Post-Doctoral Research Fellow

Post-Doctoral Research Fellow

Centre for Youth Bipolar Disorder (CYBD)

Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute,

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada's largest mental health teaching hospital and one of the world's leading research centres in its field. As Canada’s leading mental illness research facility, CAMH’s Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute (CFMHRI) is home to scientists, staff and research trainees conducting leading research to improve the understanding of the brain and the causes, the biomarkers and cures for mental illness as well as research to advance the prevention and treatment for mental illness and addictions across the lifespan. With a collaborative inter-disciplinary environment that spans clinical, biological, social and epidemiological research, CAMH supports a workplace that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork and complies with all applicable regulatory and legislative requirements.

The Centre for Youth Bipolar Disorder (CYBD) is a fully integrated clinical-research program dedicated to improving outcomes for youth with bipolar disorder through cutting-edge research, clinical care, education, and advocacy. CYBD’s work spans diverse methodologies including neuroimaging, vascular imaging, genetics, biomarkers, trials, and nuanced clinical phenotypic characterization. CYBD is also deeply committed to stigma reduction, knowledge mobilization, and advancing public understanding of youth bipolar disorder and bipolar-vascular connections.

The primary supervisor is Dr. Benjamin Goldstein, a research leader in the fields of youth bipolar disorder, cardiovascular risk in bipolar disorder, and vascular-brain associations in youth. His work aims to identify clinically meaningful biomarkers and novel prevention and treatment strategies, with a strong emphasis on cardiovascular treatment targets in bipolar disorder. The co-supervisor is Dr. Trevor Young, who is a research leader in the field of mitochondrial function and novel clinical trials in bipolar disorder, and Vice President and Provost of the University of Toronto. Both supervisors are avid research mentors, including clinician-scientist mentorship.

The ideal candidate for this full-time 2-year engagement will be an individual who possesses clearly defined research interests and scientific objectives in alignment with the aforementioned themes and a strong record of relevant scholarly activity and achievements (e.g. graduate training awards, publications, presentations, community engagement). The successful applicant will also demonstrate capacity for independence, originality, and contributions to team research.

ACTIVITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION

CAMH postdoctoral researchers will make semi-independent contributions to knowledge under the mentorship of a CAMH scientist. In addition to planning, developing, and carrying out their own original research, CAMH post-docs may contribute to team science and collaborate with other researchers.

Both independent and collaborative activities are intended to expand experience and professional relationships, refine technical, methodological, and scientific expertise, and develop essential research skills in preparation for independent scientific careers within and beyond academia.

Core skills that CAMH post-docs are expected to develop and refine during the process of carrying out their personal research projects include:

• Developing research proposals and experimental designs to investigate research questions
• Identifying research goals, objectives, and milestones
• Planning, operationalizing, and carrying out their own mentored research projects
• Determining necessary methodology required to collect data and test hypotheses
• Active involvement across all aspects of research including participant-facing activities, data management, and data analysis
• Developing and submitting competitive grant proposals
• Collaborating with other researchers and clinicians
• Preparing manuscripts for publication and publishing as first author
• Preparing and presenting results at conferences and public venues
• Mentoring, training, and/or teaching other trainees

This position offers an excellent opportunity to develop independent research skills while working at the intersection of psychiatry, neuroscience, and cardiovascular health within a collaborative and supportive environment.

A core emphasis of this position will be advancing research proposals related to cardiovascular and mitochondrial mechanisms of bipolar disorder.

ELIGIBILITY AND QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will have completed (or be close to completing) a PhD within the biomedical sciences, such as neuroscience and cardiovascular science. Individuals who are more than 5 years post-PhD are not eligible, however, consideration will be given to candidates who have experienced career interruptions related to a documented leave of absence or formal clinical training. Demonstrated success in obtaining external funding as a graduate student or in a previous post-doctoral role is strongly preferred.

To be successful, the candidate will have a demonstrated track record of academic excellence and research productivity, research experience and skills in methodologies and/or clinical populations that are aligned with the foci of CYBD, and superlative interpersonal skills within team-based research settings.

FUNDING

This opportunity includes a competitive research stipend reflective of the successful candidate’s research training, qualifications, experience, and achievements. However, the post-doc will be required to seek out and apply to external funding opportunities.

LOCATION

This position will be based at 80 Workman Way, Toronto ON M6J 1H4.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested applicants should e-mail Benjamin.Goldstein@camh.ca, and include a full academic CV and a brief 1-page statement of their research interests.

CAMH is a fully affiliated teaching hospital and research institute of the University of Toronto. As a CAMH Research Trainee, you will contribute to our mission by supporting the advancement of teaching, research, and the clinical care. CAMH is dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion and committed to fostering a workplace, teaching, and learning environment that is inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination and harassment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage applications from candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples; Black and other racialized communities; LGBTQ2S+ communities; women; and people with disabilities, including those with lived experience of mental health and substance use challenges.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

CAMH is situated on lands that have been occupied by First Nations for millennia; lands rich in civilizations with knowledge of medicine, architecture, technology, and extensive trade routes throughout the Americas. In 1860, the site of CAMH appeared in the Colonial Records Office of the British Crown as the council grounds of the Mississaugas of the New Credit, as they were known at the time. Today, Toronto is covered by the Toronto Purchase, Treaty No. 13 of 1805 with the Mississaugas of the Credit. Toronto is now home to a vast diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis who enrich this city. CAMH is committed to reconciliation. We will honour the land through programs and places that reflect and respect its heritage. We will embrace the healing traditions of the Ancestors, and weave them into our caring practices. We will create new relationships and partnerships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis and share the land and protect it for future generations.