This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.
This position has an initial appointment of 2 years.
Location - This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.
The Precision Human Health Laboratory (PHHL) at the University of Alberta is seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Fellow to join our multidisciplinary research team. Under the supervision of Dr. Michael Stickland, our laboratory investigates mechanism(s) and treatments of exercise intolerance in various conditions, and also uses exercise as a physiological stress to better understand cardiopulmonary function.
This position is tailored for recent Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or Physiology PhD graduates with a strong background in human integrative physiology and cardiorespiratory pathophysiology.
Core Research Focus Areas
The postdoctoral fellow will spearhead and support Dr. Stickland’s recent CIHR-funded projects on understanding the cardiopulmonary complications of E-Cigarettes in teens and young adults. The successful candidate will leverage state-of-the-art infrastructure and outstanding clinical collaborators to complete this work.
Additional Research Projects
The postdoctoral fellow will have the opportunity to support a variety of ongoing projects in Dr. Stickland’s lab, including:
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Evaluating the pulmonary circulation as a therapeutic target to reduce dyspnea and improve exercise tolerance in COPD
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Understanding mechanisms of dyspnea and exercise intolerance in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and in patients following double-lung transplantation
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Evaluate peripheral determinants of exercise intolerance in clinical populations using near-infrared spectroscopy and diffuse correlation spectroscopy (NIRS-DCS)
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Fundamental pulmonary physiology work examining the regulation of pulmonary circulation and gas exchange at rest and during exercise.
This position offers an exceptional opportunity for a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to develop expertise in advanced human integrative physiology, pulmonary vascular function, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. The successful candidate will work within a collaborative and well-funded research environment, gaining experience with state-of-the-art physiological assessment techniques and clinical research methodologies. In addition to leading aspects of these CIHR-funded projects, the fellow will be encouraged to develop independent research questions, apply for external funding, contribute to the development of grant applications, publish in high-impact journals, and present findings at national and international conferences. This position is ideally suited for an individual seeking to establish a successful academic career in cardiopulmonary physiology and chronic disease.
The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry is one of the world’s top academic health science centres. With 21 departments, multiple research institutes and centres, and a focus on excellence in education, research, and clinical care, the faculty trains outstanding medical and dental professionals and drives global health innovation in collaboration with partners across sectors.
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Research Leadership: Design, coordinate, and execute clinical trials involving human participants and clinical patient populations.
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Advanced Physiological Testing: Perform advanced cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), non-invasive continuous hemodynamic monitoring, and assessment of pulmonary diffusing capacity.
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Data Analysis & Dissemination: Analyze complex physiological datasets, author high-impact peer-reviewed publications, and present findings at national and international conferences.
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Mentorship & Collaboration: Assist in supervising undergraduate and graduate students within the PHHL. Collaborate effectively with co-investigators across medicine, nephrology, oncology, and nursing, as well as frontline clinicians within Alberta Health Services (AHS) as needed.
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Grant Writing: Contribute to the development of competitive grant applications (e.g., CIHR, NSERC).
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Education: A recently completed (or nearing completion) PhD in Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, Human Physiology, or a closely related biomedical field.
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Technical Expertise: Strong technical competency in human physiological testing, particularly CPET, metabolic carts, spirometry, and/or vascular ultrasound.
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Clinical Aptitude: Experience working with clinical populations is highly desirable.
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Communication: A track record of peer-reviewed publications commensurate with career stage, alongside excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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Attributes: Strong organizational skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to work independently within a fast-paced laboratory setting.
Application Instructions
Click "Apply Now" to submit your curriculum vitae and cover letter.
This position has a comprehensive benefits package.
The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Postdoctoral Fellows Association of the University of Alberta.
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.
At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.
