Two year funded Postdoctoral position, University of Victoria – Kerry Delaney lab

Electrophysiology of mutant versus wildtype neurons in a mouse model of Rett Syndrome.

Researcher with experience in whole cell patch clamp recording from neurons in acute brain slices is required to undertake recording from neurons in neocortex and thalamus of mice lacking functional MeCP2. Mecp2 is an X-linked transcription factor controlling various aspects of neuronal and synapse maturation. Studies will be performed primarily on female heterozygous mice utilizing a GFP-based nuclear marker to differentiate neurons expressing wild-type Mecp2 from those expressing a non-functional (mutated) allele. Optogenetic stimulation of virally-expressed channel rhodopsin will be used to investigate the relative strength of thalamo-cortical connections and cortico-thalamic feedback pathways to wild-type versus mutant neurons. Funded by the International Rett Syndrome Foundation.

Contact Dr. Kerry Delaney, kdelaney@uvic.ca

More information about UVic Neuroscience can be found at https://www.uvic.ca/medsci/neuroscience/

The Delaney lab: https://web.uvic.ca/~neurolab

Publications:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=delaney+rett

Contact information

Dr. Kerry Delaney.
Professor, Biology Department, University of Victoria
email: kdelaney@uvic.ca
Phone: 250-472-5657
The Delaney lab: https://web.uvic.ca/~neurolab

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Posting end date: 2020-08-31

Post-Doctoral Fellow – SOAR Project (UBCO)

A Postdoctoral Fellow position is available to work on the SOAR (Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Brain Injury through Research) Project in the School of Health and Exercise Sciences at UBC-Okanagan

Research Program Overview A post-doctoral position is available in the Brain Injury Lab led by Dr. Paul van Donkelaar in the School of Health and Exercise Sciences at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus. The successful candidate will be a key member of the SOAR project team investigating the cerebrovascular, neurocognitive, and sensorimotor effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in women who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV). Our well-funded multidisciplinary program integrates researchers in clinical neuroscience, cerebrovascular physiology, psychopathology, social work, sociology, knowledge translation, and implementation science, with the goal of better understanding IPV-related TBI. As part of this, we are working with the Kelowna Women’s Shelter and other community partners to co-create, implement, and evaluate tools and resources to better support the women they serve. The incumbent would be expected to take a leadership role in the lab-based assessment of brain function in IPV-caused TBI and contribute to broader project goals in collaboration with other team members.

Qualifications PhD required. Experience with, or the capacity to acquire the necessary skills to undertake, the assessment of cerebrovascular, neurocognitive, and/or sensorimotor function following TBI. An understanding and/or knowledge of gender-based violence and its effects would be an asset. Seeking a creative individual who can integrate cerebrovascular, neurocognitive and sensorimotor measures of brain dysfunction following IPV-related TBI. The ability to further contribute to related projects in the lab on sports concussion and post-concussion syndrome is desirable.

Individuals must also:

  • Work well in a goal-oriented team environment
  • Have a proven track record of research accomplishments (i.e. publication record)
  • Possess excellent communication skills – both verbal and written
  • Have the ability to work independently and organize own workload
  • Have the ability to design and analyze experiments, keep meticulous records of experiments and data, report on research progress and outcomes openly, and review methodologies in response to feedback &
  • Have the ability to update knowledge in their specialized area and implement relevant technologies to advance the project.

Other considerations

This position is available from September 1st, 2020 and will be a based on a one-year renewable contract, extendable depending on funding availability. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for competitive fellowship awards.

