Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Foundational Neuroscience Underpinning Social Stress Transmission

The Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, in partnership with the Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI) and the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), in the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, invite applications for a tenure-track appointment at the Assistant Professor level in the foundational neuroscience underpinning social stress transmission. This position is only open to applicants who hold a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Research Excellence, Diversity, and Independence (REDI) early career transition award.

Qualifications include a Ph.D., or equivalent degree, with at least three years of post-doctoral experience. The preferred candidate will demonstrate a strong track record in applying foundational neuroscience approaches to investigate social stress transmission, with a particular focus on how interactions between stress/fear and the social environment are integrated with internal state responses. The successful applicant will show proven expertise in combining model organism approaches with quantitative behavioural analysis, advanced genetic and optogenetic tools, circuit-level manipulation and functional imaging to uncover causal neural mechanisms underlying socially driven behaviour.

The successful applicant will demonstrate a proven record of research excellence as defined by external awards, publications in appropriate peer-reviewed scientific literature, presentations, relevant supervision experience and letters of reference. The ability to lead an independent research program and the potential to secure independent research funding is essential to this hire.

The successful applicant will show the ability to collaborate with other members of the HBI and ACHRI, as well as with, as appropriate, biologists and/or clinical researchers within the Cumming School of Medicine. Alignment and fit within the strategic themes of the HBI, ACHRI and the Cumming School of Medicine are essential. The Institutes and School of Medicine are home to several excellent core research facilities that the applicant would be expected to take advantage of. Please visit our websites (https://hbi.ucalgary.ca/; https://research4kids.ucalgary.ca/; https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/) for more information.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to develop a vigorous and independent externally funded research program within a dynamic, collaborative and multidisciplinary environment. The position provides 75% of time protected for research and will include expectations to contribute to teaching (undergraduate and/or graduate) and trainee supervision. A competitive salary and an attractive start-up package are available. The successful candidate will be expected to apply for extramural support from national/provincial agencies to sustain their research program.

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit an application online via University of Calgary Careers webpage using the ‘Apply Now’ link.

Please be aware that the application process allows for a maximum of four attachments. Your four application attachments should be organized to contain the following (you are encouraged to merge documents to reduce the number of attachments):

• Cover letter in which applicants are asked to state that they hold a CIHR REDI award
• Curriculum vitae
• Research interest statement (not to exceed 2 pages)
• Leadership statement including equity, diversity and inclusion considerations (not to exceed 2 pages)
• The names and contact information for three (3) referees. Reference letters will not be required unless the applicant is short-listed for a visit/interview.

Application deadline: May 15, 2026

For more information please contact:

Dr. Robert Newton
Head, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology
c/o Neil Chander (neil.chander@ucalgary.ca)