Research Fellow, Neuroinflammatory Disorders Program

SickKids; Toronto; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading children's hospital is seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in the Neuroinflammatory Disorders Program. This role focuses on training researchers in pediatric MS rehabilitation, emphasizing exercise studies and physical activity interventions. Candidates with a PhD or residency in neurology are encouraged to apply. The position is a full-time temporary contract for one year, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Completion of residency in neurology or a PhD in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated interest in areas relevant to the current research program.

Responsibilities

• Train the next generation of researchers in rehabilitation in pediatric onset MS.
• Provide a strong background in research methods in rehabilitation science.

Skills

Teamwork

Research Methods

English Proficiency

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Residency in Neurology/Child Neurology

Tools

Immunology

Kinesiology

Neuroscience

Job description

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Research Fellow, Neuroinflammatory Disorders Program

Position Description

The Neuroscience and Mental Health (NMH) program is recruiting for a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow to work within the Neuroinflammatory Disorders Program at the Hospital for Sick Children on a National MS Society sponsored Fellowship.

Children with MS experience high levels of disease activity, depression, fatigue, early motor disability and progressive cognitive decline. In addition to a worsening trajectory of brain growth and cognition, in children with MS, depression persists and may increase through time. Exercise is associated with clinically important outcomes, including depression, cognition, and brain structure in youth with MS. Furthermore, our cross-sectional work has demonstrated that higher levels of physical activity (PA) are associated with lower levels of depression and fatigue,4 and with lower disease activity, including lower T2 lesion brain volumes and relapse rates in youth with MS.7 Understanding the mechanisms of exercises relationship to outcomes in pediatric onset MS (POMS), ways to intervene to improve physical activity behavior, and associations between environmental factors, physical activity behavior, and outcomes in children with MS are therefore of paramount importance. Yet, few individuals have the specific training needed to tackle these important questions.

Here's What You'll Get To Do:

• This fellowship's goals are to train the next generation of researchers in rehabilitation in POMS, with a specific focus on exercise studies and physical activity interventions as they relate to POMS
• Provide a strong background in research methods in rehabilitation science and in pediatric onset MS with the ultimate goal for the postdoctoral fellow to solidify the tools needed to become an independent researcher in rehabilitation in pediatric MS
• The goal after completion of the fellowship would be for the fellow to obtain a university-based faculty position, ideally with an appointment within a division of neurology or pediatrics which has a dedicated pediatric MS and neuroinflammatory disorders program, or, for PhD PDF candidates, a corresponding faculty position within neuroscience or the rehabilitative sciences with an affiliation with a division of neurology or pediatrics

Here's What You'll Need:

• Completion of residency in neurology/child neurology OR a PhD in a relevant field. Eligibility for an educational license for MD trainees is not a requirement but will allow the post-doctoral fellow with an MD to have more experience and greater independence within the clinical setting
• Two letters of recommendation
• Transcripts from current training program
• Evidence for English language proficiency with a standardized examination (e.g. TOEFL) if the applicants native language is not English
• Completion of a successful face-to-face or virtual interview with the mentor and research team
• Demonstrated interest in areas relevant to the current research program at SickKids
• Demonstration of the ability to work well within a team environment
• Previous experience working within multi-centre studies would be viewed favorably but is not necessary
• For candidates with an MD completing a neurology or child neurology residency, previous demonstration of research experience will be viewed favorably; PhD candidates will be expected to have demonstrated competence in research through their PhD
• Demonstrated knowledge/background in immunology, kinesiology, occupational therapy, epidemiology or neuroscience are preferred

Employment Type: Full-time temporary 1 year contract

Our Commitment to Diversity

The children and families we care for are from a variety of communities, and so are our employees. We welcome and encourage everyone to join our organization and be part of our team.

When requested, SickKids will provide access and inclusion supports to eligible candidates to support their full engagement during the interview and assessment process. Information received related to access or inclusion will be addressed confidentially.

Thank you for your interest in joining SickKids. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. In accordance with our Hospital policy, employment at SickKids is conditional upon the Hospital's receipt of all necessary documentation.

How to Apply

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