgary.ca.

Please indicate PDF application in the subject line.

Download this advertisement (PDF file)

 

Post-Doctoral Researcher Positions (Clinical research) – Neuropsychiatry Team Research Program at the University of Western Ontario

Posted on | by Julie

Post-Doctoral Researcher Positions are available to work on a newly funded Neuropsychiatry Team Research Program at the University of Western Ontario. Our program will be investigating the effects of adolescent exposure to nicotine on increased risk for developing mood and anxiety disorders in later life (see Addiction Biology, 26(2):e12891; Cerebral Cortex, 29:3140-3153; Neuropsychopharmacology, 39:2799-815, Drug Alcohol Depend, 215:108215). Experiments will comprise an integrative combination of functional brain imaging with fMRI, connectomics using diffusion tensor imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy measuring neurotransmitter levels in various neural targets of interest, including the prefrontal cortex and ventral striatum. Studies will also use genomic approaches to examine and identify genetic biomarkers for nicotine-related and mood/anxiety disorder risks. Research will be conducted in patient populations with histories of adolescent nicotine exposure and mood/anxiety disorders selected from local clinics.

Selected applicants will have the opportunity to learn multiple neuroscience and neuropsychiatry-based research techniques while working in a team of leading experts in the fields of neuroimaging, neurodevelopment, behavioural neuroscience, genomics and mood/anxiety disorders.

We encourage applications from candidates with expertise in clinical neuropsychiatry, preferably with backgrounds in neuroimaging and/or genomic analyses.

Interested applicants should send expressions of interest and a current C.V. to: AddictionResearchGroup@protonmail.com

 

Post-Doctoral Researcher Positions (pre-clinical research) – Neuropsychiatry Team Research Program at the University of Western Ontario

Posted on | by Julie

Post-Doctoral Researcher Positions are available to work on a newly funded Neuropsychiatry Team Research Program at the University of Western Ontario. Our program will be investigating the effects of adolescent exposure to nicotine on increased risk for developing mood and anxiety disorders in later life (see Addiction Biology, 26(2):e12891; Cerebral Cortex, 29:3140-3153; Neuropsychopharmacology, 39:2799-815, Drug Alcohol Depend, 215:108215). Experiments will comprise an integrative combination of studies using pre-clinical rodent models (nicotine vaping exposure), neuroimaging, behavioural pharmacology, molecular analyses and in vivo neuronal electrophysiology. Pre-clinical studies will be translated into human imaging studies (magnetic resonance spectroscopy, diffusion tensor imaging, fMRI and genomic analyses) in patient populations with histories of adolescent nicotine exposure and mood/anxiety disorders.

Selected applicants will have the opportunity to learn multiple neuroscience and neuropsychiatry-based research techniques while working in a team of leading experts in the fields of neuroimaging, neurodevelopment, behavioural neuroscience, genomics and mood/anxiety disorders. We encourage applications from candidates with expertise in pre-clinical fields of neuroscience, preferably with backgrounds in translational neuropsychiatry research, behavioural pharmacology and neuronal electrophysiology.

Interested applicants should send expressions of interest and a current C.V. to: AddictionResearchGroup@protonmail.com

Postdoctoral Position in Systems Neuroscience at the University of Toronto Scarborough

Posted on | by Julie

The Developmental Systems Neuroscience lab (https://devsneurolab.com/) is looking for a highly motivated postdoc to lead a fully funded project intersecting neuronal activity-tagging (engrams), synaptic transmission and behaviour. Our group uses a combination of slice electrophysiology, chemo/optogenetics, fiber photometry and behavior to investigate the neural basis of emotional learning and affective behaviour. Come to our diverse and beautiful campus, and join a supportive, collaborative and mentorship-focused lab!

Contact information Please send a CV, list of references and statement of interests to:
Maithe Arruda-Carvalho
m.arrudacarvalho@utoronto.ca
https://devsneurolab.com