Career Opportunities

Job Description:

Full-time Junior Technician position to perform animal testing within the Behavioral and Physiology Core in Roger Guindon Hall at the University of Ottawa.

The Core Facility is a state-of-the-art facility equipped to serve the research community at the University of Ottawa, its affiliated Research Institutes, and external users through contracts.  The Core provides a time-efficient and cost-effective service for the design, execution, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data resulting from use of the Core's facilities.

The equipment enables a full battery of assays relevant to learning and memory, social behavior, sensory gating, motor function, and mood disorders. In addition, the core offers equipment in order to perform in vivo optogenetics, as well as measure various physiological outcomes using small animal telemetry (EEG, EMG, pressure) and non-invasive determinations of body composition and metabolic parameters.

The primary responsibility of this position will be to perform testing in rats using standardized protocols.  This person will also aid other core staff as required in setup of equipment, and analysis of data obtained within the core.

Essential Qualifications:

Essential Qualifications:

• Minimum of Undergraduate Degree in a related field, Technical college degree in a related field, and/or minimum of 1 year experience in research or working as an animal technician.
• Practical experience with rats (prefer both mice and rats)
• Experience using computer systems and software
• Excellent written and oral communication skills (prefer Bilingual in French and English)

Contract details:

Support is in accordance with University of Ottawa standards.  This is a non-unionized contractual research staff position (30hr/week, with flexible hours including some weekend hours) at the level of a Junior Technician NR1. 

To apply:

Qualified candidates should send a short letter of introduction describing their previous expertise and reasons for applying for this job, CV, and the names of three references to: Behavior and Physiology Core Advisory Committee, in care of Christina Sardella csardell@uottawa.ca.

Description:

The Baetz lab is looking for a scientifically strong, self-motivated and enthusiastic Research Associate to work in the area of stress biology, cellular metabolism and cancer research.  You are a highly innovative scientist with a proven track-record in biochemistry and molecular biology, ideally with a background in yeast genetics and /or functional genomics. The successful candidate will be required to plan experiments, analyze and interpret data, and effectively communicate results.   The candidate should be able to demonstrate a record of a strong work ethic, successful supervision of trainees, while being in a cooperative and fast-paced work environment.

Basic Requirements:

Basic Requirements (Education/Experience):

• PhD in Molecular Biology or Biochemistry (or closely related field) and Postdoctoral or work experience in an intensive research environment. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in Saccharomyces cerevisiae research and/or cell cycle or metabolism research.
• Expertise in a variety of basic and specialized laboratory techniques and procedures, including advanced microscopy, qPCR, protein purification, CRISPR and cloning.  Preference will be given to candidates with yeast genetics or functional genomics expertise.
• Experience microbiological techniques
• Skills and/or experience supervising and training students
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to learn and integrate new techniques & methodologies
• Strong analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Outstanding interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Strong communications skills required, including demonstrated ability to prepare publications independently.
• Statistical experience is an asset, but not essential

Functions:

• In collaboration with Dr Baetz, you will design, develop, and execute laboratory experiments leading your own research project (50%)
• Supervise and train new graduate and undergraduate students (20%)
• General Laboratory management: ordering, maintaining financial records, supervises all aspects of the laboratory including implementation and adherence to all applicable safety regulations and maintaining laboratory equipment (20%)
• Preparation of figures using computer software and writing/editing documents (10%)

To apply:

If this job is right for you and you are ready for the next stage in your career -please send your cover letter, CV and names of three references to kbaetz@uottawa.ca 

General Information:

Postdoctoral positions are available in the laboratory of Dr. Xiaohui Zha at Ottawa Hospital Research Institute/University of Ottawa*, Canada (http://www.ohri.ca/profile/Zha).

Project Description:

The project is to study the mechanisms by which cholesterol regulates macrophage inflammation, a key event in atherosclerosis. Cholesterol, a major component of the plasma membrane in mammalian cells, predominantly regulates membrane physical properties. Most likely through its modulation of cellular membranes, cholesterol impacts numerous signal transduction pathways and cellular processes.  Particularly, cholesterol levels in macrophages determine the nature of the inflammation response, for example, pro-inflammatory response (M1), anti-inflammatory (M2) or anything in between. The mechanism is largely unknown.  In recent years, it is increasingly apparent that macrophages can respond to environmental cues to establish an epigenetically “poised” state.  This allows macrophages to rapidly launch a large-scale gene expression program upon stimulation (i.e. LPS). The project will use biochemistry and genomic techniques, such as RNA-seq and ChIP-seq, to understand how cholesterol establishes epigenetically “poised” states in the genome of the macrophages to regulate gene expression for inflammatory responses.

Basic Requirements:

Candidates should be a fresh PhD (less than two years since graduation) in physical science or biological science with good publication record.  Knowledge/experience in genomic system biology is a plus, but not necessary.  If interested, please send curriculum vitae and brief statement of research interest to xzha@ohri.ca .

