Postdoctoral Fellowship in Spinal Mechanisms of Motor Control – Cell-Type & Circuit Function

Union: Non-Union
Number of vacancies: 1
New or Replacement Position: New 
Site: Krembil Research Institute
Department: Krembil Brain Institute
Reports to: Principal Investigator
Salary Range: $65882 - $82352 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Shifts: Monday to Friday
Status: Temporary Full-time  (1 year contract with possibility of extension)
Closing Date: September 4 2026

Position Summary

Our nervous system has evolved to control behavior and networks of cells distributed in many different brain regions are dedicated to motor planning learning and execution. But to drive the body and enact behavior nearly all of these signals must converge on the spinal cord. Here a diverse array of neural populations work together integrating streams of descending and sensory signals and then transforming this information into coordinated patterns of muscle contractions. What is the internal logic of this essential process What are the key neural computations and how are they carried out by the cell types and circuits of the cord The Levine lab seeks to answer these questions by characterizing the neural components of the spinal cord probing how specific elements contribute to motor control in mice and bringing the resulting discoveries to advance human health.

We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow to investigate how specific spinal cord cell types and sensory elements contribute to behavior in mice. This work will also test the links between cell type identify connectivity and function by bringing together several powerful approaches including circuit tracing cell-type specific manipulation closed-loop optogenetics and quantitative behavioral tracking. There is significant opportunity to co-design and lead projects.

Duties

• Development of all stages of research project(s) in collaboration with Dr. Levine members of the laboratory and outside collaborators
• Experimental design wet-lab procedures and data analysis
• Advise and mentor of students and serve as an active member of laboratory intellectual life
• Write and contribute to grant applications
• Present research through original research publications reviews and talks at scientific conferences

Qualifications :

• Doctoral degree (PhD) must be obtained within the previous 5 years from a recognized institution
• A strong publication record (including pre-prints)
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: viral and anatomical circuit tracing optogenetics mouse genetics mouse surgery quantitative kinematic analysis electromyography and statistical/computational data analysis

Additional Information :

Why join UHN
In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world UHN offers a wide range of benefits programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor allowing you to find value where it matters most to you now and throughout your career at UHN.

• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel restaurants parking phone plans auto insurance discounts on-site gyms etc.)

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHNs attendance management program to be eligible for consideration.

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates.  Please ensure you check your email regularly. At University Health Network (UHN) artificial intelligence technologies may be used to assist in the screening assessment and selection of candidates for this position.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading inaccurate or incorrect UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Contract