Description
Simpson & Alpaugh, Lab | University of Guelph | Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Brunt & Legare, Heart Centre| Dalhousie University | Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
IMPART investigator team Canada https://impart.team/
1-year position (renewable) | Start: Flexible (2026)
The opportunity:
We are recruiting a postdoctoral fellow to lead a translational program investigating how myocardial infarction (MI) drives coupled cardiopulmonary remodeling and neurological dysfunction. The project integrates (i) mechanistic work in a murine MI model with deep phenotyping of heart, lung, and brain outcomes and (ii) collaboration with clinical colleagues to align preclinical mechanisms with patient-relevant endpoints. This position is structured to support timely publication, trainee-led outputs, mentorship, and applications for external fellowships.
Why this position may be of interest to you?
- You will develop an integrated, cross-organ research story (heart–lung–brain), with clear ownership of a coherent program rather than a single assay pipeline.
- You will work in a team that combines strong animal physiology infrastructure with blood–brain barrier / imaging expertise and clinical translation capacity.
- The role is designed to generate publishable mechanistic datasets and support first-author manuscripts.
Responsibilities
- Perform and/or oversee murine MI surgeries (LAD ligation) and peri-operative care; contribute to GRIN lens imaging where appropriate.
- Lead multi-system phenotyping (examples include echocardiography/hemodynamics, telemetry, ECG, Langendorff; lung physiology and inflammation; behavioural/cognitive testing and in vivo BBB/cerebrovascular readouts) and molecular analyses (Western blotting, ELISA, IHC, RNAseq, MS).
- Drive analysis, interpretation and manuscript writing; mentor trainees; contribute to translational strategy and knowledge mobilization with clinical partners.
About the Simpson Lab
We study how the heart, skeletal muscle, and respiratory systems communicate during stress,
disease, and recovery. The lab integrates whole-animal physiology, isolated organ studies, and
molecular analyses.
About the Alpaugh Lab
We study blood-brain barrier physiology and signalling and the role it plays in regulating heart and
brain health. The lab integrates surgical procedures, behavioural studies, live imaging, cell culture
modeling, and molecular analyses.
About the New Brunswick Heart Centre (NBHC)
Dr. Brunt is an Associate Professor of Pharmacology at Dalhousie University and Translational
Scientist at NBHC and Dr. Legare is a Professor of Surgery (Cardiac) and Physician Program Lead for
Cardiac Care in New Brunswick. They specialize in translating fundamental discovery and pre-clinical
experimental medicine into innovation development, knowledge mobilization, and implementation
science. With access to a large clinical database and biobanks, they seek to improve clinical decision
making and support.
Compensation
Salary will exceed University of Guelph minimums and will be commensurate with experience; external
fellowship funding is not required. The successful candidate will be encouraged and supported to apply
for external fellowships and awards, where appropriate. Funding for this work comes from NSERC, Heart
& Stroke Foundation Canada, CIHR, and industry partners.
Employment Equity Statement
The University of Guelph is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace. We
encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including women, persons with disabilities, First
Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, members of racialized communities, and LGBTQ+ persons.
How to Apply:
Applicants from diverse backgrounds and career paths are encouraged to apply; we are committed to equity and inclusion in our research community. Please email the following to jeremys@uoguelph.ca with subject line “PDF/MI” by Feb 27, 2026 (reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled):
- CV
- Cover letter (max 2 pages)
- Contact information for 2 referees
- Availability / earliest start date
- Work authorization status (Canada / International); International applicants are welcome and we will support work permits where eligible
Requirements
PhD in cardiovascular physiology, neuroscience, biomedical sciences, or related field; strong publication
record; experience with in vivo physiology plus molecular/histological approaches; ability to work
independently and lead a project.
Strong asset: Rodent surgical expertise (cardiac or vascular surgery).
