Area : Gut-Brain Communication

Duration : Two years

Start Date : Upon agreement

The Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Gut-Brain Communication.

Job Description:

Seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with interest in gut-brain communication in health and disease. We have a long-standing interest in exploring gut-brain communication (if curious see our highlighted publications: Biological Psychiatry, Molecular Psychiatry, and Molecular Metabolism), and current projects in the lab include investigation of novel neurocircuits and
behaviors affected but gut peptides such as GLP-1, GIP and amylin, as well as the vagus nerve.
This position will require competence using molecular and in vivo experimental techniques. Work will include rodent behavioral testing, rodent neuroanatomy, confocal microscopy, in vivo
opto/chemogenetics and metabolic characterization. It will also include work with genetic vectors and pharmacological techniques in combination with stereotaxic surgery in rats.

Performing fundamental molecular techniques including RNAscope, immunohistochemistry, ELISAs and PCR will also be routine, support to learn these methods will be offered if needed.
The successful candidate must have experience in working with at least some of the above mentioned methods and willingness to learn the others.

Ability to manipulate the vagus nerve, including precise vagal, nodose ganglia injections, in vivo photometry, or voltammetry is desirable but not required. Opportunity to learn these methods
will be offered. The candidate will have the opportunity to learn miniscope- based imaging. We also expect the candidate to contribute to dissemination of findings through publications and
presentations. The successful applicant will be encouraged to apply for extramural fellowship funding opportunities. We appreciate candidates willing to think independently and creatively.
This position offers an opportunity to conduct scientific research within a highly motivated, international team and fully equipped laboratories in state- of-the-art facilities at the University of
Calgary. We will offer mentoring, opportunities for conference presentations, grant-writing support, and further support for career development, as well national and international
collaborations.

Qualifications:

• Must be able to work independently and as an interdisciplinary team member where they will have the opportunity to interact with faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students
• Strong oral and written communication skills, excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, and a detail-oriented work style
• Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in an appropriate field (Neuroscience, Physiology, or related field) by the position start date

Application Details:

Please send a single PDF file containing:

• A brief cover letter outlining interest in this position and detailing qualifications
• CV and publication list or link
• Names and contact information for three professional references

Email to: karolina.skibicka@ucalgary.ca with the subject line "Postdoc Position Application"

The terms and conditions of employment are covered under the UCalgary and PDAC Collective Agreement. To find out more about postdoctoral scholar program at the University of Calgary visit our Postdocs website.
To learn more about postdoctoral scholar opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Postdoc Careers website.