17 Postdoctoral Fellowship at University of Calgary, Canada

The postdoctoral fellow will focus on studies examining the risk of subsequent primary cancers among cancer survivors under the supervision of Drs. Dylan O’Sullivan, Research Scientist with Alberta Health Services and Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary, and Darren Brenner, Associate Professor and Armstrong Investigator in Molecular Cancer Epidemiology at the University of Calgary. Dr. O’Sullivan is conducting several studies aimed at optimizing the prevention and early detection of subsequent primary cancers among cancer survivors using cohort and administrative data sources. Numerous opportunities exist for the successful candidate to contribute to multiple on-going and planned research studies, to develop their own area of research expertise, to publish and present scholarly work, and to obtain additional specialized training.

The postdoctoral scholar will be involved in the use of antigen-specific nanomedicines capable of re-programming different immune cell types in vivo to dissect immunoregulatory cell networks.  The candidate will join a multidisciplinary team of scientists working at the interphase among protein engineering, nanomedicine, in vivo cell re-programming, developmental immunology and chronic inflammatory disease. They will have the opportunity to use a variety of functional, phenotypic (e.g. multi-dimensional flow cytometry, mass cytometry), transcriptomic (e.g. scRNAseq) and epigenetic tools (e.g. ChIPseq, multiome) to dissect pharmacodynamic effects of in vivo cell re-programming. 

Previous scholars at the centre have graduated to staff attending medical oncologist roles at leading cancer centres across Canada and internationally. Under the mentorship of A/Prof. Vishal Navani, several have received ASCO merit awards and had oral presentations at major meetings, concurrent with publications in high impact journals.

Time will be split between clinical commitments, leading care for patients with thoracic malignancies and undertaking real world evidence projects utilising the wealth of databases housed at the centre. Dedicated time will be safe guarded to investigate real-world outcomes in lung cancer through the Glans-Look Lung Cancer Research Program. There will also be the opportunity to be involved as a sub-investigator on late phase clinical trials and be exposed to trial protocol development.

Under the supervision of Dr. Fiest, the postdoctoral scholar will perform research that ultimately improves the care and health of critically ill patients and their families, with a focus on implementation science. Within this role, the postdoctoral scholar will be encouraged and supported to build and strengthen their independent program of research. To this end, the successful applicant will be supported, and expected, to apply for external awards locally and nationally. The primary purpose of this role is to conduct implementation science research in critical care. The postdoctoral scholar will lead research, under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, which will include assisting with writing grant applications, completing ethics applications, conceptualizing and designing research studies, executing research studies and disseminating the findings (including writing manuscripts and presenting findings). The postdoctoral scholar will liaise with all relevant stakeholders, including patients, families, clinicians, decision makers, and other researchers throughout the research process. 

We are seeking motivated postdoctoral scholars with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, intellectual independence, and a willingness to explore unfamiliar aspects of computational quantum chemistry including quantum algorithms and quantum machine learning. The research will focus on the development of new computational methods to exploit the emerging advantage of quantum computers.Synergies are anticipated between two research axes i) improvements and applications of quantum algorithms for the treatment of electronic correlation for molecular applications and ii) improvements and applications of quantum machine learning methods for chemistry and materials discovery. Results from this work will ultimately contribute to improved understanding of chemical mechanisms, e.g. nanocatalysis, and technologically important materials.

Many areas of current chemical research require the synthesis of bespoke molecules to achieve a particular goal. Whether that goal involves catalysis, medicinal chemistry, or renewable energy research, synthesizing and testing new molecules is an expensive endeavor. In collaboration with several other laboratories on campus, the Van Humbeck group is aiming to use the modern tools of computational chemistry and machine learning to help prioritize targets for synthesis and testing. We are seeking a Postdoctoral scholar who can perform DFT calculations and integrate the results into machine learning workflows to help support several ongoing collaborations across fields of chemistry. 

