- Position Title: Research Associate
- Hiring Unit: Department of Physiology
- Supervisor: Dr. Maurice Chacron
- Work Location: McIntyre Building, rooms 1146 and 1106-1108
- Hours per week & Working Schedule: 40 hours/week: Monday-Friday 9h00 – 18h00 Hourly
- Wage: $27.18 – $38.42, commensurate with experience
- Planned Start Date & End Date of appointment: January 1, 2020, for 2 year with a possibility of extension
- Date of Posting: August 19, 2019
- Deadline to Apply: September 18, 2019
PRIMARY DUTIES
Our laboratory is interested in understanding how neural populations within the electrosensory system of weakly electric fish encode sensory input in order to give rise to perception and behavior. To achieve this goal, we employ a variety of approaches ranging from electrophysiology to behavior. Importantly, we have recently started using high-density arrays (e.g., neuropixel probes) in order to acquire data from large neural populations in awake behaving animals.
We are looking for a research associate who will assume a leadership role towards further developing the use of large density arrays towards recording from large neural populations simultaneously in awake behaving animals.
The successful applicant will be responsible for all aspects of our research program, such as performing surgeries on the animals, developing new stimulation protocols that better mimic natural stimuli experienced by these animals, performing electrophysiological recordings from neurons in awake behaving animals, recording the animal’s behavioral responses, using computational techniques to analyze the data, as well as being involved in all aspects of manuscript preparation and submission.
It is expected that the successful applicant will perform these duties diligently and mostly independently in consultation with the principal investigator.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
PhD in Biological Sciences, with at least 5 years of post-doctoral research experience working on the electrosensory system of weakly electric fish.
OTHER QUALIFYING SKILLS & ABILITIES
Strong systems neurophysiology background working with weakly electric fish. The set of required skills include: single and multiunit extracellular recording techniques from neurons in awake behaving weakly electric fish using high-density arrays, experimental surgery, behavioral assays, computer programming, and data analysis such as spike sorting using state of the art programs (e.g., kilosort), knowledge of Matlab and parallel computing on large clusters, as well as excellent organizational and communication skills.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send your application (cover letter indicating your qualifications and expertise, as well as your career goals and objectives) and CV to Dr. Maurice Chacron: maurice.chacron@mcgill.ca
We thank all the candidates for their interest towards this position. However, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome and encourage applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.
McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated equity groups to self-identify. It further seeks to ensure the equitable treatment and full inclusion of persons with disabilities by striving for the implementation of universal design principles transversally, across all facets of the University community, and through accommodation policies and procedures. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, Professor Angela Campbell, Associate Provost (Equity and Academic Policies) by email or phone at 514-398-1660.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
