Postdoctoral Fellow

The Ottawa Hospital Research Unit (OHRI) is looking for an experienced professional to fill the key role of a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Neuroscience.
We are seeking a dynamic individual to join our translational research team to repair the injured spinal cord and brain at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute located at the TOH CIVIC Campus. The work will involve supporting all aspects of the translation pipeline from nanoparticles, to stem cells, biomaterials, animal models, human tissue assessments, to clinical trials. We have developed a novel human spinal cord stem cell model and wish to further develop this to improve human spinal cord and brain injury repair. The Post-Doctoral Fellow (PDF) will primarily support Dr. Tsai’s basic science translational and regenerative research focused on developing translational research therapies to repair the injured human spinal cord and brain with a multidisciplinary approach to bring promising research therapies to the patient and will. The PDF will report to the Principle Investigator, Dr. Eve Tsai, and her Research Associate, Dr. Harleen Kaur. The position requires in-person presence and availability and cannot be completed remotely.

**Responsibilities**:
Assists the physician (Dr. Eve Tsai) in maintaining the functionality and operations of the Principal Investigator’s (PI) laboratory.
- Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be dynamic and a focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the department by actively communicating and reporting data in a comprehensive manner.
- Role models to team members effective verbal, non-verbal, and written communication, which includes active listening and teaching, assisting in the development of such skills.
- Develops research methods and perform research activities.
- Documents research results and writes reports of results for presentation and/or publication in professional journals and other publications.
- Produce timely and rigorously written scientific and other publications related to the research undertaken
- Conceive new research directions, build new projects, and participate in grant writing for the lab is required.
- Troubleshoot, evaluate, and adjust protocols as necessary to improve data quality or in response to experimental needs
- Maintain experimental cell lines and develop new reporter variants as necessary
- Run molecular biology protocols, including but not limited to flow cytometry, ELISA, qPCR, and Western Blot
- Ability to assess promising therapies in animal models
- Maintain complete and accurate documentation of data generated and work performed on behalf of the lab
- Adhere to Quality Control and Quality Assurance programs to support the effective operation of the lab, and to maintain appropriate laboratory standards
- Contribute to conceiving new ideas for future grants
- Help identify grant opportunities relevant to the lab
- Follows all safety rules while on the job. Reports accidents promptly and corrects minor safety hazards. Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.
- Assists with the implementation and education of department-based safety initiatives, standards of practice, and protocols. Develops skills of team members and continually assists with improving skills, performance, and outcomes.
- Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement providing recommendations and contributing to meeting department and laboratory targets for quality and safety.
- Utilizes resources effectively and efficiently, demonstrating responsible financial stewardship. Manages own time effectively and prioritizes work to achieve maximum results in a timely manner.
- Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.
- Participates in pertinent research activities and evidenced-based practice projects. Participates in departmental projects and activities. Acts as a change agent.
- Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. Remains current on professional issues. Completes and updates the Development Plan on an ongoing basis. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management.

**Basic Requirements (Education/Experience)**:

- Completion of a Ph.D. in the discipline of Lifesciences, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, and Neuroscience from a recognized institution within the last five (5) years
- Minimum three (3) years of experience in cell culture (immortalized cells and primary cell culture), or spinal cord injury translational models with a publication record, is required.
- Excellent animal handling and microsurgery skills are required
- Strong familiarity with molecular and cellular laboratory techniques, e.g. cell culture, qRT-PCR, virus transduction, ELISA, flow c