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The University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR) at The Royal has an exciting research opportunity for a postdoctoral scientist to conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection of psychiatry, brain stimulation, and magnetic resonance imaging.
We are looking for a candidate with strong experimental skills in resting state fMRI. The selected candidate will develop and implement an fMRI protocol for targeting TMS in the treatment of major depressive disorder. As part of the project, they will have access to a Siemens mMR Biograph PET/MRI scanner, state-of-the-art TMS equipment, excellent computing resources, and an opportunity to explore a range of questions using multimodal data. As the selected applicant, you will also gain experience in conducting randomized controlled trials and have the opportunity to work with psychologists, psychiatrists, physicists, basic and clinical neuroscientists, with expertise in TMS, MRI, PET and EEG, among other methods.
About us
The IMHR is one of Canada’s foremost research institutes focused on mental health, with over 70 researchers (https://www.theroyal.ca/research/). The IMHR’s Brain Imaging Centre hosts the only research dedicated PET/MRI scanner in Canada. The TMS Neuromodulation Research Clinic currently has two fully operational neuronavigated TMS units and will expand to four units in the Fall of 2022. The research environment is highly collaborative among researchers and clinicians.
You will work under the mentorship of Dr. Lauri Tuominen, director of the molecular imaging lab and co-mentorship of Dr. Sara Tremblay, scientific lead of the Neuromodulation Research Clinic and director of the Neurostimulation Lab. Together, Drs. Tremblay and Tuominen’s collaborative work primarily aims to develop and apply novel personalized treatment approaches in treating mental health disorder via the integration of fMRI, DTI and PET imaging, as well as novel TMS technologies such as robotic-neuronavigation.
Qualifications
- Must hold a PhD degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, Engineering, or a related field.
- Have strong technical background and competence in Linux, programming (eg. Python), version control, and in the use of neuroimaging software (such as fMRIprep or HCP workbench)
- Have previous neuroimaging research published in peer-reviewed journals;
- Enjoy being part of a multidisciplinary team;
- Have good written and oral English skills, as well as interpersonal communication skills
The position
The position is fully funded and the salary is competitive. Support is available for a two-year period, with the possibility of an extension. The target start date is the Fall/Winter of 2022.
Thank you so much for your interest in working with us at The Royal. At The Royal, we strive to be an equitable and inclusive employer. Our commitment is grounded in an institution-wide commitment to achieving a working, teaching, and learning environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. In keeping with our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions. We actively encourage applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity, including, but not limited to First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, and all other Indigenous peoples; members of groups that commonly experience discrimination due to race, ancestry, colour, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin; persons with disabilities; persons who identify as women; and persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.
Applications
Applications should include
- cover letter,
- CV (including articles under review or in preparation), and
- a list of 2-3 referees.
Applications must be submitted via email to: lauri.tuominen@theroyal.ca
Applications will continue to be considered until the position is filled.