Description
Area: Gene Regulation in Stem Cell Biology, Brain Development, and Aging
Duration: Initial appointment of 1 year, with renewal contingent on funding.
Start Date: Immediately available; start date negotiable.
Salary: $60,000 CAD per annum, plus University of Calgary Plan C health benefits.
The Department of Medical Genetics and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Gene Regulation in Stem Cell Biology, Brain Development, and Aging.
The Yang Laboratory studies gene regulatory mechanisms that control neural stem cell behavior, neuronal function, and brain aging. We use an integrated approach combining mouse genetics, iPSC-based disease modeling, and functional genomics to investigate both fundamental biology and the molecular basis of rare neurodevelopmental disorders.
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scholar to join an intellectually stimulating and well-resourced environment. The position offers scientific independence: the successful candidate may pursue funded projects already underway in the lab or, in discussion with the PI, develop their own research direction aligned with the lab¿s broader themes. Ready-to-execute projects are available for candidates who wish to establish productivity quickly, while the lab¿s funding landscape supports exploratory directions for those with strong independent ideas.
Job Description:
Responsibilities
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Design and execute independent research projects within the lab¿s thematic areas
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Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication; contribute to grant applications
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Present findings at group meetings, departmental seminars, and national/international conferences
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Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in experimental design and techniques
Collaborate with internal and external researchers; contribute to a collegial lab environment
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What We Offer
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A collaborative, well-funded research program with access to state-of-the-art core facilities (genomics, imaging, flow cytometry, animal models)
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Active support for career development: conference travel, fellowship applications (CIHR, NSERC, Alberta Innovates), and manuscript writing
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Mentorship tailored to the candidate¿s career goals, whether academic, industry, or beyond
A stimulating intellectual environment within a growing department at a research-intensive university.
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Qualifications:
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PhD in cell/molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, neuroscience, or a closely related field (degree conferred within the past 5 years preferred)
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Demonstrated research productivity: at least one first-author peer-reviewed publication
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Strong hands-on skills in molecular and cell biology (cell culture including iPSC/stem cells, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, qPCR/RT-PCR, Western blotting)
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Experience in RNA biology (e.g., splicing analysis, transcriptomic approaches)
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Proficiency in fluorescence/confocal microscopy and image analysis
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
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Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and drive projects to completion
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Experience with next-generation sequencing library preparation and/or bioinformatic analysis
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Background in mouse genetics, stereotaxic surgery, or in vivo neural circuit analysis
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Familiarity with single-cell transcriptomics or spatial transcriptomics platforms
Prior experience mentoring trainees
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Application Details:
Please submit a single PDF to [email protected] with the subject line ¿Postdoc Application ¿ [Your Name].¿
The PDF should include
We encourage early submissions. The University of Calgary is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion; candidates from all backgrounds are welcome to apply.
The terms and conditions of employment are covered under the UCalgary and PDAC Collective Agreement. To find out more about postdoctoral scholar program at the University of Calgary visit our Postdocs website.
To learn more about postdoctoral scholar opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Postdoc Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
About Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders' in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from the strongest economy in the nation and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.
With a growing urban Indigenous population of approximately 50,000 people, there are several Indigenous organizations and many events and ceremonies taking place in the city throughout the year.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).
