Postdoctoral Scholar: Heart–Lung–Brain Axis After Myocardial Infarction (mouse → human translation)
Department / Academic Unit: HHS
Description of the Area/Topic of Research:
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.
Description of Lab/Group/Area:
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 signaling 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.
General Outline of Duties:
- Perform and/or oversee murine MI surgeries (LAD ligation) and peri-operative care; contribute to GRIN lens work 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.
- Teaching Requirement: TBD
- Student/Employee Supervision: TBD
Required Qualifications:
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).
Start Date & Duration of Appointment: flexible; 1yr position (renewable) Anticipated Hours/Days of Work (at time of posting): full time
Salary Information: Salary Range (Minimum): 55,000 + benefits. 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.
Application Requirements
Documents:
- Cover Letter (max 2 pages)
- CV
- Summary of Research Experience
- Writing Sample
- Publications
- Contact information for 2 referees
Please email the required documens to jeremys@uoguelph.ca with subject line “PDF/MI” by Feb 27, 2026 (reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.). Please also include:
- Availability / earliest start date
- Work authorization status (Canada / international); international applicants are welcome and we will support work permits where eligible
Contact Info
Dr. Jeremy Simpson
Associate Professor
Email: jeremys@uoguelph.ca
Posting Date: Fri, 01/30/2026
Closing Date: Fri, 02/27/2026