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.

Post-doctoral position – Dr. Junchul Kim lab in Psychology/Cell and Systems Biology Department in the University of Toronto

A funded postdoctoral fellow position is available (start date is negotiable) at Dr. Junchul Kim lab in Psychology/Cell and Systems Biology Department in the University of Toronto, Canada. The lab uses optogenetics, chemogenetics, intersectional viral tools, and calcium imaging to understand neural circuits underlying memory in mice. The selected candidate will also participate in collaborative projects for investigating working memory, anxiety, and escape behaviours. A strong understanding of behavioral neuroscience is desired.

Specific skills and qualifications for the position include:

  • PhD in Neuroscience, Physiology, Psychology, or a related field.
  • Experience with stereotaxic surgery.
  • Experience with mouse behavioral tests.
  • Experience with in vivo calcium imaging is desirable.
  • Experience with molecular biology is encouraged but not a requirement.

Salaries will be in line with University of Toronto postdoctoral stipend levels. To apply, please send curriculum vitae, a brief statement of research experience and interests, and letters of reference to Dr. Junchul Kim (kim@psych.utoronto.ca). Please also visit our website to learn more about the lab: www.junchulkimlab.com

Contact information

Junchul Kim
100 St.George st, Room 4028.
Department of Psychology, University of Toronto,
Canada,
M5S3G3

Phone 1-416-578-8319

Email: kim@psych.utoronto.ca

Website

http://www.junchulkimlab.com

Assistant Professor, Tenure Track, McMaster University

The Department of Psychology, Neuroscience, & Behaviour at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track faculty position in Neuroscience at the Assistant Professor level, beginning July 1, 2020.

We seek a researcher who uses animal models to investigate fundamental neuroscience questions at any level(s) ranging from cells to circuits and systems. Applications from any area of neuroscience are welcome, and applications from early-career researchers are especially encouraged.

Our department has long-standing strengths in sensory systems and behavioural neuroscience, and state-of-the art animal facilities. We also have strengths in perception, cognition, development, evolutionary psychology, and animal behaviour. We value and encourage collaboration among researchers, and have close ties with the Departments of Biology and Kinesiology and the Faculties of Engineering and Health Sciences. Many of our faculty are affiliated with McMaster’s Neuroscience Graduate Program, and together with the Department of Biology, our department founded and administers McMaster’s Neuroscience Undergraduate program.

McMaster University is a globally renowned institution of higher learning and a research community committed to advancing human and societal health and well-being. Our focus on collaboratively exchanging ideas and approaches makes us uniquely positioned to pioneer ground-breaking solutions to real-world problems leading to a Brighter World. The Faculty of Science works to create global impact by advancing scientific discovery and knowledge, and promoting greater understanding. Our innovative, interdisciplinary approach generates new methods and insights, results, and lasting change.

Faculty members at McMaster enjoy numerous personal and professional benefits. University employees are offered an excellent benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, extended health care, dental care, group life, long term disability, worldwide travel assistance, and a retirement plan. Progressive policies are in place to assist faculty who are parents and/or need to care for family members. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

McMaster is located in Hamilton, Ontario, which is part of the “Golden Horseshoe” region of southern Ontario. Hamilton is located between Toronto and the Niagara/Buffalo area. It sits on the shores of Lake Ontario alongside the Niagara escarpment, and boasts an abundance of waterfalls, hiking trails, and green space.

All candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree, and be committed to teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Interested applicants should submit a copy of their curriculum vitae, teaching and research statements, a one-page statement on equity and diversity, and three representative publications (reprints or preprints).

Complete applications must be made online at www.hr.mcmaster.ca/careers (Faculty Positions, Job ID 28515) to the attention of:

Dr. Bruce Milliken, Professor & Chair
Chair, Search Committee
Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour
McMaster University
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada,
L8S 4K1

Academic reference letters are not required at the time of application, but applicants should provide the names of three referees who may be subsequently contacted. Please know and alert your referees that their letters and your full application may be read by all faculty members in the Department and other persons associated with hiring at McMaster.

Review of complete applications will begin November 1st, 2019 and continue until the position is filled. The effective date of appointment is expected to be July 1, 2020. All applicants will receive an on-line confirmation of receipt of their application; however, only short-listed applicants will be contacted for interviews.

