Graduate Student Position in Respiratory Neurobiology

The Laboratory of Dr. Silvia Pagliardini at the University of Alberta is seeking two highly motivated PhD graduate students to work in the field of respiratory neurobiology.

A PhD position is available to investigate the contribution of respiratory central pattern generators to ventilation across sleep states in health and sleep disordered breathing models.  We use in vivo electrophysiology, pharmacology, optogenetics and chemogenetics to manipulate functions of brainstem neurons involved in neural control of respiration.  

A second PhD position is available to investigate the effects of exposure of cannabinoids on the neural development, sleep, brain dynamics and respiratory control across brain states in in vivo animal models. Students will have the opportunity to acquire expertise in sleep neurobiology, system neuroscience and respiratory physiology during the course of their study. 

The ideal candidates must have a strong background in physiology and neuroscience. Applicants with previous experience in rodent sleep analysis, whole body plethysmography, stereotaxic surgery, EEG and EMG recordings, will have priority in the selection. Excellent written and oral communication skills, ability to work independently and together with a research team, are also necessary attributes.

Applications should include a motivation letter, a curriculum vitae, a copy of undergraduate transcripts, two contact references and a short summary of past research experience. For international students, proof of English proficiency is required at the time of application.

Only selected applicants will be contacted for an interview. Please send documents to silviap@ualberta.ca.