Postdoctoral Researcher

We are seeking a full-time postdoctoral associate to work with Dr. Marco Prado to develop optical clearing and light sheet microscopy techniques, pipelines, and data analyses for the Translational Initiative to De-risk NeuroTherapeutics (TRIDENT) platform at the Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, at The University of Western Ontario in London, ON.

Our mission is to make translation from basic research to clinical outcomes faster and more reliable. The present goal of Dr. Prado’s research is to use advanced animal models, cutting-edge imaging and analysis, and cognitive testing to investigate the clinical potential for new treatments for neurodegeneration. The postdoctoral associate will collaborate with trainees and staff in the development and utilization of light sheet microscopy in translational preclinical neuroscience research. They will also have professional development opportunities and access to a competitive benefits package. Contract is for 18 months with the possibility of renewal, and salary will be commensurate with experience.

Minimum Requirements:

Qualified applicants should have a PhD degree in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, or related discipline with demonstrated expertise in fluorescence microscopy techniques, using light sheet, confocal, or super resolution, in a related academic research environment. Candidates with published experimental findings involving microscopy work are preferred. Experience with implementation and troubleshooting whole-brain clearing and imaging is highly desirable.

Robarts is Western’s biomedical research institute focused on the translation of new discoveries and technology to benefit clinical populations. Robarts is affiliated with the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry where scientists are engaged in research activities along the continuum of basic discovery science to validation in animal models and clinical translation with thematic strength in neuroscience, cardiovascular disease, and imaging. We believe in striving for scientific excellence and creating a research culture that provides an interface between basic and clinical scientists to solve our greatest health challenges. A collaborative team at Western University, the University of Toronto, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and McGill University (Montreal Neurological Institute and Douglas Mental Health University Institute), have developed a novel platform that will accelerate preclinical evaluation of therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. This platform is known as the TRanslational Initiative to De-risk NeuroTherapeutics (TRIDENT) and has been funded by a six-year $24M New Frontiers in Research Fund Transformation award. To achieve this goal, TRIDENT integrates the expertise of diverse Canadian world-leading experts across cellular and animal models of neurodegeneration, clinical neurology, cognition, imaging, open science, and science policy, epistemology, knowledge use and translation, intellectual property, ethics, law, philosophy, and sex and gender-based analysis methodology.

Robarts is one of the premier research institutes in Canada with a vibrant research community and many opportunities for collaborations. The University of Western Ontario (www.uwo.ca) is a major educational and research center in Ontario with over 25,000 undergraduate and 5,000 graduate students. Cognitive neuroscience in health and disease is a major research focus at Western. London, also known as the Forest City, is an affordable and lively community close to the Great Lakes and two hours from Toronto. The city offers many options for outdoor and cultural activities.

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

Please send a Cover letter, Curriculum Vitae, and the names and contact information of at least two references to:

Dr. Czarina Evangelista

Research Project Manager

Email: czarina.evangelista@uwo.ca

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Flexible schedule
• On-site parking

Flexible language requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to commute/relocate:

• London, ON N6A 3K7: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• Doctoral Degree (preferred)

Experience:

• microscopy: 2 years (required)

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2024-12-02