Category: Trainee opportunities

Postdoc positions in visual neuroscience at Université de Montréal

Posted on | by Julie

The Neurophotonics lab of the School of Optometry of the University of Montreal is looking for postdocs. Our projects focus on the plasticity of cortical maps and functional connectivity in different models of blindness and stroke affecting visual functions. We are also interested in the spatial coding of information in the context of Brain/Machine interfaces and the development of neuroprosthesis to restore vision.
We use a platform for measuring and manipulating brain functions in mice performing visual cognitive tasks in combination with neurophotonic approaches such as calcium imaging (macroscopic or multi-photon) or optogenetics.
We are also interested in the development of technologies applied to neuroscience, in collaboration with companies.
The support of the lab (CIHR, NSERC) will guarantee a scholarship for trainees who do not yet have the support of funding organizations.

To apply:

  • You must have experience in the field of neurophotonics (such as: calcium imaging, in vivo multiphoton microscopy, optogenetics, etc.)
  • You will also need to have experience in data analysis (with Matlab or Python ideally)
  • Qualifications in the field of rodent behavioral measurements, computational neuroscience or biomedical engineering (3D design/printing, electronics, etc.) could be an important asset

Lab website: https://www.opto.umontreal.ca/cortex/
Contact information Send your CV and cover letter (and any other documents you think could be relevant: transcript, achievement, etc.) to Matthieu Vanni: matthieu.vanni@umontreal.ca

Postdoctoral Researcher – Hazrati lab, McGill University

Posted on | by Julie

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to advance projects within our lab studying the molecular mechanisms driving brain dysfunction after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). In particular, we are interested in discovering novel molecular mechanisms associated with trauma which may reflect clinicopathology and/or serve as potential biomarkers.

This position will involve studies using human brain tissue, mouse models, Stereotaxic animal surgery,  mammalian cell culture, and thus our lab emphasizes the importance of translational science. The successful candidate will develop a novel research project using these materials to further our understanding of mild traumatic brain injury, and will contextualize findings to other projects within the lab and across collaborations.

The postdoctoral researcher in this lab will receive strong mentorship and career support, along with a competitive postdoctoral salary and benefits package. There is opportunity for travel to national and international conferences with a successfully funded project.

Qualifications:

  • PhD in relevant biological sciences field of study (neuroscience preferred)
  • Research expertise and hands-on experience with the following: experimental design, nucleic acid and protein assays, microscopy/imaging techniques, animal studies, mammalian cell culture, single cell sequencing .
  • Expertise and knowledge about cellular senescence, fat metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction and/or role of BRCA1 in brain will be also an asset
  • Preferred (not required, but an asset) skills: bioinformatic data analysis, R programming language
  • Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and in a team setting (collaborative in nature)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills (must be able to present project ideas and data effectively to experts and non-experts)
  • Track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals
  • Experience with grant writing (including budgets) is an asset

Responsibilities:

  • Initiate new projects in the lab and collect/interpret data for grants (CIHR) and publications
  • Get involved with ongoing lab projects as much as possible, providing scientific expertise and technical assistance where needed
  • Collect data for CIHR and other grants, assist in grant writing including budgets
  • Assist graduate students in the lab with projects
  • Assist with regulatory paperwork such as REBs, AUPs, SOPs, and lab notebooks.

If you are interested, please send your CV and cover letter to lili-naz.hazrati@mcgill.ca with the contact information for two references.

Postdoc in Barcoded Connectomics and Circuit Neuroscience – Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD, USA

Posted on | by Julie

We are looking for several postdoctoral fellows to join the Kebschull Lab at the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD, USA. These NIH-funded positions are for postdocs to develop new tools to integrate barcoded connectivity tracing, gene expression, and function in the zebra finch brain or bring barcoded connectomics to NHPs and tackle questions in circuit evolution.

