Postdoctoral Positions in Stem Cells and Regenerative Neuroscience – University of Manitoba

Dr. Soheila Karimi is seeking two to three Post-Doctoral Fellows to join her neuroscience research team in the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Science at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada. Dr. Karimi directs a renowned and well-funded program on Neural Regeneration and Stem Cell Research. Her program offers a collaborative research environment with a focus on regenerative medicine, preclinical models for the development of novel stem cell and pharmacological therapeutics, the opportunity to learn and apply technical/theoretical skillsets, professional growth, and a competitive salary. This position offers a unique opportunity for the successful applicants to gain leading-edge training and to drive impactful research projects for establishing a successful career. The position is fully funded through CIHR funding and is initially for two years with the potential to extend for an additional 2-3 years upon satisfactory performance. Funding is already secured for 5 years.

Research Areas: The Karimi’s Lab has received two new CIHR grants that will develop and evaluate new stem-cell mediated regeneration strategies for multiple sclerosis (MS) and spinal cord injury (SCI). Karimi’s program is internationally recognized for its contribution to cellular and pharmacological therapeutic approaches in preclinical models. Moreover, genetic mouse models and primary in vitro systems are employed to uncover cellular and molecular mechanisms of repair and regeneration. A major focus is on the application of endogenous and transplanted neural stem cells for neuron replacement, neuroprotection, remyelination, and regeneration. Human-derived stem cells, tissues, and organoids models are also used to understand the relevance of preclinical discoveries to human disease and for disease modeling. Karimi’s lab employs an array of advanced approaches that include various preclinical models of MS and SCI, micro-surgical techniques, stem cell transplantation, transgenic models, neural stem cell/neural tissue culture, pharmacological drug delivery, cellular, biochemical and molecular techniques, genetic manipulations, cell tracing, fluorescence/confocal imaging, high throughput transcriptomics (bulk and spatial) and proteomics, bioengineering approaches, live imaging, and functional/neurological studies (sensorimotor, pain, and cognition).

• Uncovering the endogenous mechanisms of neural stem cells differentiation in MS and spinal cord injury.
• Development of stem cell and pharmacological therapies for enhancing neuronal and oligodendrocytes replacement in progressive MS.
• Neural stem transplantation in spinal cord injury.
• Investigating the modulatory roles of reactive astrocytes, microglia, and matrix remodeling in spinal cord injury and MS.
• Uncovering immune mechanisms and developing immunomodulatory therapies in MS.

Training & Expectations: Major areas of focus for the PDF candidates will include studying neurodegeneration, neuroprotection, neural repair, neural stem cells, glial cells, and neuroinflammation in MS and/or SCI. The candidate should have a solid understanding and demonstrated proficiency in some of the following:

• Cell culture methods involving both isolation and maintenance of rodent neuronal and primary cultures as well as human cell lines.
• Ability to perform and troubleshoot a wide variety of molecular and cellular biology techniques: Western blotting, qPCR, immunohisto/cytochemistry, experience with siRNA knockdown, RNA seq and associated data analyses/mining are a strong asset.
• A comprehensive understanding of experimental design and assay optimization is important.
• Mastery of fluorescence and light microscopy; conventional and/or confocal.
• Applicants with experience in pre-clinical models of neurodegenerative diseases including MS (particularly autoimmune and chemical demyelinating) and spinal cord injury are especially encouraged to apply.
• Behavioural analysis.
• Evidence of adequate writing skills.
• The expectation is high-quality research and a minimum of two publications in peer-reviewed international journals.

A competitive salary will be provided based on the candidate’s experience plus all eligible University of Manitoba benefits.

All applicants are thanked in advance; but only those selected for further consideration will receive a response. Review of applications will begin on May 1, 2024. The expected start date for this position will be based on the applicant’s needs, but no later than September 2024.

University of Manitoba

As a post-doctoral fellow in Winnipeg, you will have the chance to collaborate with renowned scholars and scientists at the Manitoba MS Research Centre, the Spinal Cord Research Centre, the Prairie Neuro and the Manitoba Neuroscience Network, and University of Manitoba and beyond at the national and international levels. The University of Manitoba is committed to fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment for researchers, providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The University of Manitoba is a driving force of innovation, discovery, and advancement. Our momentum is propelled by our campus community – UM faculty, staff, and students whose determination and curiosity shape our world for the better. Our teaching, learning, and work environment is uniquely strengthened and enriched by Indigenous perspectives. With two main campuses in Winnipeg, satellite campuses throughout Manitoba, and worldwide research, UM’s impact is global.

Discover outstanding employee benefits, experience world-class facilities, and join a dynamic community that values reconciliation, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. We are one of Manitoba’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. At the University of Manitoba, what inspires you can change everything.

The City of Winnipeg (www.tourismwinnipeg.com), located where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet, is recognized for its vibrant, multicultural community and diverse culture. The city, with a growing population of more than 766,000, is home to internationally renowned festivals, galleries and museums, the historic Exchange District and The Forks, and ever-expanding research, education, and business sectors. From the Hudson Bay waters, across the farmland fields, to the pulse of the cities and towns, The Province of Manitoba’s (www.travelmanitoba.com) people and places – its 100,000 lakes, 92 provincial parks, winding river valleys, and storied prairie skies – inspire.

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion, and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities). All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

An inclusive, open, and diverse community is essential to excellence and fosters voices that have been ignored or discouraged. To address the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and in recognition of the underrepresentation of members of historically and currently excluded groups, we take proactive measures including implicit bias training for all hiring panels. We strive for diversity and cultural safety throughout the hiring process (hiring panels, short-list of candidates, interviews). We encourage you to self-identify any aspect of diversity in your cover letter.

If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact UM.Accommodation@umanitoba.ca or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

To apply, send a cover letter summarizing your qualifications and research interests, a CV in PDF format, grade transcript, an English reprint of your most significant publication or research paper, proof of proficiency in English for candidates whose native language is not English (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL scores), and contact information for three references to:

Dr. Soheila Karimi, PhD
Professor, Physiology & Pathophysiology
Director, Manitoba Multiple Sclerosis Research Centre
Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
University of Manitoba
Email: Soheila.Karimi@umanitoba.ca

Get in touch if you have any questions or comments: