Post Doctoral Fellow

A Postdoctoral Fellowship opportunity is available in Dr. Liu's Lab at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI). Our lab investigates the molecular and epigenomic mechanisms that govern early brain development and how their dysregulation contributes to neurodevelopmental disorders such as Rett syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. We use human pluripotent stem cell-based models, including 2D neural differentiation systems, 3D organoids, and in vivo human-mouse chimeras to capture human-specific developmental and disease processes. These models are integrated with single-cell multi-omics, CUT&Tag epigenomic mapping, and super-resolution imaging to uncover how transcription factors, chromatin architecture, and nuclear organization coordinate neuronal gene expression programs and how disease mutations disrupt these regulatory networks. We are particularly interested in connecting these mechanistic insights to therapeutic discovery, including gene therapy and advanced drug delivery platforms that target transcriptional and epigenetic dysfunction in the nervous system. Further details are available on our lab website ).

In this position, successful applicants will join a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and highly interactive environment with strong institutional support and access to state-of-the-art stem cell, genomics, and imaging facilities. Fellows will lead innovative projects at the interface of molecular neuroscience, stem cell biology, and epigenomics, and have the opportunity to collaborate with leading investigators across the Ottawa research ecosystem.

Basic Requirements (Education/Experience):

Applicants with expertise in any of the following areas are encouraged to apply:

• Stem cell and organoid models of human neurodevelopment
• Single-cell genomics and multi-omics data integration
• Chromatin biology, epigenomics, or transcriptional regulation
• Advanced imaging (super-resolution microscopy or spatial transcriptomics)
• Gene delivery and molecular therapeutics

Preferred Qualifications:

• Applicants with a background in epigenetics or chromatin biology and experience in bioinformatics analysis are preferred.
• Candidates with established expertise in stem cell-based or animal models to investigate neurodevelopmental disorders will be strongly considered.

Contract Details:

This is a 2-year full-time contract with the possibility of renewal.

Salary: $49,621 Minimum Annual Stipend – $55,863 Maximum Annual Stipend

Comments to Applicant:

Please combine all application materials into a single PDF and email to Include:

• CV (with publications, research projects, awards, and relevant links)
• Research statement: applicants should outline their future research interests and proposed directions (1-2 pages)
• Three representative works
• Contact information of 3 referees

Contact Info:

Name: Yi Liu

Title: Scientist and Assistant Professor

Program: Regenerative Medicine

Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

Address: 501 Smyth Box 511 Ottawa ON K1H 8L6

Email:

Website:

The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute is committed to building and sustaining a welcoming and supportive culture that promotes equity, diversity and inclusion for trainees, researchers, and staff. We are devoted to identifying and removing barriers that limit equitable access to opportunities within our organization. The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute strongly supports initiatives that encourage the participation of all groups, in particular the four groups defined in the Employment Equity Act (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities).

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those invited for an interview will be contacted. The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute is an equal-opportunity employer. Upon request, accommodations due to a disability are available throughout the selection process.