In the lab, we develop and apply cutting-edge molecular and neuroanatomical tools to study how brain circuits change over the course of an animal’s lifetime in disease and over the course of evolution. We specialize in barcode sequencing-based high-throughput connectomics (e.g. BRICseq, MAPseq) and in situ sequencing. Recent relevant papers include Kebschull et al. 2020 Science, Huang et al. 2020 Cell, Han et al. 2018 Nature, and Kebschull et al. 2016 Neuron.

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. degree (or equivalent) in neuroscience, molecular biology, biomedical engineering or a related field. The ideal candidate should have molecular biology and some bioinformatics skills and be passionate about tool development and the songbird or NHP research. Previous experience in either system is not required. We particularly encourage applications from any underrepresented or minority group.

Our lab is located on the School of Medicine Campus of Johns Hopkins University, surrounded by world-class neuroscience and biomedical engineering labs. We are committed to establishing a first-class, stimulating, diverse, and equitable environment in our new lab to allow you to flourish, achieve your goals, and further your career.

 

Contact information

Qualified applicants should send a letter describing their current and future research interests, their CV, and names and contact details for three references to kebschull@jhu.edu. More information is available on https://www.kebschull-lab.org/.

Postdoctoral Researcher in Translational Rodent to Human Pain Models

Posted on | by Julie

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

Download – PDF

 

Post Doctoral Scholar – experimental detection of ultra-weak photon emission from biological systems

Posted on | by Julie

Nature of the Work: 

The Faculty of Science has been catalyzing change and inspiring discovery, creativity, and innovation for over 50 years. Our strategic direction integrates current and emerging strengths with areas targeted for future growth and investment. Our strategic priorities, goals, and values guide our mission to advance research, scholarship, and innovation, create authentic learning experiences, and inspire careers of the future. We fuel transformational change, and build a strong community through teaching, learning, research, scholarship, and collaborative partnerships. We do this work to generate curiosity-drive discovery and contribute solutions to society’s grand challenges. For more information, visit science.ucalgary.ca.

We thrive in the dynamic context of the University of Calgary, one of Canada’s most youthful and innovative universities. We are a bold and ambitious research university, grounded in innovative learning and teaching, fully engaged in Calgary’s entrepreneurial spirit.

This is a full-time fixed term appointment, part of the AUPE Bargaining Unit.

Primary Purpose of the Position: 

The postdoctoral researcher is responsible for performing experimental research on detecting ultra-weak photon emission from        biological samples. The candidate will plan, perform and analyze experiments on biological samples using single-photon detection systems. The candidate’s tasks will be based at the National Research Council of Canada in Ottawa with occasional research visits to U. Calgary.  These two sites are home to teams with expertise in biophoton detection/theory and neuroscience applications, who will jointly mentor and supervise the candidate. The candidate is expected to support the development of funding and attracting graduate   students to ensure continued growth in the area of quantum biology. The incumbent will be expected to also present research accomplishments and findings in internal and external meetings, conferences, reports and publications.

Qualifications/Expertise Required: 

  • A PhD in neuroscience, biology or related fields is required
  • Experience in operating optical imaging equipment and image analysis tools and software
  • Experience in preparing and maintaining in vitro biological cell preparations (ideally dissociated cultures and brain slices)
  • An asset would be experience in assessing effect of pharmacological agents on cells and tissues, preferably neuronal in origin
  • An asset would be experience in theoretical and experimental aspects of light emission from biological systems
  • An asset would be knowledge of quantum mechanics.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
  • Capable of assisting expansion and development of research projects in biophoton research
  • A high level of effective time and project management, personal initiative, communications skills and teamwork
  • Majority of job tasks will be performed on-site at National Research Council (NRC) in Ottawa
  • Position requires flexibility to occasionally visit U. Calgary for research collaboration
  • Ability to travel nationally and internationally
  • Knowledge of university policies and procedures is an asset.

