positions available in the allison lab

 
 
I am actively recruiting PhD students, and a PDF or Technician.  If you have looked through our projects  and find the ideas inspiring, then I would be pleased to hear from you by e-mail.  Perhaps we can meet at one of the upcoming conferences we expect to attend. Expectations include taking enjoyment from a creative approach to experimental design, finding fulfillment from hard-won victories, and a desire to take a sincere leadership role in seeing the projects reach a successful conclusion (defined as publication). Many of our projects are amenable to translation/commercialization - e.g. we are developing assays that will inspire treatments of retinal degenerative disease using stem cells, and we are deploying assays that will be adapted to high-throughput screens to identify effectors of protein function during neurodegenerative diseases.  However, successful candidates require a deep curiosity in the basic biology that underpins these fascinating molecules and processes.  Most projects involve integrating methods of genetics and physiology, so individuals with interests in both will especially flourish.  We work as a team, and all lab members are expected to collaborate within the group and with our excellent collaborators on campus and beyond. 


PhD students can enrol through one of three programs, depending on their interests and potential to acquire funding.  The following links contain a great deal of information about applying, careers at the UofA, and living in Edmonton:

Department of Biological Sciences

Centre for Neuroscience

Department of Medical Genetics

Substantial additional funds are available for students holding an NSERC postgraduate scholarship (see links above).  Enquiries regarding PhD positions should be to Ted  Allison.  Please include a CV, unofficial transcripts, and a statement of research interests. PDF and technician applicants should also include copies of their publications.

I am committed to providing graduate students opportunity for fulfilling careers.  I am also committed to integrity, ethics, and fair treatment of students as evidenced by my longterm participation to groups that expound student rights and improve the quality of graduate education.  


Highlights of the opportunities include:

  1. -Integration of world-class genetics (ZFNs & transgenesis) with world-class electrophysiology (ERGs and in vivo patching, latter via collaboration);

  2. -Excellent new facilities, including largest zebrafish colony in Western Canada, robotic and confocal microscopy, blastomere transplant rig, and unique biohazzard containment facilities;

  3. -Wide breadth of dedicated expert collaborators spanning biochemistry, structural biology, human medical genetics, neurophysiology, developmental biology, ophthalmology  and evolution of sensory systems in fish.

  4. -Access to Bamfeild Marine Station

 

What you should know about edmonton & the University of alberta


Known For:

Capital of Alberta, recent economic boom, excellent park system, many fun Festivals


University reputation:

UofA is typically ranked in the top three Universities in Canada.  It is on an exciting growth trajectory and has a vibrant energy.


neighborhood:

UofA is adjacent to infamous Whyte Avenue with many eclectic shops, restaurants, and the Farmers Market.


commuting:

UofA is contiguous with the enormous river valley park, where walking and cycling trails are excellent.  Decent public transit is available, especially the light rail transit.


Access to flights:

Edmonton is the Gateway to the North, and there is much beauty to explore.  Direct flights available to many other great spots, such as Vancouver Island, San Francisco or Toronto.


awesome nearby national parks:

Elk Island - 45 minutes away

Jasper - 3.5 hours

Banff - 4 hours

 

opportunities  

some available projects:

Identifying and modifying genes involved in cone photoreceptor regeneration, measuring visual function and assaying new synapses.

DIssecting interactions of PrP & APP, especially in synaptogenesis; translate to mammals, identify new effectors.

Characterizing TSE-infectible fish and screen for modifier genes and therapeutics.

Zinc Finger Nucleases to knockout genes-of-interest to create zebrafish models of disease (AD, Prion Disease, retinal degenerations and glaucoma).

Synchrotron. Live Imaging of metals with subcellular resolution. You fill in the rest...

Transgenesis, genetic chimeras and gene knockouts on various fishes to investigate evo-devo and sensory ecology in the retina.

Testing hypotheses of salmonid retinal ontogeny in a framework of regressive evolution.

Investigating genes that grossly pattern photoreceptors in fish retina, including exploitation of such genes in fish adapting to terrestrial niches.

Better yet would be to bring me your own ideas!