The Forsythe Lab located within the Alberta Respiratory Center (ARC) at the University of Alberta is seeking a post-doctoral fellow with a strong background in immunology or neuroscience. The successful candidate will investigate how the nervous and immune systems interact to facilitate bidirectional communication between the lung and brain, how this communication is influenced by microbiota or exposure to specific microbes and the consequences for diseases of the airways. This will be an opportunity to contribute to the development of a new research program in an emerging field and to participate in innovative, multidisciplinary projects covering areas of immunology, physiology, neuroscience, behavioral sciences and microbiology.  

Dedicated applicants who can work independently within a very collaborative, multidisciplinary environment are invited to apply for this postdoctoral position. The ideal candidate must be within 0-4 years of completing their PhD degree with a strong publication record. Candidates with research interests in psychoneuroimmunology and host-microbe interactions are particularly encouraged to apply.  

Responsibilities

•    Participating in conceptual development of research projects
•    Determining appropriate methodology in carrying out identified research goals
•    Designing experiments, establishing protocols, and developing methodologies where appropriate
•    Conducting advanced analysis of data
•    Participating in the writing of research papers and preparation of presentations
•    Presenting research results in laboratory meetings, seminars and scientific conferences
•    Training and supervising students and postdoctoral fellows
•    Participating in communication with local and international partners from academia and industry

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

•    Significant experience with flow cytometry and/or immunohistochemistry is essential
•    Experience with preclinical models of disease and mouse handling/procedures
•    Experience in preparation and handling of human and mouse biological samples
•    Experience with qPCR and in situ hybridization
•    Experience with animal behavioural studies an asset
•    Proficient with graphing (ie, Prism); flow cytometry (ie, FlowJo), stats software
•    Excellent written and oral communication skills

Salary

The position is full-time at 40 hours per week. Salary range begins at $40,000 CAD per annum (plus benefits) depending on experience. The position will be provisionally for 1 year with the possibility of renewal up to 4 years. Successful applicants will also be encouraged and supported in applications for external funding support.

Application Instructions

Applications should include a cover letter/research statement, CV, and contact information for three potential references.

Informal inquiries may be directed to Dr. Paul Forsythe at the email listed below at any time.

COVID-19 Vaccination: Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 in compliance with the University’s COVID-19 Vaccination Directive. Fully Vaccinated means a status an individual achieves 14 days after having received the recommended number of doses of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by Health Canada or the World Health Organization, and requires the individual to maintain the recommended number and type of vaccine doses as updated and required by Health Canada thereafter.