PhD students- The Guo lab- Cilia in the Brain – University of Calgary

Canadian Association for Neuroscience; Calgary; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative lab at a leading research institute is seeking passionate PhD candidates to explore the mysteries of primary cilia in brain function. This role offers an exciting opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research, utilizing advanced techniques in molecular and cellular neuroscience. Candidates will work closely with experienced mentors and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, gaining invaluable skills in data analysis and experimental design. If you are motivated, curious, and eager to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in neuroscience, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• MSc in neuroscience or related field is highly desirable.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Define the role of primary cilia in glial cells using mouse models.
• Analyze data from molecular and genetic experiments.

Skills

Molecular Biology

scRNAseq

ATACseq

In Vivo 2-Photon Live Imaging

Mouse Behavior

R

Python

MATLAB

Excellent Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

MSc in Neuroscience

Tools

RNAseq

2-Photon Imaging

Job description

The Guo Lab at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary is seeking candidates for two PhD student positions. The long-term goal of the Guo lab is to define fundamental principles governing the functional wiring of the brain. Toward this goal, we are focused on primary cilia, signaling antennae of almost all cells in the brain. Long considered as evolutionary remnants of little significance, primary cilia in the past decade have sparked enormous interest, fueled by the discoveries that mutations in 150+ ciliary genes lead to 30+ human disorders collectively termed “ciliopathies”. The brain is particularly vulnerable to ciliary dysfunction as reflected by the prominent brain anomalies and neurological deficits associated with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders found in ciliopathy patients. Nevertheless, due to the lack of mechanistic insights, how primary cilia can exert such a profound impact on the brain remains a long-standing mystery.

How do primary cilia, only a few um long protrusions from the cell soma, exert such a profound impact on the brain? The Guo lab is incorporating recent technical advances including single cell/nucleus RNAseq and ATACseq, human iPSCs, Serial Block face EM, mouse genetics, biochemistry, cell signaling control, in vivo 2-photon live imaging, and translational pharmacology to peel back the layers of this mystery from gene→cell→circuit→behavior→therapeutics (Guo et al., Developmental Cell 2017; Guo et al., Developmental Cell 2019; Wang et al., Nature Neuroscience 2024). The Guo lab has established a wide range of national and international collaborations. PhD students in the Guo lab have ample opportunities to learn cutting-edge technologies in molecular/cellular/system neuroscience and be co-supervised by Dr. Jeff Biernaskie (scRNAseq/ATACseq, U of C) and Dr. Grant Gordon (in vivo 2-photon imaging, U of C), Dr. Tomas Nowakowski (viral genomic technology to study the human brain, UCSF).

Project summary and responsibilities

• Define the role of primary cilia in glial cells in development and disease, using both mouse models and human cells.
• Analyze data from molecular, genetic, imaging, and behavioral experiments.
• Collaborate with lab members and interdisciplinary teams at U of Calgary and internationally.

Qualifications:

• MSc in neuroscience or a related field is highly desirable but not required.
• Motivated, self-driven, and curious. Willing to learn many different techniques and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• (highly desired but not necessary) Experience with molecular biology, scRNAseq/ATACseq, in vivo 2-photon live imaging, and mouse behavior
• Experience with coding is an asset (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Individuals interested in this opportunity should submit the following components in a single PDF document to Dr. Jiami Guo ([e-mail]).

• Letter of interest (research interests, experience, and goals (<2 pages)
• Names and contact information of two or three referees (who will only be contacted if a candidate is shortlisted)

The position is located in Calgary, Alberta. Applications will be accepted until suitable candidates are identified.
Contact information Dr. Jiami Guo
[e-mail]

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