A post-doctoral position is available at the School of Nutrition Sciences (SNS), Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Ottawa to investigate the interplay between psychobiotics and gut microbiota. A major focus of the lab (http://hammamilab.org) is on the role of the gut microbiota as a neuroendocrine organ, an active participant in physiology, including regulation of the gut-brain axis, and its modulation using probiotics.

We are seeking for highly motivated and independent post-doctoral associate, able to formulate testable hypothesis, design and carry out bench work experiments, have strong communication skills and be willing to work collaboratively with other members of a research team.

The candidate

• should hold a Ph.D. degree in environmental microbiology/microbial ecology, bioinformatics or a related field.
• prior work experience on food or intestinal fermentation is essential
• background in food/intestinal microbiology and metagenomics will be an advantage
• experience in working with standard molecular methods (e.g. nucleic acid extraction from stool samples, PCR, qRT-PCR), and next-generation sequencing (library preparations and subsequent bioinformatics data analysis) is preferred

The University of Ottawa recognized, as the first and largest bilingual university in North America, provides its 40,000 students and 5,500 employees with a dynamic and stimulating environment where research and knowledge are fundamental to all aspects of university life. Its geographical location near many national agencies including Health Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Public Health Agency of Canada and Statistics Canada provides added opportunities for multidisciplinary research collaborations and knowledge application.

The postdoc will be employed on a full-time, two years position. The position will be available from September 2019 (or January 2020). The successful candidate will run for an annual fellowship of $50,000. Only candidates with recent Ph.D. (after September 2016) will be considered. Applications from well-motivated Canadian and international candidates are welcomed. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only qualified candidates will be contacted.

Please send a statement of research experience and career goals, a Curriculum Vitae, relevant publications and contact information for three independent referees to Dr. Riadh Hammami at riadh.hammami@uottawa.ca