Postdoc position: Regeneration of locomotor circuits in salamanders

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). The candidate will use genetic tools, calcium imaging, electrophysiology and movement analysis based on deep learning and neuroanatomy to study salamander locomotor circuits. 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 or a related field. The ideal candidate would have experience in electrophysiology (patch-clamp), calcium imaging, optogenetics, virus injections, deep learning-based movement analysis, matlab scripting, and a keen interest in motor control.

HOST LABORATORY: The lab of Pr. Ryczko (Sherbrooke, QC, Canada) has expertise in the neural control of locomotion and publishes in excellent journals (PNAS, Science Robotics, Journal of Neuroscience, Trends in Neuroscience). The lab receives grant support by the CIHR, NSERC, FRQS, CFI. This project is funded by a synergy grant of the 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).

START: the position is available immediately.

APPLY: Candidates should send a letter of interest explaining how they would fit, a CV, a complete record of their academic results and an international scale to interpret these, and three references at: dimitri.ryczko@gmail.com. Please specify where you have found the job post.

Contact:

dimitri.ryczko@gmail.com

PhD position: Regeneration of locomotor circuits in salamanders

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). The candidate will use genetic tools, calcium imaging, electrophysiology and movement analysis based on deep learning and neuroanatomy to study salamander locomotor circuits. 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 MSc in neuroscience or a related field. The ideal candidate would have experience in electrophysiology (patch-clamp), calcium imaging, optogenetics, virus injections, deep learning-based movement analysis, matlab scripting, and a keen interest in motor control.

HOST LABORATORY: The lab of Pr. Ryczko (Sherbrooke, QC, Canada) has expertise in the neural control of locomotion and publishes in excellent journals (PNAS, Journal of Neuroscience, Trends in Neuroscience). The lab receives grant support by the CIHR, NSERC, FRQS, CFI. This project is funded by a synergy grant of the 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).

START: the student could satrt either in May 2024 or September 2024.

APPLY: Candidates should send a letter of interest explaining how they would fit, a CV, a complete record of their academic results and an international scale to interpret these, and three references at: dimitri.ryczko@gmail.com. Please specify where you have found the job post.

Contact :

dimitri.ryczko@gmail.com

PhD position: Brainstem control of locomotion in mice

PROJECT: The locomotor role of dopaminergic cells is classically attributed to their ascending projections to the basal ganglia that project to brainstem locomotor circuits that controls locomotion. However, descending dopaminergic projections to brainstem locomotor circuits were uncovered (Ryczko et al. PNAS 2013, PNAS 2016, J Neurosci 2017, J Neurosci 2020). In lamprey, these descending projections increase locomotor activity. In mammals, their role remains to be determined.

The student will address this issue in mice using in vivo optogenetics and chemogenetics, movement analysis, patch-clamp electrophysiology or calcium imaging in brain slices, viral injections or neuroanatomy. The new knowledge will provide a better understanding of the relation between dopaminergic and locomotor neurons and help identify new clinical strategies to improve locomotor function in Parkinson’s disease.

REQUIREMENTS: The candidate should have completed a MSc in neuroscience or a close field. The ideal candidate would have experience in patch-clamp electrophysiology, optogenetics or calcium imaging in slices, in vivo optogenetics or chemogenetics, virus injections, matlab scripting, and a keen interest in motor control.

HOST LABORATORY: Pr. Ryczko has expertise in the neural control of locomotion and published his research in excellent journals (PNAS, Science, Science Robotics, Journal of Neuroscience…). The lab receives grant support by the CIHR, NSERC, FRQS, CFI and ERC. We are equipped for optogenetics, viral injections, patch-clamp recordings, confocal and two photon calcium imaging, high-resolution movement analysis based on deep learning, and microscopy (confocal, light-sheet, two-photon, STED).

START: The student could start either in May 2024 or September 2024.

APPLY: Candidates should send a letter of interest, a CV, a complete record of their academic results and three references at: dimitri.ryczko@gmail.com. Please specify where you found the job post.

Contact information : dimitri.ryczko@gmail.com

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

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

Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology – University of Saskatchewan

Applications are invited from qualified individuals for up to two (2) full time, tenure-track Assistant Professor positions in the Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology (APP) at the University of Saskatchewan, to begin July 1, 2024.

The successful candidate(s) will have a PhD degree in any area of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, or cell or developmental biology and should have post-doctoral experience in a related research field. Key selection criteria will include research excellence, originality, and potential for research impact. The successful candidate(s) will be expected to develop a strong externally-funded research program and be able to complement the research strengths of other APP faculty members. Particular areas of research strength include skeletal biology, cardiovascular physiology and pharmacology, respiratory pathophysiology, synchrotron imaging, and neuroscience. Expertise in one of these areas will be considered an asset, but candidates from other research areas will be considered. The selected candidate(s) will also contribute to teaching of undergraduate and medical students, and to the teaching and mentoring of graduate students.

The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. The University of Saskatchewan is located in Saskatoon, SK, a city with a diverse and thriving economic base, a vibrant arts community and a full range of leisure opportunities. The University has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and scholarly activities and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to a student population of over 26,000.