The position requires independent analysis and research, within a team approach in a fast moving and changing environment, often involving multiple stakeholders. The PDS will contribute to refining the research questions and methods and will have the opportunity to lead a consensus-process to identify relevant indicators of child health and well-being, relevant to vulnerable children and families in Alberta and recommend approaches for developing policy in Alberta that fosters resilience and growth for vulnerable children. Research outcomes will inform policy development for child health and social services and evaluation and the PDS will work closely partners and with community stakeholders.

A motivated Postdoctoral Fellow is sought to join a unique multidisciplinary team of imaging and ultrasound engineers (Bruce Pike, Sam Pichardo, Kartik Murari) and neuroscientists (Zelma Kiss, Darren Clark, Patrick Whelan, Andrea Protzner). The project is NSERC-funded and involves focused ultrasound (FUS) neuromodulation imaging/electrophysiology and modeling. Focused ultrasound is emerging as an important neuromodulatory tool, allowing for non-invasive or minimally invasive alteration of brain network function. The mechanisms of FUS action are not well-understood. The candidate would use in vitro and in vivo animal models to interrogate how FUS alters neural function, with access to cutting edge equipment from InSightec, BrainSonics, as well as custom-built focused ultrasound systems and software. The post-doc will present at local and international conferences (e.g. International Symposium on Therapeutic Ultrasound will be in neighbouring Banff in 2025), have opportunities for teaching or industry relationships, and expand the project into new directions. Taking ownership of the work will allow them to apply for their own fellowship funding from local and national/international organizations, with the support of their network of mentors.

A motivated Postdoctoral Fellow is sought to join a multidisciplinary team including neuro- and imaging scientists and clinicians, Bruce Pike, Zelma Kiss, Darren Clark, Davide Martino. The target project is newly CIHR-funded and focuses on development of a novel neuromodulatory target for dystonia. The candidate would map anatomical and functional connectivity in patients, using state-of-the-art MR imaging techniques. The trainee would have access to our new GE Ultra-High Performance (aka UHP) scanner, which leverages very strong and fast switching gradient coils to allow highly accelerated imaging and dramatically improved diffusion imaging. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) mapping and chronic human electrophysiological recordings from implanted DBS electrodes will also be used to map connectivity within networks in dystonia.  The post-doc will present at local and international conferences, have opportunities for teaching or industry relationships, and expand the project into new directions. Taking ownership of the work will allow them to apply for their own fellowship funding from local and national/international organizations, with the support of their network of mentors.

The Thompson lab at the University of Calgary is seeking candidates for a Postdoctoral Scholar position. The successful candidate will work on a project that aims to understand the role of estrogen signaling in mediating the sex-dependent vascular effects of exposure to chemical pollution. Experimental approaches include transgenic mouse models, pressure myography for assessment of resistance artery function, surgery, telemetry and other in vivo and ex vivo approaches for the study of cardiovascular function. Candidates will be expected to apply for external and internal fellowships and have a strong desire to establish an independent career in science. The candidate will work in a highly collaborative environment and have access to career development and training opportunities through core facilities and research institutes at the Cumming School of Medicine (Libin Cardiovascular Institute and Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute). The research program of the Thompson lab also includes studies in developmental programming, adipose function in cardiometabolic disease and menopause, and is funded by CIHR, NSERC, Diabetes Canada and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Visit the lab website (Jenniferthompsonlab.com) to learn more about the research program.

This is a full-time Postdoctoral Scholar opportunity supervised by Dr. Brandy Callahan (Canada Research Chair in Adult Clinical Neuropsychology, Associate Professor of Psychology, and full member of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute). The successful candidate will contribute to a variety of projects exploring how aging is experienced by neurodiverse adults, with a focus on attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The candidate will be supported in building a research program centered primarily on understanding these individuals’ cognitive and brain health across the lifespan and into older age. Additionally, the postdoctoral scholar will have opportunities to collaborate with researchers from various faculties across campus and institutions across Canada and internationally.