Accountabilities/Tasks and Duties:  

Technical:

The candidate will primarily be responsible for operation of an experimental setup designed to detect single   photons (biophotons) from biological samples. Biological samples to be investigated will include living tadpoles and various neuron culture assemblies. Biophoton emission will be investigated using pharmacological and possibly electrophysiological approaches. The incumbent will also be responsible for the analysis and interpretation of the data, working with the teams at U. Calgary and the NRC. The incumbent will design, implement, and consult with the Principal Investigator on projects and programs. The candidate will be expected to identify and pursue new research opportunities aligned with the overall vision of the lab.

Mentorship/Coaching:

The candidate will provide training of undergraduate and graduate students in experimental and theoretical   research techniques, as well as presentation skills(written and oral).

Publishing/Presenting Research: 

  • Publish/present research accomplishments at both the national and international level, including in high impact/selective academic journals.
  • Prepare manuscripts describing findings for submission for publication, and lead process of responding to referees/editors during the peer review process.

Occupational Health& Safety: 

  • Understands and complies with the requirements of the University’s Occupational Health and Safety Policy
  • Has knowledge of and understands the expectations of the University’s Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) and applicable Faculty/Departmental/Unit specific health and safety policies and procedures
  • Ensures that all work conducted is in accordance with the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation and Code and other health and safety legislation as applicable

Position posting at UCalgary

https://science.careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/10577986-post-doctoral-scholar-physics-and-astronomy-and-cell-biology-and-anatomy

Post-doctoral Fellow in Neuropsychopharmacology – Khokhar lab – Western University

Posted on | by Julie

The Khokhar Lab (www.khokharlab.com) researches the interactions between substance use and serious mental illness, with an eye toward treatment of these disorders using a variety of behavioural and circuit-interrogation methods. The Post-doctoral Fellow will conduct brain imaging and behavioural experiments assessing the effects of alcohol/cannabis use and chemogenetic or pharmacologic manipulation in a rat model of schizophrenia or during development (CRC and CIHR-funded grant).

Previous training and experience with pre-clinical MRI imaging (e.g., fMRI, DTI, MRS) is preferred. In addition, any experience with schizophrenia (e.g., pre-pulse inhibition) and addiction-like behaviours (e.g., self-administration) would be beneficial. The Post-doctoral fellow will also provide input with respect to appropriate methodology, procedures, equipment and standards to produce required research data and apply specialized knowledge and principles to review, appraise and interpret published literature, summarize research findings, and draft scientific/technical reports, manuscripts, grant proposals while establishing and maintaining effective relationships with lab members, and presenting research findings (may include presenting findings at conferences).

Minimum Qualifications: PhD degree in Neuroscience or Medical Biophysics, with related research experience (pre-clinical MRI Imaging and Behavioural methods above).

The successful applicant will be encouraged to apply to extramural funding, but funding is in place for renewal of contract beyond the first year. The expected start date is as soon as possible. The position will remain open until filled. Please indicate in your application if you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.

How to apply

Please send a cover letter/statement of interest, current CV, and a list of 3 references to Dr. Jibran Khokhar at jkhokha@uwo.ca. We will notify applicants before contacting any references.

 

Postdoc in Neuroimmunology – Macauley lab, University of Alberta

Posted on | by Julie

The Macauley lab is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral fellow in the area of neuroimmunology. Research in the lab focuses on the role of Siglec family of immunomodulatory glycan-binding receptors in human health and disease. The lab is located in the Gunning/Lemieux Chemistry center at University of Alberta and is part of the Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (NHMI) and Alberta Glycomics Institute (GIA). Additionally, we are strongly connected to the Canadian Glycomics Network (GlycoNet), and collaborate closely with several other UAlberta investigators studying microglia (e.g. Drs. Plemel, Voronova, Sipione)

Working within a highly interdisciplinary environment, the fellow will lead projects related to the role of an Alzheimer’s disease susceptibility factor, CD33, in disease pathogenesis, as well as development of novel CD33-based therapeutics in this context (PMID:35940942). Genetic models (PMID:33766097 and PMID:31815204) and biochemical tools (PMID:34517042) are readily available in our laboratory for working on this exciting project that is closely connected to human disease. Funding through multiple sources (CIHR, Alzheimer Society of Canada, Weston Brain Institute, GlycoNet, and NIH) are in place to advance our goal of understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which Siglecs impact the function of microglia in the brain.

