Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 37.5

Salary Grade: R3

The base salary will be $76,490 - $109,190 per annum*. Starting salary will be aligned with the successful candidate's experience, skills, and demonstrated qualifications.

*Based on a 35 hour week

Please note, this is a 2-year temporary full-time contract opportunity that is wholly grant funded. This contract includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the Research Associate will apply their expertise and knowledge in electrophysiology, optogenetics, neuropharmacology, and behavioural neuroscience in rodent models to investigate the neural basis of altered perception and decision-making in sensory processing disorders. The Research Associate will independently design, conduct, and oversee complex preclinical research studies, contribute to experimental planning and data interpretation, and support the achievement of the Principal Investigator's research objectives through technical leadership, scholarly contributions, and trainee supervision. The Research Associate will also prepare written reports for presentations and/or manuscript submissions to various stakeholders as required. The Research Associate will play a key role in advancing scientific knowledge related to the cellular and circuit-level mechanisms that contribute to altered perception and decision-making in sensory processing disorders.

Qualifications

Education:

• PhD in Neuroscience, Anatomy, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Behavioural Neuroscience, or a closely related field
• Postdoctoral fellowship in Neuroscience, Anatomy, or Cell Biology preferred

Experience:

• 5 years of experience in a related academic research environment with an independently developed research portfolio
• Experience conducting doctoral research projects using preclinical rodent models, including behavioural neuroscience, neurophysiological recordings and/or pharmacological manipulations of brain activity
• Experience with experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation of complex research findings
• Experience preparing scientific manuscripts, and research-related documentation
• Preferred:
  • Experience performing and analyzing in vivo electrophysiological recording data in rodent brains, ranging from single-unit spiking activity to large-scale neural oscillations
  • Experience using optical tools for neuroscience, including optogenetics and/or optical fiber photometry
  • Experience designing rodent behavioural paradigms to assess sensory processing, perception and/or decision-making.
  • Experience with histological and immunohistochemical techniques
  • Experience supervising and mentoring research trainees and students
  • Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications and scholarly presentations

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of behavioural neuroscience, neurophysiology, and neuropharmacology with respect to rodent models
• In-depth knowledge of applicable research ethics, animal care, laboratory safety, and regulatory requirements
• Demonstrated expertise in rodent handling, behavioural testing, surgical procedures, neurophysiological recordings and experimental design
• Demonstrated expertise in assessing sensory processing, perception and/or decision-making in rodent models
• Demonstrated expertise in collecting and analyzing electrophysiological recordings of neural activity
• Demonstrated proficiency with optical neuroscience tools, such as optogenetics and/or optical fiber photometry
• Demonstrated analytical and statistical skills, including an ability to interpret complex scientific data and identify meaningful outcomes
• Demonstrated skills in statistical software, data analysis applications, and scientific computing tools
• Evidence of exceptional scientific writing skills with the ability to prepare high-quality manuscripts, grant applications, reports, and presentations
• Familiarity with histological and immunohistochemical procedures
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive research information appropriately
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and research activities
• Ability to provide guidance, mentorship, training, and constructive feedback to students and other trainees
• Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary research teams and establish productive research partnerships
• Ability to identify and resolve scientific and technical challenges using sound judgment and innovative approaches
• Ability to remain current with advances in the field and incorporate emerging methodologies into research activities

Please Note:

This position is an existing vacancy. This position is fully in-person, on-site. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.