The salary band for an Assistant Professor position is from $99,945 to $120,099. This position includes a comprehensive benefits package which includes a dental, health and extended vision care plan; pension plan, life insurance (compulsory and voluntary), academic long term disability, sick leave, travel insurance, death benefits, an employee assistance program, a professional expense allowance, and a flexible health and wellness spending program.

Interested candidates must submit, via email (refer to req11804 in subject line): a cover letter, detailed curriculum vitae, a brief statement of research interests and plans (3 pages or less), a teaching statement (1 page), a statement on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) that includes a reflection on the candidate’s experiences with EDI and how those experiences will enrich this aspect of the department (1/2-1 page), and contact information for three references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Dr. TE Fisher
Professor and Head, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology
107 Wiggins Road, Rm GA20
Saskatoon, SK Canada S7N 5E5
Telephone: (306) 966-6530

Email: appadmin@usask.ca

Due to federal immigration requirements, we also ask candidates to indicate whether they are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or are otherwise already authorized to work at this position for the duration of the appointment, with an explanation if this last category is indicated.

Review of applications will begin January 3, 2024 but applications will be accepted and evaluated until the positions are filled. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2024.

The University of Saskatchewan is strongly committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that empowers all employees to reach their full potential. All members of the university community share a responsibility for developing and maintaining an environment in which differences are valued and inclusiveness is practiced. The university welcomes applications from those who will contribute to the diversity of our community. The university must, however, comply with federal immigration requirements. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, but Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Contact information

appadmin@usask.ca

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

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!

Neuroscience Postdoctoral Positions – University of Toronto – Woodin lab

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/

Research Associate – Western University

Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 37.5

Salary Grade: R2

Please note, this is a wholly grant funded position.

About Western

With an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada’s most beautiful campuses.

About Us

Western’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry is a leading Canadian centre of outstanding education and research shaping health care for the next generation and is the largest and most complex faculty on campus. The Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology has a long-standing tradition of distinction in research and teaching. The success of Anatomy and Cell biology is predicated on its people, dedicated Faculty, Staff and Trainees who support our mission: excellence in research and scholarship in anatomy, cell biology, neuroscience and education.

The mission of Dr. Khokhar’s research is to disentangle the complex relationship between substance use and serious mental illness. The lab uses a variety of cutting-edge behavioural, neuroimaging and circuit manipulation tools to answer translationally relevant questions related to this chicken-or-egg question with the ultimate goal of improving treatment options for these patients.

Responsibilities

The Research Associate will apply their expertise and knowledge to a research project under the direction of a Principal Investigator and will carry out and oversee original and independent research to assist the PI in achieving their research outcomes regarding 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 position will play a lead role in training staff, graduate students, undergraduate students and post-doctoral fellows, and in resolving issues that arise in the research environment. The Research Associate will support and operationalize new and innovative research opportunities as requested, participate in the development of research and project plans, and design, build and run experiments. The role will plan, implement, and coordinate aspects of data collection, perform data analysis, evaluate and interpret experiment al results, develop models or correlations, and prepare reports and other written material for presentations and/or submissions to various stakeholders as required.

Qualifications

  • Education:
  • Master’s Degree in Neuroscience or Pharmacology
  • PhD Degree in Neuroscience or Pharmacology is preferred.

Experience:

  • 3 years of experience in a related academic research environment with behavioural paradigms including withdrawal, conditioned place preference, self-administration/free-access intake, fear conditioning, prepulse inhibition, and latent inhibition
  • Experience with LC/MS or HPLC methods
  • Experience coding with behavioural control software (such as Med Associates), using behavioural assessment software (such as Noldus Ethovision), and with statistical analysis software packages (such as SPSS or R)
  • Experience with in vivo electrophysiology would be an asset

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Familiarity with regulations and guidelines governing research ethics in an academic environment and with best practices for reviewing and writing grant proposals
  • In depth knowledge with methods for research design, implementation, and analysis with ability in methodology, procedures, equipment and standards to produce required research data
  • Proficiency in summarizing research findings, reviewing, appraising and interpreting published literature
  • Familiarity with techniques for updating, managing and extracting data from a research database
  • Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one’s own unit
  • Communication skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users, with an ability to complete detailed analytics and reports
  • Ability to work in a manner that mo dels best practices in confidentiality standards
  • Ability to provide solutions and ideas for improvement by using imaginative approaches where constructive thinking and innovation are required
  • Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
  • Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the research group’s events and activities
  • Results-oriented with the ability to motivate and coach students to meet high performance standards, while working effectively as a member of the leadership team
  • Ability to investigate defined issues, solicit input, and suggest remedies and alternative approaches that meet the needs of the situation
  • Proven ability and natural inclination to develop relationships by interacting with people in a professional, respectful and diplomatic manner
  • Advanced skills in software and applications used to produce and analyze research outcomes< br />- Demonstrated ability to research/investigate issues and resolve problems

Background Checks

Please note, successful applicants may be required to produce a current police information record check(s) from a police service prior to commencing employment.

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwo.ca or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

Contact information

Interested applicants are asked to visit https://recruit.uwo.ca for further information and to apply online referencing job #32815 by midnight on October 31st, 2023.

Posting end date: 2023/10/31

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

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

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