Contact info::

Xiaohui Zha, Senior Scientist
Chronic Disease Program
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6
 

*The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute is the research arm of The Ottawa Hospital and an affiliated institute of the University of Ottawa. With more than 1,700 scientists, clinician investigators, trainees and staff, and total revenues of more than $100 million, it is one of the foremost Canadian hospital-based research institutes. Researcher are investigating virtually every major disease and condition, with a focus on answering important health questions and translating our findings into benefits for patients and society.

Job Description:

The OHRI has an opening for a full-time Junior Research Technician.    The successful candidate should be highly motivated and have a strong interest in biomedical research. Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining mammalian cell cultures and generating primary cells from animals or human tissues.
• Performing standard biochemistry and molecular biology assays and preparation protocols.
• Participating in independent research projects.

Basic Requirements:

Basic Requirements (Education/Experience):

• B.S. or Master’s degree in biological sciences with extensive experience in cell culture, Western plotting, RT-PCR et al.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new protocols and to complete work in effective and efficient manner.
• Strong record keeping.

Contract details:

This is a 1- year full-time contract with renewal potential, pending on performance and funding.
 

To apply:

Please send complete CV with description of research experience, 3 names of references and contact information.

Contact info:

Xiaohui Zha, Senior Scientist
Chronic Disease Program
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6
Email: xzha@ohri.ca

General Information:

Highly motivated graduate students are being sought to join the Auer Translational Research Lab at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute to investigate the efficacy of novel immunotherapeutic strategies targeting immune dysfunction in abdominal cancers.

Research Program Overview:

An improved understanding of the immune systems role in combating cancer has resulted in the development of a number of clinically effective therapeutics. However, ongoing large-scale whole genome sequencing efforts continue to reveal the incredible genetic diversity present in patient tumours suggesting that personalized vaccine strategies aimed at enhancing immune recognition of patient-specific neoantigens may offer the best way forward. Dr Rebecca Auer’s research group is currently developing an autologous infected cell vaccine (ICV) platform for the treatment of abdominal malignancies. Candidates are being sought to investigate the mechanisms underlying the potent immune stimulating properties of the ICV which combines oncolytic virus delivery with patient specific antigens.     

As a clinician-scientist currently leading several clinical trials, Dr Auer has a proven ability to translate findings from the bench to the bedside and is committed to improving outcomes for cancer patients and their families.

Qualifications:

• Completion of a BSc or MSc degree
• An understanding of cancer immunology represented by completion of course work, undergraduate research projects or published research findings
• Previous hands on experience with multi-colour flow cytometry and immune cell isolation is considered an asset
• Willingness to work with animal models and tissues
• An interest in pursuing a career in cancer immunotherapy

To apply:

Please submit a transcript of all undergraduate/graduate course work, a brief description of previous research experience, CV and contact information for three references to Michael Kennedy via email - mikennedy@ohri.ca.  

General Information:

Funding is available for 2 full-time graduate students at the M.Sc. or Ph.D. level interested in pursuing research in the fields of cancer biology and at the Cancer Research Centre at the Ottawa Hospital (General campus, next to RGN). Selected students will participate in some aspects of the projects described below.

Current Laboratory Projects:

1. Our laboratory specifically focuses on a novel kinase, SLK, implicated in the control of cellular architecture, cell adhesion and migration using in vitro and in vivo approaches. Using transgenics and gene knock out approaches we are investigating the role of SLKregulated pathways in the progression and spread of breast cancer. More importantly, how the deletion of SLK induces a more rapid tumor progression with the activation of transcriptional reprogramming and enhanced tumor stem cell activity. Current projects in the laboratory involve the cloning of SLK-interacting proteins as well as the study of the signal transduction pathways modulated by SLK during cellular transformation and reprogramming.
2. A second aspect of our work is aimed at investigating the role of epigenetic reprogramming on melanoma drug resistance and progression. Melanoma is heterogeneous disease that consists in various populations that can be transcriptionally reprogrammed during chemotherapy. We have found that the two main populations of melanoma cells (Sox10+ or Sox9+) display distinct expression profiles. We are using CRISPR/Cas and Cre-lox technology to knock out critical genes in mice and evaluate the effect of gene ablation on melanoma progression and drug resistance. We are also investigating the transcriptional mechanism leading to the reprogramming of melanoma cells. 

Basic Requirements:

• The candidate should have strong knowledge of and experience with cell culture
• Experience with vector/cloning, viral vector preparation, gene cloning, site directed mutagenesis, PCR and protein biochemistry is preferred.
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and related experience. An MSc. degree will be a plus.

Funding:

Projects in the laboratory are funded through CIHR and the Canadian Cancer Society.

To Apply:

Please send a letter of application, brief CV and grades to:

Dr. Luc A. Sabourin
lsabourin@ohri.ca

General Information:

Posted Date - Friday, August 16, 2019
Job Type - Contract
Start Date - September 2019
Competition Number - RTF1920
Work Hours - Full-Time
Salary - $38,000
# of Vacancies - 1
Unit/Department - Cardiac Translational Research Laboratory
Description - 12 month contract.

