Research Associate II

at  Western University

ABOUT US

Western University has received a $66M investment from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF). This investment will bring together researchers from across the University under a unifying initiative called BrainsCAN. The mission of BrainsCAN is to reduce the burden of brain disorders that affect cognition, by extending and mobilizing knowledge of the mappings between neural circuits and high level behaviour and cognition to deliver evidence-based interventions.
A major component of BrainsCAN is its Research and Innovation Core Infrastructure, to provide essential support to our researchers. The mission of the BrainsCAN Rodent Cognition Research and Innovation Core (RoCRIC) is to facilitate understanding of the circuits and mechanisms underlying cognition.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• PhD in Neuroscience or relevant field

Experience:

• 3 years working experience in a related academic research environment with an independently developed research portfolio
• Experience developing data pipelines for neurobehavioural datasets
• Experience using technologies such as Optogenetics, Calcium Imaging, and Electrophysiology
• Publication record including publications in high impact journals in the area of brain function
• Experience developing applications or scripts in one of the following languages: R, Python, MATLAB
• Experience developing software packages for scientific applications is preferred
• Experience using touchscreen tasks of cognition preferred
• Experience conducting behavioural studies with human populations is preferred
• Experience using deep-learning neural networks preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated strong knowledge of data science methodologies relevant to the processing of neurobehavioural data
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant statistical methodologies
• Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one’s own unit
• Communication skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users and with an ability to complete detailed analytics and reports
• Ability to work in a manner that models best practices in confidentiality standards
• Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
• Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the University’s events and activities
• Ability to provide guidance, support and feedback in a way that is positively received
• Ability to investigate defined issues, solicit input, and suggest remedies and alternative approaches that meet the needs of the situation
• Proven ability and natural inclination to develop relationships by interacting with people in a professional, respectful and diplomatic manner
• Ability to interpret and identify key results from research and to succinctly summarize research findings
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
• Ability to adhere to legislated safety requirements and Western safety policies
• Demonstrated working knowledge of relevant scientific/research principles
• Advanced skills in software and applications used to produce and analyze research outcomes
• Demonstrated ability to research/investigate issues and resolve problems

The Research Associate will apply their expertise and knowledge to research projects under the direction of the Research Scientist and MouseTRAP Science Advisory Committee, and carry out or oversee original and independent research to assist them in achieving their research outcomes. The role will work in collaboration to facilitate the development of an in-house cross-species human and rodent cognitive testing platform for the acceleration of drug discovery and therapeutics for neurological disorders. The Research Associate will contribute to the training of staff, graduate students, undergraduate students and/or post-doctoral fellows, and resolve issues that arise in the research environment. The role will have developed an independent research portfolio aligning with the Neuroinformatics Program and will support and operationalize new and innovative research opportunities, develop research and project plans, and design, build and run experiments.
The role will work with the Research Scientist to develop sophisticated computational pipelines for the analysis of complex neuro-behavioural data sources and optimize the translational cognitive testing platform and provide a sophisticated analysis framework. The Research Associate will evaluate and interpret experimental results, develop models or correlations, and prepare reports and other written material for presentations and/or submissions to various stakeholders as required.