Download a pdf version of this advertisement: McMaster-Neuroscience-Job-Ad

Assistant Professor – Tenure-track, University of Toronto Scarborough

The Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) invites applications for a tenure-stream appointment in the area of Neuroscience. The appointment is at the rank of Assistant Professor and will commence on July 1, 2020, or shortly thereafter.

Candidates must have a PhD in Biological Sciences or a related field, at least one year of postdoctoral experience, an outstanding research record and a strong commitment to excellence in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The successful candidate must employ the latest empirical approaches to understand brain function on multiple levels ranging from the genomic and cellular to circuits and entire organisms. We are particularly interested in candidates who will create synergies with existing neuroscience research within the department and seek those who complement and deepen our existing departmental strengths. Research areas and technological approaches of the successful candidate may include but are not limited to:

  • mechanisms of behavioural adaptation
  • neurodevelopment
  • stress
  • neurodegeneration
  • neuroimmunology

The successful candidate will be expected to conduct innovative and independent research at the highest international level and to establish an outstanding, competitive, and externally funded research program. Applicants must have a record of excellence in research, as demonstrated by publications in top ranked and field-relevant academic journals, presentations at significant conference, awards and accolades for work in the field, an innovative research statement and strong endorsements by referees of high international standing.

The successful candidate will also have a strong commitment to excellence in teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate level. A commitment to excellence in teaching will be demonstrated through the statement of teaching philosophy, teaching accomplishments, and evidence of superior performance in teaching-related activities documented in the submitted teaching materials. Documented teaching excellence may include performance as a teaching assistant or course instructor, experience leading successful workshops or seminars, student mentorship, or conference posters or presentations, as well as strong letters of reference. The successful candidate is also expected to show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment, demonstrated through the application materials.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Contact information

Joanne Terakita
Dept. Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough
1265 Military Trail, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4
email – chairsecbio@utsc.utoronto.ca

Application deadline: December 2, 2019

Animal Behavior and Physiology Core Technician – University of Ottawa

Animal Behavior and Physiology Core Technician

Potential Start Date: October 1 2019

Job Summary:

Full-time Junior Technician position to perform animal testing within the Behavioral and Physiology Core in Roger Guindon Hall at the University of Ottawa.

The Core Facility is a state-of-the-art facility equipped to serve the research community at the University of Ottawa, its affiliated Research Institutes, and external users through contracts. The Core provides a time-efficient and cost-effective service for the design, execution, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data resulting from use of the Core’s facilities.

The equipment enables a full battery of assays relevant to learning and memory, social behavior, sensory gating, motor function, and mood disorders. In addition, the core offers equipment in order to perform in vivo optogenetics, as well as measure various physiological outcomes using small animal telemetry (EEG, EMG, pressure) and non-invasive determinations of body composition and metabolic parameters.

The primary responsibility of this position will be to perform testing in rats using standardized protocols. This person will also aid other core staff as required in setup of equipment, and analysis of data obtained within the core.

Essential Qualifications:

  • Minimum of Undergraduate Degree in a related field, Technical college degree in a related field, and/or minimum of 1 year experience in research or working as an animal technician.
  • Practical experience with rats (prefer both mice and rats)
  • Experience using computer systems and software
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills (perfer Bilingual in French and English)

Support is in accordance with University of Ottawa standards. This is a non-unionized contractual research staff position (35hr/week, with flexible hours including some weekend hours) at the level of a Junior Technician NR1.

Qualified candidates should send a short letter of introduction describing their previous expertise and reasons for applying for this job, CV, and the names of three references to: Behavior and Physiology Core Advisory Committee, in care of Christina Sardella csardell@uottawa.ca.

Contact information

Any questions about this posting please email Dr. Stephen Ferguson and Dr. Diane Lagace

Applications need to be sent to the Behavior and Physiology Core Advisory Committee
In care of Christina Sardella csardell@uottawa.ca.

Download a pdf version of this advertisement

Posting end date:  2019/10/31

Independent Scientist (Focus: Cognitive Neuroscience) – Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Position Description:

The Research Imaging Centre (RIC) at CAMH’s Campbell Family Mental Health Institute is a state of the art imaging facility and is one of the few imaging centres in the world fully dedicated to research on mental illness and addiction. The RIC is home to a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, staff and research trainees with a primary objective of discovering new paths in brain chemistry, structure, function and behavior to better understand mental illnesses and advance treatments.

