Postdoctoral Researcher Opportunities

A Postdoctoral Researcher position funded by CIHR (Canadian Institutes of Health Research) is available in the laboratory of Dr. Beverley Orser

The lab is located in the Department of Physiology, University of Toronto. It is also affiliated with the Department of Anesthesia, University of Toronto and part of a multidisciplinary centre for perioperative brain health at Sunnybrook Research Institute (www.perioperativebrainhealth.com).

The research goals are to identify the receptors and networks underlying general anesthesia and the molecular basis of adverse effects associated with anesthesia. We are interested in how anesthesia impacts cognition, and are developing strategies to translate research into improvements in patient care. We also aim to identify novel treatment for neurological disorders, including cognitive dysfunction, seizures, pain and mood disorders by targeting specific inhibitory receptors. Our team first identified the unique pharmacological properties of “extrasynaptic” inhibitory GABAA receptors. We are investigating the role of these receptors in health and diseases.

Qualifications:

  1. Ph.D. degree in Neuroscience or other related field in the Health Sciences with research experience in molecular or cellular biology, immunology, or biochemistry.
  2. Strong biochemical technical expertise, including but not limited to PCR, Western blotting, Co-IP, gel electrophoresis, and ELISA, etc.
  3. Essential job functions include: Planning and carrying out projects involving genotyping and colony maintenance of mice with the above-mentioned techniques; involvement in developing improved techniques, methods or procedures; analyzing results; drafting reports and manuscripts.
  4. Prior experiences with animal behavioral assays, electrophysiology, and optogenetics are assets.
  5. A good record of scientific publications, strong organizational skills, self-motivation and the ability to work well independently as well as in a team environment.

The laboratory provides an excellent training environment and we are strongly committed to training high-quality researchers who are interested in advancing translational neuroscience. The laboratory is also strongly committed to diversity within the communities and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of color, women, indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Interested candidates should send a Cover Letter, a CV, transcripts, and the names of three references to Dr. Dianshi Wang (dianshi.wang@utoronto.ca).


Computational Biology Postdoctoral Fellows

Area of Research

The University of Toronto (U of T) invites applications to fill multiple computational post-doctoral positions in the laboratory of Dr. Jesse Gillis. The successful candidates will join a team at U of T and abroad working to understand the molecular and functional basis of cellular properties in diverse systems, including mammalian brains. This is a largescale project involving a number of complementary positions, ranging from bioinformatics, to neuroscience, to molecular genetics. This interdisciplinary work offers opportunities to address important questions in computational biology and molecular genetic with first access to large novel data sets from single-cell RNA-seq. The expected duration of this fully funded position is approximately 3-5 years with renewal at the end of each year.

A major conceptual focus of the project will be developing new ways of assessing large-scale data for replicable signals. The positions offer substantial scope for training candidates interested in making a leap from computer science, neuroscience or genetics to data-focused research, particularly if it has arisen informally in their previous work.

Salary:

Starting salary $55,000

Position Requirements
This research sits at the intersection of computational biology and molecular genetics. A strong candidate would have expertise in one of these areas and an interest in learning about the other. While a broad range of backgrounds are suitable for this position, a PhD in bioinformatics or computational biology is desirable.

A particular focus of our methodological research is replicability and meta-analysis and an interest in these areas is helpful. Experience with either Python or R is a plus.

Exceptional applicants without a formal computational background will also be considered, particularly if they are familiar with standard bioinformatics tools.  The Gillis lab has a strong record of post-doctoral success, including trainees who have made the jump from wet-lab to dry-lab research.

Application instructions

All individuals interested in this position must submit a letter of interest outlining your research accomplishments, CV, and the contact information of three references by the closing date.  Applications can be sent directly to jesse.gillis@utoronto.ca.

Closing date:  Jul 13, 2023

Supervisor:  Dr. Jesse Gillis

Expected start date:  Jul 2022-July 2023

Term:  3 years

FTE:

The normal hours of work are 40 hours per week for a full-time postdoctoral fellow (pro-rated for those holding a partial appointment) recognizing that the needs of the employee’s research and training and the needs of the supervisor’s research program may require flexibility in the performance of the employee’s duties and hours of work.

Employment as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto is covered by the terms of the CUPE 3902 Unit 5 Collective Agreement.

This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 5 Collective Agreement.

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.