Function:

The Cardiac Translational Research Laboratory focuses on cells and cardiac electrophysiology studies.

Responsibilities:

• Perform sterile tissue culture techniques to grow and maintain cells,
• Preparing cells for flow cytometry, FISH and PCR analysis and in vivo experiments,
• Perform immunostaining/immunohistochemistry and helping optimize techniques.
• Monitor inventory, order materials and supplies in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Review and check off orders upon receipt.
• Analyze data and maintain clear and accurate data records.
• Use sterile techniques to avoid contaminating lab experiments.
• Independently identifying additional tasks (other than those assigned) which need to be performed.
• Use appropriate safety procedures for handling, storage, and disposal of biohazards,
• Assist in the training of new lab personnel. 

Basic Requirements:

• The candidate should have strong knowledge of and experience with cell culture
• Experience with vector/cloning, viral vector preparation, gene cloning, site directed mutagenesis, PCR and protein biochemistry is preferred.
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and related experience. An MSc. degree will be a plus.

Suitability:

• Excellent interpersonal relations and communications skills, sound judgment and ability to foster a cooperative work environment
• Strong ability to multitask
• High level of adaptability 
• Attention to detail
• Ability to learn and integrate new techniques & methodologies 

Preferred Qualifications:

The candidate should be able to demonstrate a record of a strong work ethic and enthusiasm to work independently while being part of a research team.

To Apply:

Please email cover letter and CV to jobpostings@ottawaheart.ca.

Positions available:

Postdoctoral Position: Examining differences in neural profiles in males & females with EEG+fMRI

Location:

Clinical EEG & Cognitive Research Laboratory, Institute of Mental Health Research, affiliated with the University of Ottawa (Ottawa, ON, Canada). 

https://eeglab-imhr.weebly.com/ 
https://uniweb.uottawa.ca/members/3376 

Our laboratory uses clinical electroencephalography (EEG) and neuroimaging techniques (e.g. functional magnetic resonance imaging), coupled with various clinical and cognitive assessment tools, to better understand mental illness. We also assess the effects of various interventions (e.g. exercise, stimulation therapies, drugs) on neural, clinical and cognitive features. Importantly, we attempt to characterize neural profiles that may be predictive of treatment response. Much of our laboratory’s work has focused on depression. However, we also examine brain features in individuals with schizophrenia, ADHD, dysfunctional anger as well as non-psychiatric populations.

Description of the Position:

The postdoctoral fellow will be tasked to conduct an NSERC-funded research study examining gender differences in neural profiles between males/females using simultaneous EEG+fMRI. Neural features will be examined in relation to biological measures (estrogen, testosterone and cortisol). 

The selected postdoctoral fellow will also have an opportunity to assist in the acquisition/data analyses on one of two projects in clinical samples (depressed, schizophrenia). Within this role, he/she will be expected to assist Dr. Jaworska in the mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students in the laboratory, in manuscript preparation and in grant writing. 

Eligibility Requirements:

• PhD in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical science or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience in human research and/or cognitive or computational neuroscience.

Required: Neuroimaging analyses (preferred: SPM, CONN) or EEG analyses. Some computational neuroscience experience preferred.

Optimal: Experience in simultaneous EEG+fMRI acquisition & analyses.

Timeline and application process:

Application deadline: open until the position is filled 
Fellowship start date: Late fall 2019

Contact

Application checklist:

1) A one (1) page research statement demonstrating fit with the program described above.

2) Current academic CV demonstrating research excellence and a capacity for leadership in the domain.

3) Contact information for two references from academic supervisors /current employers.

Value: 
The Postdoctoral Fellowship is a stipend valued at a starting salary of $40,000 per year, commensurate on experience and availability of funds. Duration: 1 year (extension will be contingent upon both funds availability and performance).  

Documents should be emailed to Dr. Natalia Jaworska (natalia.jaworska@theroyal.ca)

Positions available:

Research technician/Research Associate

Location:

Neurosciences Division

Description of the Position:

Our lab is interested in understanding the neuro-immune mechanisms that underlie susceptibility to stroke, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes and neurological disorders (Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and Autism).

We are seeking applicants who has experience in maintaining transgenic mouse colonies and behavior with techniques in molecular biology (cloning, transfections, qPCR), cell culture and biochemistry (protein interaction, immunoprecipitation, immunoblot and histology immunofluorescence staining).

Alternatively, experience in electrophysiology is desirable. Positions are available immediately.

Eligibility Requirements:

Bachelor degree or above.

Deadline:

Until position is filled.

Contact

Please send CV, statement of research interest and names of 2 references to:

Dr. Hsiao-Huei Chen
Senior Scientist
Neurosciences Division
Ottawa Health Research Institute
451 Smyth Rd., Rm 2422
Ottawa, Ontario
K1H 8M5
hchen@uottawa.ca
http://www.ohri.ca/profiles/chen.asp
https://www.uottawa.ca/brain/people/chen-hsiao-huei