Post-Doctoral Fellow (SRI) - Biological Sciences - Regular Full Time 2024-11303

JOB SUMMARY: The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in animal models and wet lab techniques, with a focus on advancing our understanding of neuro-oncology interventions and brain pathology. This role involves designing and conducting experiments, analyzing and interpreting data, and communicating research findings through written manuscripts, grant applications, and oral presentations. Expertise in handling and analyzing complex datasets is an asset. This position provides an opportunity to develop a strong foundation for a career in academic and translational research.

About Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation at Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI)

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is a leading academic health institution in Canada, with 1.2 million patient visits and $100 million in annual research funding. The Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program focuses on treating and researching complex brain conditions, building on decades of expertise in brain disease management.

Sunnybrook is a pioneer in neuromodulation, a rapidly advancing field that uses innovative technologies to target brain circuits for treating various brain disorders. The Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation (HCN) is among the first to offer a full spectrum of neuromodulation therapies in a state-of-the-art facility. With internationally recognized researchers, HCN focuses on minimally invasive technologies to address the root causes of conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson’s, ALS, essential tremor, brain tumors, major depression, and OCD. Our experts are committed to developing personalized, cutting-edge treatments, expanding our impact locally and globally as the field continues to evolve.

Key Responsibilities:

Research Design and Execution

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, scientists, and key stakeholders
• Design, develop and lead independent and collaborative new research projects and experiments, from concept through to execution, ensuring alignment with broader research goals.

Data Analysis & Research Dissemination

• Analyze experimental data and interpret findings in relation to current literature.
• Write and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research results at national and international conferences.

Animal Research Responsibilities

• Conduct research using animal models, including the development and refinement of medical techniques and protocols.
• Coordinate and manage logistics for the collection, transportation, and processing of time-sensitive animal samples, including off-site analysis.
• Work flexible hours as needed to accommodate time-sensitive animal sample collection and processing protocols

Wet Lab Research Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze experiments employing wet lab techniques, including histology, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, qPCR, Western blotting, and protein assays.
• Process and store biospecimen samples, ensuring proper handling and documentation
• Perform DNA/RNA extraction from biological samples for downstream analysis.
• Conduct immunoassays for protein analysis.
• Perform histological/immunofluorescent procedures to characterize treatment effects on tissue samples

Essential Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or equivalent in Neuroscience, Neurosurgery, Neuro-oncology, or a related field.
• Experience in animal models with a strong understanding of surgical techniques and animal care.
• Proficiency in a wide range of wet lab techniques, including histology, molecular biology and cell culture.
• Experience in microscopy and/or fluorescence imaging methodologies is an asset
• Bioinformatics experience (particularly genomics or neuroimaging) is an asset
• Knowledge of programming languages such as R, Python, or MATLAB is an asset
• Team player and self-starter with the ability to work efficiently and independently.
• Exceptional written and verbal English communications and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to foster collaborative relationships and coordinate teams of varying backgrounds while ensuring targets and objectives are met.
• Knowledge of computer software (including, Excel, MS Word, Power point, Statistical software, etc.).

In addition, you will be expected to:

• Work within the larger context of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (SHSC) and observe Hospital and Research Institute rules and regulations, policies, procedures, practices, safety procedures and current legislation, in particular the Human Rights Code regarding discrimination and harassment.
• Ensure the confidentiality of patient, employee and Hospital information at all times.
• Work cooperatively and constructively with the other members of staff.
• Perform the above functions in a manner, which reflects SHSC Hospital philosophy and mission of service, while promoting and maintaining good public relations with patients, visitors and staff.

In accordance with Canadian Employment and Immigration guidelines, applicants must be eligible to work in Canada. Sunnybrook Research Institute is committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation for disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please indicate this in your cover letter.

Qualified applicants are invited to submit their resume, cover letter and contact information to the attention of Dr. Ying Meng at Ying.Meng@sunnybrook.ca. Please include the job title (Postdoctoral Researcher) in the subject line of your email.

We would like to thank all applicants, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Deadline for application: Until positioned is filled

Sunnybrook Research Institute is strongly committed to inclusion and diversity within its community and welcomes all applicants including but not limited to: visible minorities, all religions and ethnicities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.