Postdoctoral and PhD opportunities -  Resilience and diversity of complex networks - University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada

Application Deadline: Sept 1st 2024 (reposted, deadline extended)

The Lefebvre (https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=CNtIaZoAAAAJ&hl=fr ) and Kharouba (https://kharoubalab.weebly.com/) labs are seeking candidates to fill ONE Postdoctoral and ONE PhD (Physics, Theoretical biology and/or Cellular and molecular medicine) fully funded, co-supervised positions to explore how heterogeneity influences the dynamics and resilience of complex systems. These interdisciplinary projects will combine mathematical (e.g., dynamical systems, spectral theory), computational (e.g., data-informed simulations) approaches used in neuroscience and other complex systems fields to study how cellular heterogeneity contributes to the stability, coding capacity and resilience of neural circuits and overall brain function(s). The overall objective of the projects is to better understand the role played by heterogeneity in the genesis of critical events (e.g., seizures) and identify potential intervention strategies and/or therapeutic targets. A lay summary of the project can be found here (https://theconversation.com/what-epilepsy-teaches-us-about-diversity-and-resilience-184724). Relevant publications: https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(22)00636-2, https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2218841120

The successful candidate will join an extensive network of existing experimental and clinical collaborations with both internal (uOttawa) and external groups (University of Toronto, Krembil Brain Institute, UHN). The research will be conducted in the uOttawa Bioscience Complex, a teaching and research hub hosting dozens of state-of-the-art experimental and computational interdisciplinary research facilities in downtown Ottawa, Canada. Successful candidates will be immersed in a highly interdisciplinary environment, with access to many additional training and networking activities, and be associated with Centre for Neural Dynamics, the Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, the uOttawa Brain and Mind Institute as well as the Krembil Brain Institute.

 Details

Start dates: as early as September 1st  2024.

Position Description:

Trainees will be expected to work in-person for most of the position. Trainees will be expected to participate in the lab's scholarly activities (i.e., workshops, meetings), and to support other lab member's work whenever applicable. We expect from applicants to demonstrate the ability to work respectfully with others in teams to carry out project goals and contribute to an inclusive lab environment. Additional details of the projects will be provided during the interview process. Please don't hesitate to reach out at Jeremie.Lefebvre [at] uottawa.ca for any questions.

 Requirements

The ideal candidates are expected to possess strong mathematical, computing, writing and presentation skills, and express a vivid interest in computational neuroscience, applied mathematics, computational biology and biophysics.

Applicants must meet the required qualifications for admission to graduate/postgraduate studies at the University of Ottawa, and comply to international regulations regarding traveling, studying and working in Canada whenever applicable. Successful candidates must be eligible to work in Ontario as of September 1st  2024 (or at a mutually agreed date)

Funding

Postdoctoral position: This position is fully funded for 2 years with a stipend of $48,000 CAD per year plus benefits.

PhD position: This position is fully funded for 4 years with a stipend of $30,000 CAD per year, including teaching assistantship duties. The successful candidate will be eligible to apply for Teaching Assistant (TA) positions and/or other scholarships, such as entrance scholarships.

Accommodations and Accessibility: Should you require a copy of this posting in an alternate format, please contact us as soon as possible and we would be happy to get one to you in a timely manner. We believe in the importance of supporting on the-job success for the incumbent and are pleased to discuss and/or provide specific tools, resources, or other requirements for day-to-day work requirements, as needed.

How to Apply :Interested candidates are invited to submit their application to Jeremie.Lefebvre [at] uottawa.ca, using the subject headline "Resilience position".

In your dossier, please include:

1. A cover letter stating your interest and explaining why you are a good candidate for this position, and specify clearly which position (Postdoc, PhD) you are applying for

2. Up to date CV including a list of publication, if applicable

3. Contact information for 2 references

Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

 Jeremie Lefebvre