We are seeking a strong candidate with MR imaging experience to play a pivotal leadership role to build a research program in cognitive neuroscience using brain imaging techniques. The incumbent will work closely with Psychologists and Clinician Scientists devoted to the clinical impact of cognitive impairment, and mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction (e.g. neurophysiological) and disability to design cognitive neuroscience clinical trials to cut across psychopharmacology, brain stimulation and psychosocial interventions. The position will also support colleagues, particularly RIC scientists in experimental design and task-based fMRI; work in a collaborative inter-disciplinary environment that spans fundamental and clinical research and support a workplace that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork and complies with all applicable regulatory and legislative requirements.

Specific responsibilities and expectations include but are not limited to:

  • Mentor, train and manage a team of research staff and trainees;
  • Develop and lead curriculum and training initiatives including MRI methodology training and application of fMRI and cognitive neuroscience paradigms;
  • Communicate statistical analyses through manuscripts and reports;
  • Lead the design and submission of externally funded applications as the Principal Investigator and manage budget to ensure support of operational resources;
  • Foster collaborations within the RIC, psychologists interested in cognitive neuroscience, and basic science researchers interested in the molecular mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction and disability;
  • Develop and analyze research imaging data, using statistical methods;
  • Coach data management and programming staff to ensure accuracy and completeness of databases/file structures/coding conventions;
  • Disseminate research results through presentations at academic meetings and conferences and communicate ideas to key decision makers;

CAMH is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto and the successful applicant will need to obtain academic affiliation with a University department at the Assistant Professor level or above. Preference will be given to candidates eligible for an Associate level academic affiliation. However candidates eligible for an Assistant level will be considered if they have demonstrated research experience in MR imaging.

This full-time, three year contract position is located at 250 College St., Toronto.

Qualifications:

The successful applicant is required to have a Ph.D. in Health Sciences and 3 years prior experience in MR imaging as evidenced by conference proceedings and peer-reviewed publications. Your experience will include working in MRI research and interdisciplinary collaborative research within a mental health/addiction, government, hospital, or community organization. You will have expertise in identifying optimal study designs for specific scientific questions related to the use of fMRI and cognitive neuroscience; the development of new methodology to integrate data between different brain imaging methods; and, post-acquisition processing approaches to advance the understanding of brain disorders. You will have demonstrated proficiency and familiarity with the LINUX and Microsoft Windows operating systems and the ability to write basic processing scripts in programming language and simulation tools such as Matlab, IDL, Mathematica and/or Octave. Understanding of the role of individual variability in cognitive performance and MRI data, demonstrated ability to use data-driven techniques, and knowledge of methods development with multi-centre, publicly available brain imaging data, quality assurance and considerations of data provenance are an asset.

The successful candidate will also possess sound judgment, excellent organizational, communication (verbal/written) and strong analytical skills. The demonstrated ability to cultivate internal and external relationships and collaborate effectively with colleagues, decision makers and the scientific community is required. You must be able to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team. The capacity to work with individuals of diverse ethno-racial and cultural backgrounds is required. Bilingualism (English/French) and/or proficiency in a second language is considered an asset.

Internal Number: 848955

To apply, visit the job posting on the CAMH website

Contact information

To apply, visit the job posting on the CAMH website: https://www.recruitingsite.com/csbsites/camh/JobDescription.asp?SuperCategoryCode=15233&JobNumber=848955&lang=en

About Centre for Addiction and Mental Health:

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada’s leading mental health and addiction teaching hospital and research institution. CAMH is a Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization Collaborating Centre and is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto. CAMH provides a unique combination of clinical care and research, policy, education and health promotion expertise to help improve the lives of people impacted by mental health and addiction issues. CAMH has Canada’s largest mental health and addictions research program, bringing together internationally recognized biological, psychological and social researchers, doing work that ranges from molecular neurosciences to social policy development. CAMH Research advances knowledge about the cause of mental health and addiction disorders; develops improved diagnostic and evaluation techniques; develops customized, effective treatment, rehabilitation, prevention and health promotion strategies; and enhances knowledge about policies and systems to best serve affected populations. The research program at CAMH supports advanced teaching and training of researchers and other health professionals.

Posting end date 2019/10/11