The position requires a Ph.D. in one of the following disciplines: neurobiology, immunology, chemical biology, biochemistry, or other related fields. Candidates should have a record of completed graduate research that can be directly applied to the field of interest described above. Prior experience with transgenic models of neurodegeneration, cell culture, microscopy (including immunohistochemical techniques) and biochemical techniques are highly desirable. The ideal candidate must demonstrate excellent laboratory skills, independence, and resourcefulness. Candidates must possess strong communication and organizational skills manifested with proven track records including peer-reviewed publications.

Please email a cover letter, CV, and the name of 3 potential references to Dr. Macauley.

Matthew Macauley
macauley@ualberta.ca

Posting end date: 2022/12/31

Doctoral students with an Interest in Healthy Brain, Aging and Dementia Prevention

Posted on | by Julie

University of Calgary logoOpportunities: The Brain in Motion research program is looking for doctoral students with an interest in healthy brain aging and dementia prevention who wish to join a large interdisciplinary and diverse research team of over 35 scientists from Calgary, Canada and other parts of the World. There are opportunities currently available for doctoral students in neurosciences, physiological sciences, psychology and kinesiology in several areas related to this research program. Four-year doctoral stipend support is available via matching funding models, through application in March 2023, at the University of Calgary. Below you will find the thematic areas, the Brain in Motion protocol, the timeline for this opportunity, and contact information for more details.

Thematic areas within the program of research

  • Cognitive function (executive function, complex attention, processing speed, verbal memory, overall cognition), exercise and aging
  • Biomarkers (vascular, neuroendocrine, inflammation)
  • Proteomics, lipidomics, metabolomics
  • Genetics (genetic variants related to ADRD, neuronal integrity, growth factors and clearance enzymes, lipid and vascular function modulators)
  • Neuroimaging
  • Sleep and novel biomarkers of cognitive decline
  • Maintenance of health behavior
  • Role of lifestyle factors on cognitive function
  • Machine learning and artificial intelligence
  • Healthcare system costs and quality of life measures
  • Exercise physiology
  • Sex and gender differences

Summary of Brain in Motion

Background: There remains no effective intervention capable of reversing most cases of dementia. Current research is focused on prevention by addressing risk factors that are shared between cardiovascular disease and dementia (e.g., hypertension) before the cognitive, functional, and behavioural symptoms of dementia manifest. A promising preventive treatment is exercise. This study describes the methods of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that assesses the effects of aerobic exercise and behavioural support interventions in older adults at increased risk of dementia due to genetic and/or cardiovascular risk factors. The specific aims are to determine the effect of aerobic exercise on cognitive performance, explore the biological mechanisms that influence cognitive performance after exercise training, and determine if changes in cerebrovascular physiology and function persist one year after a 6-month aerobic exercise intervention followed by a 1-year behavioural support program (at 18 months).

Methods: We will recruit 264 participants (aged 50-80 years) at elevated risk of dementia. Participants will be randomly allocated into one of four treatment arms: (1) aerobic exercise and health behaviour support, (2) aerobic exercise and no health behaviour support, (3) stretching-toning and health behaviour support, and (4) stretching-toning and no health behaviour support. The aerobic exercise intervention will consist of three supervised walking/jogging sessions per week for 6 months, whereas the stretching-toning control intervention will consist of three supervised stretching-toning sessions per week also for 6 months. Following the exercise interventions, participants will receive either one year of ongoing telephone behavioural support or no telephone support. The primary aim is to determine the independent effect of aerobic exercise on a cognitive composite score in participants allocated to this intervention compared to participants allocated to the stretching-toning group. Secondary aims are to examine the effects of aerobic exercise on a number of secondary outcomes and determine whether aerobic exercise-related changes persist after a one-year behavioural support program (at 18 months).