A postdoctoral fellow position is available at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI) in the Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Pediatrics for a highly qualified and motivated individual to support our projects focused on role of the gut-brain-microbiota axis in autism spectrum disorder and models of epilepsy.  The successful candidate should have a strong background in (animal models, neuroscience, metabolomics, metabolism). Bioinformatics expertise is also an asset.

The Postdoctoral Scholar will be supervised by Dr. Miranda Fidler-Benaoudia and will undertake population health and health systems research related to survivors of pediatric (0-14 year-olds) and/or adolescent and young adult (AYA; 15-39 year-olds) cancer. The successful candidate will work on a variety of cancer epidemiologic research studies that utilize registry, administrative health (Discharge Abstract Database, National Ambulatory Care Reporting System, and Practitioner Claims), and questionnaire (e.g. patient-reported outcomes, risk factor assessment) data. Immediate research projects include the investigation of chronic health condition risks, follow-up care and guideline adherence, oncofertility, healthcare utilization, and cancer prevention at young ages. Future areas of research include understanding social support and end-of-life care needs. Additional projects can be developed based upon the successful candidate’s interests. The start date is negotiable for the right candidate.

The PDF will work in a collaborative lab environment with other PDFs, graduate students, research associates, research assistants, and volunteers. The PDF will be responsible for preparing and cleaning pre-existing datasets for analysis, conducting advanced statistical analyses, writing manuscripts, and participating in grant writing opportunities. We seek candidates who work collaboratively with cross-disciplinary colleagues and are committed to translating knowledge gained from research into the hands of youth and their families. We view diversity of identity as a strength and resource. We are committed to creating a safe, transparent, and rich lab environment that fosters critical thought through respectful discussion and inclusion.

The postdoctoral fellow will focus on research examining biologic mechanisms involved in breast cancer survival under the supervision of Drs. Lin Yang, Research Scientist with Alberta Health Services and Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Calgary, and Darren Brenner, Associate Professor and Armstrong Investigator in Molecular Cancer Epidemiology at the University of Calgary. Dr. Yang is investigating several research questions in the Alberta Moving Beyond Breast Cancer (AMBER) Cohort Study led by Drs Christine Friedenreich and Kerry Courneya. The AMBER cohort study has been on-going since 2012 as a CIHR-funded team grant. A particular area of focus is investigating the biologic mechanisms that may be occurring between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, health-related fitness and breast cancer outcomes. Numerous opportunities exist for the successful candidate to contribute to multiple on-going and planned research studies, to develop their own area of research expertise, to publish and present scholarly work, and to obtain additional specialized training.

A full-time Postdoctoral Scholar (PDS) opportunity is available at the University of Calgary, Canada, to begin on or about August 15th, 2024. This PDS will contribute to a variety of projects aimed at gaining deeper insights into suicidal thoughts and behaviours in autistic children and youth. The PDS will work on a variety of different projects aimed at 1) understanding bio-psycho-social factors that are associated with suicidality in autistic children and youth; 2) co-creating risk assessment measures for neurodivergent youth; 3) identifying effective brief suicide intervention approaches; and 4) determining research priorities related to suicide for autistic children, youth, and their caregivers.  Additionally, the PDS will have the opportunity to collaborate on additional projects with researchers from various faculties across campus and institutions across the country.

This position reports to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Bukola Salami. The individual will have a central role in the completion of the SSHRC Partnership Grant funded project: Transforming Lives of Black Youth. The project seeks to create a national network and a centre to build capacity and mobilize knowledge on Black children and youth in Canada. Specific objectives are as follows: 

1. To co-create knowledge, solutions, and interventions to address their overrepresentation in the criminal justice and child welfare systems, educational outcomes, and settlement issues—via participatory action research (PAR)
2. To create an interdisciplinary, intersectoral, and bilingual network, centre, and knowledge hub to mobilize evidence to improve their wellbeing—by engaging researchers, trainees, policy-makers, Black communities, and service providers across Canada
3. To train students and postdoctoral researchers, including Black youths—while facilitating their transition to academic and non-academic workplace settings