A letter of application, accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae including a list of publications, and contact details for 3 references, should be sent by email to:

Professor Paul van Donkelaar paul.vandonkelaar@ubc.ca

Please include “SOAR Project PDF search” in the e-mail subject line. Applications will remain open until the position is filled. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. We will contact you only if invited for an interview.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Contact information

Dr. Paul van Donkelaar
School of Health and Exercise Sciences
University of British Columbia – Okanagan Campus
Kelowna, B.C.
phone: 250-863-3230
email: paul.vandonkelaar@ubc.ca

Posting end date

2020/11/01

Postdoctoral Position on Astrocyte-Inhibitory Interneuron Interactions – Robitaille & Lacaille laboratories, Université de Montréal

Postdoctoral position
Dept Neurosciences
Université de Montréal
Montreal, Canada

A postdoctoral position is immediately available in the laboratory of Dr Richard Robitaille at Université de Montréal to study the role of astrocytes in the regulation of inhibitory synaptic circuits and hippocampal function. The project is funded by a NSERC Discovery grant and involves a collaboration with the laboratory of Dr Jean-Claude Lacaille.

The research focuses on the mechanisms of astrocyte regulation of inhibitory interneurons and their impact on hippocampus-dependent learning and memory. Our multidisciplinary approach uses brain slices and in vivo transgenic mice, and combines state-of-the-art molecular biology, synaptic physiology, 2-photon imaging, opto- and chemogenetics and behavioral assays.

Requirements are PhD in Neuroscience or related discipline, with expertise in single cell electrophysiology. Experience is also desirable with any of the following techniques: patch-clamp, optogenetics and calcium imaging. Successful candidates will be highly motivated, have strong work ethics, and ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

Interested applicants should submit a statement of research experience and career goals, a current CV and the names of three references to:

Contact information

Dr Richard Robitaille
richard.robitaille@umontreal.ca

Hugh Green Foundation Chair in Translational Neuroscience

  • Lead the development of a collaborative Translational Neuroscience research programme in the Centre for Brain Research to improve the health of all people in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific region
  • Teach exceptional students and collaborate with world leading colleagues across the top-ranked university in New Zealand
  • If a practicing clinician, undertake clinical duties up to 0.5 FTE with local District Health Board(s) or in private practice

The Centre for Brain Research (CBR) – under the guidance of Distinguished Professor Sir Richard Faull – is one of the leading brain research institutes in the world, acknowledged locally and internationally for its ground-breaking work in advancing neuroscience and healthcare. The CBR is a large and diverse university research centre spanning multiple faculties, which is engaged with over 400 staff and students encompassing disciplines and academic activities that focus on the prevention and treatment of brain health and wellbeing through research ranging from basic and laboratory science to clinical care and disorders and the promotion of population health and through engagement with communities.

The Chair in Translational Neuroscience will provide leadership in neuroscience research, clinical translation, education and knowledge exchange in order to improve patient outcomes in New Zealand and around the world. This new role will build upon the existing clinical and research strengths of the CBR to develop a vibrant academic research programme harnessing existing research excellence within the CBR and contributing to further research development across the neuroscience community.

The Professor would develop and lead a programme of internationally recognised study, which results in the discovery, integration, and application of new and existing knowledge, and facilitate the translation of latest innovations made in the laboratory into effective and sustainable clinical interventions and improved preventative measures in the community. The position would bridge the gap between basic and clinical research oriented towards translational opportunities, by creating stronger ties among scientists, engineers, clinicians, and the community, and by training the next generation of leaders in the field.

The opportunities afforded by a Chair are many and varied and include the development of new and innovative areas of research in the CBR and the University of Auckland and the development of linkages across New Zealand and in particular with the Brain Research New Zealand-Centre of Research Excellence and the Ageing Well-National Science Challenge. The role will also take advantage of existing linkages between the CBR’s world-class research and other research centres and universities in Australia, North America, Asia and Europe.

This appointment will be for a fixed term (renewable) of five years. The substantive academic appointment will be made according to the successful candidate’s research profile and academic experience, ideally at Full Professor level.

The candidate will demonstrate a collaborative, inclusive, leadership style, role-modelling cultural sensitivity and commitment to equity. Those not already familiar with our cultural context will demonstrate their commitment to developing their understanding of Māori and Pacific development, te Tiriti o Waitangi and our place in the Pacific. Interpersonal strengths including excellent communication, an ability to lead strategically, advocate and influence will be appreciated.