Significance: This study will address knowledge gaps regarding the underlying mechanisms of the pro-cognitive effects of exercise by examining potential mediating factors, including cerebrovascular/physiological, neuroimaging, sleep, and genetic factors that will provide novel biologic evidence on how aerobic exercise can prevent declines in cognition with aging. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03035851); protocol paper published (Kruger et al., 2021).

Timeline for these opportunities:

By December 15, 2022– Deadline for prospective students to submit i) a letter of interest, ii) a curriculum vitae, iii) a list of publications and awards, and iv) the names of 3 referees who have agreed to be contacted to bimstudy@ucalgary.ca. Prospective supervisors, co-supervisors and doctoral students will complete the application process for matching funds with support from the Brain in Motion team. The start date for the doctoral program will be between May – September 2023.

Contact information

For more details please contact:

Dr. Marc Poulin, Lead Investigator for the Brain in Motion team
Department of Physiology & Pharmacology
Cumming School of Medicine
University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta

Email: poulin@ucalgary.ca
Email: bimstudy@ucalgary.ca

Post Doc Position-Neurotrophic mechanisms in brain diseases – Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto

Posted on | by Julie

Reduced brain cell structure and function contributes to cognitive symptoms in depression, Alzheimer’s disease and other brain disorders, and during aging. Current efforts aimed at developing therapeutic agents to reverse these deficits focus on excitatory or neurotrophic mechanisms, but have had limited translation to effective therapeutics potential, identifying a world-leading unmet clinical need with significant impact on patients, family, society and healthcare.

The Neurobiology of Depression and Aging program (www.NDA-sibille.ca) is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to investigate the cellular mechanisms of novel neurotrophic approaches, using cell-based and rodent models. The NDA program investigates the molecular bases of psychiatric disorders and develop novel therapeutic avenues. It is located at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Canada’s largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital. CAMH is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.

Qualifications:

The candidate will have a PhD in Neuroscience, Neuropharmacology or a related discipline, with demonstrated expertise in molecular neuroscience, including primary neuron culture and in vivo rodent models. Experience with methods related to molecular biology (plasmid DNA handling, qPCR, Western blot, proteome analysis, recombinant virus handling etc.), pharmacology, immunohistochemistry and imaging (confocal microscopy, morphometric analysis) is preferred.
The successful candidate will have a track record that demonstrates competence in publishing in high impact peer reviewed journals, disseminating research at formal scientific meetings, writing grant proposals and participation in the education of students and trainees. The successful candidate will also possess strong interpersonal, organizational and communication skill, and the ability to work both independently and in a team. The ability to interact with populations of diverse ethno-racial and cultural backgrounds is also required.

Please note: This full-time position is NOT part of any bargaining unit.

Salary Range: Competitive Salary

Contact information

Send your application with cover letter and CV to: Etienne.sibille@camh.ca

Download a PDF version of this advertisement

Posting end date: 2022/10/21

ERC-funded project: neural control of locomotion before and after spinal cord injury in salamanders – Post-doc position

Posted on | by Julie

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, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tins.2020.08.006). The candidate will use electrophysiology, calcium imaging and movement analysis based on deep learning and neuroanatomy to study salamander locomotor circuits. This project is funded by a synergy grant of the ERC. 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. The ideal candidate would have experience in patch-clamp electrophysiology, calcium imaging, optogenetics, virus injections, deep learning-based movement analysis, or matlab scripting, and a keen interest in motor control.

HOST LABORATORY: The lab of Dr. Ryczko (https://ryczkolab.wordpress.com/) has expertise in the neural control of locomotion and publishes in excellent journals (PNAS, Science Robotics, Journal of Neuroscience…). The lab receives grant support by the CIHR, NSERC, FRQS, CFI and 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).

APPLY: Candidates should send a letter of interest explaining how they would fit, a CV, a record of their academic results and three references at: dimitri.ryczko@usherbrooke.ca. Please mention where you found the job post.