Postdoc in neuroethology/behavioural neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Canada

[margulis]

A post-doctoral position is available immediately to assist in research on seasonal plasticity in the brains of ground squirrels.  Seasonal variation in brain size of wild mammals was first reported decades ago, but there is still little known about seasonal variation in individual brain regions or how this relates to behaviour.  Recent research in my lab has shown that hippocampal anatomy and neurogenesis varies markedly by season and sex in Richardson’s ground squirrels.  The post-doc will have the rare opportunity to engage in a combination of field and lab based research to better understand how and why these seasonal changes occur.  Potential topics include, but are not limited to: neurogenesis during hibernation, sex differences in brain development, seasonal variation in spatial behaviour and hippocampal anatomy and sex and species differences in nonapeptide receptor expression.  Multiple field sites have already been established and my lab is equipped with brightfield, darkfield and fluorescent microscopes, a state-of-the-art digital slide scanner and multiple stereology systems to support the proposed research as well as access to confocal and electron microscopy facilities within the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience.

Applicants with a record of peer-reviewed publications and a recent PhD in biology, neuroscience, psychology or zoology will be considered. The candidate must have previous experience with at least one of the following methods: Golgi staining, immunohistochemistry or autoradiography. Previous field experience is not necessary, but some experience with behavioural testing is highly desired.  The successful candidate should be independent and self-motivated with an enthusiasm for developing new scientific ideas, training students and manuscript writing. Depending upon the specific interests of the individual, opportunities are also available to conduct comparative studies across species and to interact and collaborate with researchers at University of Manitoba, Cornell University, UC San Diego and other institutions. Support for conference travel is also available.

To apply, send: 1) a c.v.; 2) your research interests and goals; 3) up to 3 recent publications; and 4) the contact details of at least two references to Dr. Andrew Iwaniuk (andrew....@uleth.ca).  Review of applications will begin immediately and will be received up until 30 September 2014.  The anticipated start date is flexible, but is no later than January 2015.