Candidates will be internationally leading senior academics or clinical academics with significant records of peer-reviewed (preferably translational) neuroscience research and research income generation; commitment to innovative teaching, curriculum development, digital pedagogies and postgraduate supervision. She/he will also be experienced in developing and mentoring junior academics, able to create a positive and supportive collaborative environment in which they will thrive.

The University of Auckland is Aotearoa New Zealand’s pre-eminent research-led University, and an international centre of learning and academic excellence. Based in the largest city, CBR is located in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences (Ranked in the top 100 universities in the world in the medical disciplines) located on the Grafton Campus adjacent to Auckland City Hospital, but the chair could be held in any suitable faculty of the university.

The Hugh Green Foundation (HGF) is a charitable trust set up in 1998, with the aim of improving the health and wealth of local communities, inspired by Hugh’s own experiences of poverty during his childhood in Ireland. The HGF is a longstanding funder to the University and is committed to its continuing support to the CBR. The Chair of Translational Neuroscience is a new position funded by the Hugh Green Foundation in addition to their generous support of the Hugh Green Foundation Chair in Addiction Research and the endowed Hugh Green Biobank.

The University of Auckland is Aotearoa New Zealand’s pre-eminent research-led University. Established in 1883, it is an international centre of learning and academic excellence. The university has an academic presence in seven other sites across the upper North Island. FMHS is adjacent to Auckland City Hospital, New Zealand’s largest public hospital and clinical research facility serving a central Auckland population of about 550,000, as well as regional services for Northland and Greater Auckland and specialist national services for the whole of New Zealand (more than 1 million patient contacts per year).

For a confidential discussion or further information about the role, including the position description please contact the University of Auckland as below:

Applications should be submitted via the University website www.jobs.auckland.ac.nz by Sunday, 2 August 2020.

Position Reference: REF4112F

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive and equitable environment. For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQITakatāpui+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other equity issues go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz

Contact information

Clare Litten, Email: c.litten@auckland.ac.nz

Dr Kathrin Soehnel, Email: k.soehnel@auckland.ac.nz

Posting end date

2020/08/02

 

SickKids post-doctoral position- Immediate- Mild traumatic brain injury research

CIHR funded project- hiring post-doc immediately to study effects of glial senescence on neurons. Successful candidate will have experience and expertise in glio-neuronal co-culture techniques, molecular techniques including RNA/DNA extraction, proteomics, and background/interest in neuroscience/ neurodegenerative disease. Project will include experimental mouse model of mTBI, in vitro studies and access to a Human brain bank with history of brain trauma.

Please contact directly Principal investigator: Lili-Naz.hazrati@sickkids.ca

Neuropathology of mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) post-doc position at SickKids

NIH Funded post-doctoral position to study neuropathological changes of brain trauma in athletes. Candidate should have good knowledge of neuropathological work-up of neurodegenerative diseases in human brains. Project plans to explore and report on all neuropathological changes in a brain bank.
Contact information lili-naz.hazrati@sickkids.ca

Research Associate – University of Guelph – Khokhar laboratory

Position Title:  Research Associate 1, (Grant & Trust Professional)

Employer:  University of Guelph (Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College)

Term: Temporary full time (24 month contract to start as soon as possible)

Hours: Full-time (35 Hours/Week)

Number of Positions: 1

Hiring Ref. Number: 2020-0027

 

N.B.:   Please read the Application Instructions before applying: https://www.uoguelph.ca/hr/careers-guelph/how-apply

 

The Khokhar Lab 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 Research Associate is responsible for the following main duties:

  • conducts behavioural experiments assessing the effects of cannabinoids in a variety of animal models of addiction (e.g., withdrawal, conditioned place preference and self-administration/free-access intake) and serious mental illness (e.g., prepulse inhibition, latent inhibition);
  • provides input with respect to appropriate methodology, procedures, equipment and standards to produce required research data;
  • applies specialized knowledge and principles to review, appraise and interpret published literature, summarize research findings, and draft scientific/technical reports, manuscripts, grant proposals;
  • establishes and maintains effective relationships with external partners, which may include coordinating of project plans, presenting research findings (may include presenting findings at conferences).

 

Education, Skills, Work Experience and other Requirements:

  • Master’s degree in relevant discipline combined with at least 3-5 years of relevant research experience with behavioural paradigms including: withdrawal, conditioned place preference, self-administration/free-access intake, prepulse inhibition, latent inhibition;
  • Experience coding with behavioural control software (e.g., Med Associates or equivalent), and using behavioural assessment software (e.g., Noldus Ethovision or equivalent) and statistical analysis software packages (e.g., SPSS or R);
  • Proven ability in methodology, procedures, equipment and standards to produce required research data;
  • Proficiency in summarizing research findings, reviewing, appraising and interpreting published literature;
  • Strong attention to detail;
  • Self-motivated and able to work collaboratively within a team environment;
  • Experience with in vivo electrophysiology is considered an asset.

Salary: $54,107 – $58,600

Vacation Pay: accrual rate of 1.25 days/month

Benefits: Extended Health, Basic Life Insurance (up to specified maximums)

Location of Employer: 50 Stone Road, Guelph, ON N1G2W1

Location of Work: Guelph, ON                    

Language of Work: English

All Canadian citizens or permanent residents who qualify are invited to apply by sending their Cover Letter and CV (including list of publications demonstrating relevant experience), quoting hiring number 2020-0027, by email to careers@uoguelph.ca or by mail to the following address: 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph ON N1G 2W1 (Attention: Human Resources).

 

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion 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.

 

 

Posting end date: 2020/02/29

A post-doc position in the field of neural stem cell reprogramming and differentiation, Wang lab, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

Description of the position:

Our research focuses on delineating molecular mechanisms that regulate neural stem cell reprogramming and differentiation, with the ultimate goal of the development of stem cell- based therapy to promote neural repair in the context of various neurological disorders. The individual filling this position is particularly involved in the ongoing project in the lab that is to develop integration-free methodology to reprogram non-neuronal cells into neural cells and to optimize stem cell-based therapies for post-stroke neurovascular regeneration and functional recovery. A variety of molecular, cellular, and behavioral techniques are used in the laboratory, including transgenic mouse models, neurosphere culture, rodent and human reprogramming cell culture and stereotaxic surgery, various neurological degeneration disease models, etc.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Experience in rat stroke models, stereotaxic surgery, Cell Biology (cell line or primary cell culture, immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry) and in vivo animal study.
  • Excellence in research with strong publication records
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Self-motivated and strong desire to learn
  • Experience with Human primary cell culture is an asset

Deadline: Until the position is filled.

Individuals who are interested in the position should submit curriculum vitae, a copy of official transcripts, statement of research interest and names of three references to:

jiwang@ohri.ca
Dr. Jing Wang, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist, Sprott Centre for Stem Cell Research
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Assistant Professor Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine

University of Ottawa
Ottawa Hospital, 501 Smyth Rd, Box 511
Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6 CANADA

Postdoctoral Researcher in Computational Neuroscience – Lefebvre lab at UOttawa

The Lefebvre lab at uOttawa is recruiting two postdoctoral fellows for the Winter 2020. Candidates interested in computational neuroscience, brain imaging and applied mathematics are encouraged to apply.

Selected candidates will be involved in the following projects:

  1. In collaboration with the Griffiths Lab at the CAMH Krembil Center for Neuroinformatics (KCNI) and University of Toronto, the goal of the project is to develop, analyse and explore computational models of non-invasive brain stimulation (e.g. TMS, TES) and their impact on multi-scale neural activity. Specifically, we seek to better understand network-based mechanisms of neural control, oscillatory entrainment and/or stimulation-induced brain plasticity. This project involves a combination of computational and mathematical modelling, has strong potential for knowledge translation, and aims to help inspire new non-invasive treatments for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
  2. In collaboration with the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, the goal of this project is to better understand mechanisms of white matter plasticity, neuron-glia interactions, myelination and its impact on brain function. Using a combination of modelling and simulations, interfacing rodent and human data, the role of the fellow will be to examine the influence of white matter plasticity on neural synchrony and memory. This project involves a combination of computational and mathematical modelling, and strong interactions with experimentalists.

The research will take place in the Department of Biology, the Brain and Mind Institute and the Center for Neural Dynamics of the University of Ottawa, a vivid interdisciplinary research cluster set in the bilingual capital of Canada. Both projects are deployed in the Ottawa-Toronto axis, through close collaborations between uOttawa, uToronto, CAMH KCNI, The University Health Network and The Krembil Research Institute. Based on the research needs and resources, candidates will be required to travel between both cities often. Throughout, candidates will interact closely with clinicians, experimentalists and scholars in neuroimaging.

Requisites:

Candidates should have completed their PhD in physics, mathematics, neuroscience or related disciplines, and have an excellent publication track record. Expertise in programming is a necessity, as well as independence in research. Experience in brain imaging, signal processing and dynamical systems are considered strong assets. Contracts are for one year, with possibility of extension subject to sufficient progress. of one additional year. While the positions are fully funded, candidates are nonetheless expected to apply for external/competitive funding throughout their training.

To apply, please send 1) a letter of interest, 2) a full CV and 3) two(2) letters of reference to jeremie.lefebvre at hotmail dot com. Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview! Job open until filled!

2 Post-doc positions in clinical and cognitive neuroimaging MRI/DTI and EEG/MEG – SickKids Hospital

Neurophysiological and structural imaging in PTSD and mild traumatic brain injury

Two postdoctoral research fellow positions at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) are available with immediate start. The positions are initially available for a 1-year period with the possibility of extension.

This project examines functional (MEG, fMRI) and structural (MRI, DTI) brain circuits in posttraumatic stress disorder and mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) in adults. Currently, there are no known imaging markers for psychiatric disease or ‘mild’ brain injuries. This project aims to define signatures for use in a machine learning framework to classify individual cases and identify future targets for neurostimulation in treatment-resistant cases of PTSD and those with lingering symptoms of a concussion.

This is part of an ongoing project that is funded by the Canadian Department of National Defence and Innovation for Defence, Excellence and Security (IDEaS) Program.

A substantial amount of data already exists for this project and the motivated researcher will be able to jump straight into analysis.

 

Your profile

We are seeking two enthusiastic postdoc researchers to work in close collaboration with engineers and research associates in analysing pre-existing and new MEG, MRI & DTI data. Ideally, one researcher will focus on MRI and DTI data, and the other one MEG data, the latter collected during resting state and a task of memory function. Given the initial short-time frame of this position, imaging experience is necessary.

As a postdoc in this position you will be expected to:

  • hold a PhD in a relevant area (cognitive neuroscience, neuroimaging, engineering, computer sciences);
  • have experience with EEG/MEG and/or MRI/DTI analyses;
  • have a knowledge of neuropsychiatric disease that would be advantageous;
  • hold a track record in research commensurate with your level of experience post-PhD;
  • have experience with computer programming (Matlab, Python, or R) and/or signal processing/time series analyses;
  • have excellent communication skills (oral and written);
  • be able to work independently and meet deadlines.

 

Your work environment

The principal investigator on this project is Dr. Ben Dunkley.

The candidate will be based in the Neurosciences & Mental Health Program, the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute. You will work closely with affiliated staff and students who form a group that use neuroimaging to study a variety of brain disorders.

We offer

Salary Scale: $CAD 55,000 to 65,000 gross annual (depending on qualifications and experience).

In addition, we offer an attractive benefits package, that includes partial coverage for dental, drug and medical.

The temporary employment will be for a period of 1 year initially, with a possibility of extension.

Toronto is a world-class rated in the top ten cities worldwide for livability that has a large and rich neuroscience community.

The institute offers many opportunities for career development and additional training as part of the Research Training Centre.

 

Additional information

The post is available from 1st January 2020.

Contact Dr. Ben Dunkley via ben.dunkley@sickkids.ca for more information.

If you wish to apply directly, please send a CV, a cover letter with research statement/interests, and the names of two references.